I know you could do it in some code cycles - but at least for the 08 cycle (314.27(D) - the box has to be rated and listed for fan use. You still can do light fixtures in the way you describe - I will often use long 1/4-20 hanger bolts through to framing and 4S and 3/0 ring. On a few occasions strut and 3/8" bolts.Support the fan from the structure not the box. You will still need to have a box, but you can support the fan direct to structure in addition to the box. Long lag screws. Dig?
I know you could do it in some code cycles - but at least for the 08 cycle (314.27(D) - the box has to be rated and listed for fan use. You still can do light fixtures in the way you describe - I will often use long 1/4-20 hanger bolts through to framing and 4S and 3/0 ring. On a few occasions strut and 3/8" bolts.
I've used this box,.. works great if original is mounted to side of joist
http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/SmartBox-3.htm
I bought a case of them as soon as they came to my supply house. Haven't had a good reason to use a single one yet..... The single gang smart boxes go like hot cakes, guess I got a bit excited.
........ guess I got a bit excited.
I know you could do it in some code cycles - but at least for the 08 cycle (314.27(D) - the box has to be rated and listed for fan use. You still can do light fixtures in the way you describe - I will often use long 1/4-20 hanger bolts through to framing and 4S and 3/0 ring. On a few occasions strut and 3/8" bolts.
Jeez, I wish this discussion had taken place two weeks ago! I would have grabbed a couple...
I've used this box,.. works great if original is mounted to side of joist
I must be having a bad day because my 2008 NECH has no new added sentence to 314.27(D) as suggested by the link that you posted.
The 2008 version is unchanged from the 2005.
Once again, it is important to stress that this is a look at what was proposed and acted on by the code-making panels through the proposals stages of the NEC-2008 development process. These changes could be affected by public comments to the initial committee actions on these proposed revisions.
There was a warning issued at the beginning of the IAEI article
and so this change was affected,. hence the confusion to which I alluded
In addition, fan boxes are not and never have been the only acceptable method
of hanging a paddle fan. They are only required when the box is the sole
support of the fan. One major paddle fan manufacturer is now producing an
enormous volume of paddle fans (sold through major home supply channels)
that come complete with installation directions that do not recognize fan box
support, and that instead call for direct support of the fan bracket using long
screws that extend through the standard mounting hole pattern of steel boxes
and into framing above the box.