ceiling fan support

[apjames]

Ill be installing a ceiling fan on an outdoor structure. the fan is going onto an aluminum beam. while the beam is hollow for wiring, the depth of it does not allow for any kind of recessed box be installed. surfacing mounting a pancake box is an option, but that would leave a gap between the top of the canopy and the beam. got me digging through the NEC and it has me curious if im allowed to secure the fan bracket directly to the beam.

422.18 Ceiling-suspended paddle fans
(A) Support
-Ceiling suspended (paddle) fans shall be supported independently of an outlet box or by one of the following........fan rated box or listed box assembly.

So in this situation, it would be supported independently.

422.19 Space for conductors
The combined volume of the canopy of ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans and outlet box shall provide sufficient space.......in accordance with 314.16

So it sounds like the NEC, and anyone who installs a ceiling fan with a receiver while using a pancake box, knows that there will be wiring in the canopy anyway. Thoughts?

 

[LarryFine]

Maybe a Wiremold ceiling box, or an outdoor fan box?

 

[apjames]

Maybe a Wiremold ceiling box, or an outdoor fan box?

View attachment 2565382 View attachment 2565383

ive thought about the outdoor fan box, theres enough room to fit the box portion in the beam (4" hole") and have that flange sit against the beam. but the only way to secure that is to tek screw that flange to the beam. certainly an option.

this beam has no internal access. theres no lid on it and its completely exposed. so drilling anything through the top or sides of it isnt an option or even possible.