Ceiling fans and patio covers

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Poolside

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Here's the scoop... ceiling fans installed on the underside of a solid aluminum patio cover. Power was run from the top side down, but the important thing is the mounting box. I used a flat pancake style, fan-rated box. Homeowner, and builder claim that it is too big (deep) since it reveals the box and the fan hangs 1/2" from the surface of the patio cover. I never liked the idea of mounting the fan bracket directly to the patio cover, so what is the suggested method if the pancake box is too deep?:confused:

- Greg
 
Poolside said:
Here's the scoop... ceiling fans installed on the underside of a solid aluminum patio cover. Power was run from the top side down, but the important thing is the mounting box. I used a flat pancake style, fan-rated box. Homeowner, and builder claim that it is too big (deep) since it reveals the box and the fan hangs 1/2" from the surface of the patio cover. I never liked the idea of mounting the fan bracket directly to the patio cover, so what is the suggested method if the pancake box is too deep?:confused:

- Greg
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A pancake box is about as minimal as it gets. You have to have a box.
 
I hate pancakes--- Here is one I did on a Patio. I painted the pipe and the box. When it was done it looked just fine.

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I'm thinking of a round Wiremold ceiling box, larger than the canopy.

If the canopy is directly against the 'ceiling', how does the wiring get in?
 
76nemo said:
The canopy will not hide the pancake?
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Nope. The canopy never extends past the box. It is designed to conceal the hanger bracket, which is flush with the surface when the box is recessed. So in this case, the canopy leaves the width of the box exposed. I've done lots of them this way, and never had any complaints until now.

- Greg -
 
LarryFine said:
I'm thinking of a round Wiremold ceiling box, larger than the canopy.

If the canopy is directly against the 'ceiling', how does the wiring get in?
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Are the Wiremold boxes rated for fans? As far as the wiring, it is piped on top of the cover and then nipples through the cover.

- Greg -
 
According to Wiremold- the V5738AF box IS rated for fan support.
Makes me wonder what all the rest do? I mean there are thousands of fans on patios in this neck of Southern California.

I wish Wiremold made an outdoor channel, too. Someday...



- Greg -
 
As was posted earlier, you need to have a fan-rated box. However, to fill the gap between the fan escutcheon and the cover, the builder can supply you with a decorative "donut" disc molding. Any good carpenter can make one with a router and a good coating of paint. You might be able to buy one pre-made. I would attach the molding using PL-400 and then mount the fan. The result is that you have a nice trim covering the fan box gap.

Good luck!

-Larry
 
If the fan is designed to be used with a box, it must be used with a box. Most fans that I have installed are meant to be used with a box. However, I do acknowledge that there are fans that are designed to be used without a box, so I guess my point would be moot....;) :grin:
 
LJSMITH1 said:
If the fan is designed to be used with a box, it must be used with a box. Most fans that I have installed are meant to be used with a box. However, I do acknowledge that there are fans that are designed to be used without a box, so I guess my point would be moot....;) :grin:
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All fans require a box, if not to attach to, at least to enclose a receptacle to plug into. I think you're trying to say some don't screw, or bolt to the box, but instead are anchored into a truss or something independent of the box(ie. hunter original), right?
 
There seems to be some confusion here.

All permanent fans I have seen require an electrical box.

Not one requires a 'fan rated box'.

The current NEC does not require a 'fan rated' box......providing you secure the fan to the structure independently of the box.

If you choose to support the fan directly to the box then, then you need a fan rated box.
 
iwire said:
There seems to be some confusion here.

All permanent fans I have seen require an electrical box.

Not one requires a 'fan rated box'.

The current NEC does not require a 'fan rated' box......providing you secure the fan to the structure independently of the box.

If you choose to support the fan directly to the box then, then you need a fan rated box.
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Now I agree with Bob.:smile:
 
I agree that you don't have to use a fan rated box if you support independent of the box. I do think you should install one anyways. It will lessen the chance of the home owner or handyman installing the next one wrong. As far as poolside's problem, I like the idea of using a medallion.
 
CHWflorida said:
I agree that you don't have to use a fan rated box if you support independent of the box. I do think you should install one anyways.
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Sure, as long as someone else is paying for it. Hopefully as a nice upgrade. But if no one is paying for it, then they get a regular box.


CHWflorida said:
It will lessen the chance of the home owner or handyman installing the next one wrong.
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Since when is our job to worry about what homeowners and handymen will do?
 
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