Let's Talk About Ceiling Fans....Tis The Season

Status
Not open for further replies.
mdshunk said:
I don't know if it's enforcable or not, but I simply don't install them if the blades will be below 7'. I don't know what my liability is if I do, but I don't want to find out. My own master bedroom fan is mounted above 7 feet, but I've still whacked my knuckles a few times when I'm getting dressed. I stick my arm though my shirt sleeve when I'm standing in the right place and Th-Whack!, caught my hand in the paddle fan blades.
Click to expand...


It is enforceable. Two reasons
1) It's the manufacturers stated installation instructions (The Local AHJ has a thing for this)
2) It's in the mechanical code that air handling equipment has to be above 7' (That's what I have been told by an inspector friend. Never read the mechanical code)

Rick
 
r_merc said:
It is enforceable. Two reasons
1) It's the manufacturers stated installation instructions (The Local AHJ has a thing for this)
2) It's in the mechanical code that air handling equipment has to be above 7' (That's what I have been told by an inspector friend. Never read the mechanical code)

Rick
Click to expand...
Both of which are your guesses or hearsay. It's not all that clear if the instructions to anything are actually part of its listing.
 
mdshunk said:
Both of which are your guesses or hearsay. It's not all that clear if the instructions to anything are actually part of its listing.
Click to expand...


True. But tell that to my AHJ hang a fan with the blades less than 7' (Lets say the ROG) and he will make you remove it. Been there done that. Put the fan on the floor put up a keyless and get the CO.

Rick
 
r_merc said:
True. But tell that to my AHJ hang a fan with the blades less than 7' (Lets say the ROG) and he will make you remove it. Been there done that.
Click to expand...
Rick, I completely believe you, but have you ever asked on what (legal) grounds he can compel you to do this? Simply put, I don't think he can. I've read the the listing requirements as well as the marking requirements, and I don't think the 7 foot rule is in the listing or labeling. I won't put one below 7 feet myself, but I'd be damned if I'd ever let anyone tell me that I may not.
 
Last edited:
Sometimes you have to know when to pick your battles. I have a good working relationship with this particular county inspections department. This particular inspector has an attitude problem. My way or the highway... you know the type. Even with this in mine I have met with him and brought the code book and made my case. His usuall answer is I'll check on this and then pass me. Many builders refuse to work in this county. I don't have problems here except for the occasional missing nail protective plate. I have one builder of mine running for a county commisioners seat because of this man. I have no first hand knowledge of the mechanical code but I do trust the inspector (my friend) that told me its in the mech code.
 
r_merc said:
I have no first hand knowledge of the mechanical code but I do trust the inspector (my friend) that told me its in the mech code.
Click to expand...
I hate to break the news to you, but your friend is also wrong, otherwise no AHU or furnace could be set on the deck.
 
I recently installed a heavy light fixture using an expanding brace... As I started to tighten it between the ceiling joists, I heard them start to creek and it wasn't even very tight yet. I was concerned that I would start to bow the joists and get nail pops or something in the drywall. The joists were 2x4s. The fixture is still hanging so apparently I got it tight enough. Anyone ever experience that?
 
kornbln said:
I recently installed a heavy light fixture using an expanding brace... As I started to tighten it between the ceiling joists, I heard them start to creek and it wasn't even very tight yet. I was concerned that I would start to bow the joists and get nail pops or something in the drywall. The joists were 2x4s. The fixture is still hanging so apparently I got it tight enough. Anyone ever experience that?
Click to expand...

Do you mean these Things?
 
iaov said:
But the more expensive ones come with all the parts and pieces and they usually fit together with a minimum amount of violence and bad language. I have touble with directions that are translated from Mandarin too.:D
Click to expand...


I agree. I've tried to install cheap fans where they never tapped out the holes for screws. Missing parts, etc....
 
frizbeedog said:
Whatever the brand, I suck at installing those. :mad:
Click to expand...

they have their advantages... but if you have access, there's something that just feels a heck of a lot more secure about using a fan rated box drivin into the side of the joist using the four 1" metal screws they provide.
 
frizbeedog said:
Whatever the brand, I suck at installing those. :mad:
Click to expand...

I don't like them either, but they do work in a pinch. I don't understand how they can support so much weight, but hey, they're listed.
 
tmbrk said:
I don't like them either, but they do work in a pinch. I don't understand how they can support so much weight, but hey, they're listed.
Click to expand...

I wonder how tight you have to get them to ensure that it can support its maximum listed weight?
 
on those crank outs has anyone ever cranked into a wire running on the joist?? I have a little inspection mirror ,..saved me from doing just that once.
 
M. D. said:
on those crank outs has anyone ever cranked into a wire running on the joist?? I have a little inspection mirror ,..saved me from doing just that once.
Click to expand...
No. A 4-1/8" hole is plenty enough for me to get my hand up in there and check for myself. The worst thing is when you saw your hole up in (normally dead centered in the room) and run in to the X-bracing between the joists, which area also normally in the center. It's tough to cut and pry loose that bracing through a 4-1/8" hole without messing the hole up, but it certainly can be done.
 
mdshunk said:
???? I really have no idea what you're talking about. Even the 29 dollar Harbor Breeze specials are a snap to put up. I can honesty say that putting together a paddle fan has never involved violence or bad language on my part. I also put up a heck of a lot of fans, and I've never had a bit of trouble with tolerances or the fit of the parts, no matter how cheap or expensive. Worst case, the shades for the light kit might be broken. I really do think you're talking through your hat here.
Click to expand...
The ones I don't like are the Hunters. Rubber grommets to push in. blade mounts that come bent from the factory, parts missing, mounts with holes so tight to the cieling the cover screws are almost impossible to get in. Perhaps you are luckier then I Marc, or maybe more patient and less inclined towards bad language and force.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top