where in the code does it say you have to pull 3 wire to fan boxes

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Here it is



314.27 said:
(C) Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets.
Outlet boxes or outlet box systems used as the sole support of
a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, shall be
marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose, and
shall not support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh
more than 32 kg (70 lb). For outlet boxes or outlet box systems
designed to support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that
weigh more than 16 kg (35 lb), the required marking shall
include the maximum weight to be supported.
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
single-family, two-family, or multi-family dwellings, the
outlet box or outlet box system shall be listed for sole
support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan.
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I'm seeing two different things there.
To me, the OP is asking about a fan circuit being required at an outlet box and the Section you quoted addressed the type box used when the f an circuit is present.
 
augie47 said:
I'm seeing two different things there.
To me, the OP is asking about a fan circuit being required at an outlet box and the Section you quoted addressed the type box used when the f an circuit is present.
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You are correct Gus... Nothing states that you must run a 3 wire but if you do..... Thanks for the correction on what the OP is asking...:thumbsup:
 
A three wire pull will allow separate control of fan and light if you ever go to a combined fixture.
Although most modern residential fans can also accept a remote control that lets you control fan and light, with speed control and maybe dimming with only a two wire (hot and neutral plus EGC) circuit.
 
Has anyone ever argued that you may pull a split circuit to an outlet box not for the use of a paddle fan but rather to continue one of the leads to another outlet? Seems logical to me that one may not intend to ever supply a fan, yet as is worded you sort of must still install a fan rated box there.

More of the NEC overstepping it's own rules about not being a design manual.
 
kwired said:
Has anyone ever argued that you may pull a split circuit to an outlet box not for the use of a paddle fan but rather to continue one of the leads to another outlet? Seems logical to me that one may not intend to ever supply a fan, yet as is worded you sort of must still install a fan rated box there.

More of the NEC overstepping it's own rules about not being a design manual.
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IMO, I don't see this requirement as a split circuit. "spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors are provided ...."
 
edward said:
IMO, I don't see this requirement as a split circuit. "spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors are provided ...."
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what I described is exactly what is described by the part you put in bold. What is described there is any situation where there is more then one switch controlled ungrounded conductor in the box, could be same 120 volt split via two switches or a multiwire branch circuit, or two individual feeds to the box via separate cables or raceways even.
 
Maybe the determining factor is whether or not the spare, separately switched ungrounded conductor is actually spliced to another ungrounded conductor that leaves the box. In that case you might be able to argue that it is not "spare".
 
jaylectricity said:
Maybe the determining factor is whether or not the spare, separately switched ungrounded conductor is actually spliced to another ungrounded conductor that leaves the box. In that case you might be able to argue that it is not "spare".
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I agree, and it shouldn't be an argument. the way its worded is clear that the additional ungrounded conductor must be both spare AND separately switched to enact the fan rated box requirement. If it is either constant power or being utilized (feed through) a fan rated box should not be required.
 
mjf said:
I agree, and it shouldn't be an argument. the way its worded is clear that the additional ungrounded conductor must be both spare AND separately switched to enact the fan rated box requirement. If it is either constant power or being utilized (feed through) a fan rated box should not be required.
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I'm also going to lean towards this interpretation. If a hot is being used for something else like feed thru/constant pwr , it is not considered a spare, so no fan rated box.
 
Sorry guys, I was missing that "spare" in the wording for some reason.

Might still be the NEC making itself a design manual, but maybe on a lesser level.
 
kwired said:
Sorry guys, I was missing that "spare" in the wording for some reason.

Might still be the NEC making itself a design manual, but maybe on a lesser level.
Click to expand...
Our local code requires that any ceiling box that is at least 3' from the closest wall be a fan rated box.
 
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