Three wire or fan box required?

[electrofelon]

Guys, I've lost track...is there a new NEC requirement for a three wire and/or fan box in residential ceilings? I remember talk about this in the past, but can't remember if it was just a proposal, or a local requirement, or just a dream......

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The following is in the 2020 code in 314.27(C).

... Outlet boxes mounted in the ceilings of habitable rooms of dwelling occupancies in a location acceptable for the installation of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall comply with one of the following:
(1) Listed for the sole support of ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans
(2) An outlet box complying with the applicable requirements of 314.27 and providing access to structural framing capable of supporting of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan bracket or equivalent

The previous language was:

Where spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors are provided to a ceiling-mounted outlet box, in a location acceptable for a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan in one-family, two-family, or multifamily dwellings, the outlet box or outlet box system shall be listed for sole support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan.

This is a big change for the 2020, to require fan boxes at most dwelling unit ceiling locations. The change reflects the fact that often homeowners will install a fan, and with most fans having remote controls, fans are installed at locations that do not have a spare conductor.

 

[NTesla76]

I wasn't aware the language regarding the spare conductor was removed for 2020. Interesting.

 

[electrofelon]

The following is in the 2020 code in 314.27(C).

The previous language was:


This is a big change for the 2020, to require fan boxes at most dwelling unit ceiling locations. The change reflects the fact that often homeowners will install a fan, and with most fans having remote controls, fans are installed at locations that do not have a spare conductor.

Thanks Don for posting that. Looks like it was not a dream!

 

[electrofelon]

Anyone aware of a minimum height requirement that makes a ceiling "acceptable" for installation of a fan?

 

[Hv&Lv]

Manufacturers instructions.

most say 7’ or 7’6” minimum depending on make of fan. They want about 8” of clearance from the fan to the ceiling, so I would say a 7’6” ceiling wouldn’t be acceptable

 

[electrofelon]

Manufacturers instructions.

most say 7’ or 7’6” minimum depending on make of fan. They want about 8” of clearance from the fan to the ceiling, so I would say a 7’6” ceiling wouldn’t be acceptable

Yeah I couldn't think of anything besides manufacturer's instructions. I don't think there is anything in the building codes. Personally I don't like to install them where the blades are within reach for a person of average height

 

[Hv&Lv]

Yeah I couldn't think of anything besides manufacturer's instructions. I don't think there is anything in the building codes. Personally I don't like to install them where the blades are within reach for a person of average height

Only thing in building codes is min ceiling height. Nothing about fans.

 

[AC\DC]

Wow have not read that yet. Glad were not on 2020 yet. Looks like option 2 allows you to still use a regular nail up if you can access the faming.

 

[electrofelon]

. Looks like option 2 allows you to still use a regular nail up if you can access the faming.

I'm not really sure what (2) means. Does that mean if it's over a joist? What about if the joist is on the side of the hole? Couldn't I get "access" to framing members always by using one of those remodel spreader type fan braces?

 

[LarryFine]

I see installing and wiring fan boxes as a deluxe feature to charge for, not a lost expense.

 

[AC\DC]

I'm not really sure what (2) means. Does that mean if it's over a joist? What about if the joist is on the side of the hole? Couldn't I get "access" to framing members always by using one of those remodel spreader type fan braces?

I was thinking the same similar to that. It seems like its up for interpretation as for as "access". Though I still read 2 as you can still use a regular outlet box if it meets 314.27