USA Ceiling Fan Box is Strange

dogbob · Apr 9, 2022

New construction in USA. I think that the builder put ceiling fan rated boxes in the ceiling. But when I remove the cover, I see a strange box. Picture attached. It's hard to make out all of the details, because the painter sprayed it.

Have you seen this brand/style box before?

There are two big screw holes near the wire, but they are only 1.5" apart or so. That's not the spread I was expecting and not what my ceiling fan bracket expects.

If this is a ceiling fan box, what are the strong mounting points? Do I need to drill holes or knock out something?

Thank you.

[ElectriciansForums.net] USA Ceiling Fan Box is Strange

snowhead · Apr 9, 2022

Arlington L shape fan bracket FB443

Arlington Industries FB443 Screw-On L-Shaped Fan and Fixture Box, For 1/2” or 5/8” Drywall, 18.3 Cu. In.

L-shaped fan and fixture mounting box. 70lb fan, 200lb fixture rated for 1/2" or 5/8" drywall. 18.3 cu. 2 Hour Fire Rating.

www.cityelectricsupply.com

dogbob · Apr 9, 2022

That's it. Thank you.

I found a catalog page on the web. I'm not sure if this includes a hot link or not:
"MANUFACTURER CATALOG DOCUMENT".

Arlington FB443 | Electrical Equipment Company

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY - Explore wide ranges of products available at shopeeco online. Review and Purchase your electrical parts, accessories online from wide range of products.

www.shopeeco.com

It looks like the fan bracket would screw into the stud behind the box, not the box. That is what was confusing me.

Megawatt · Apr 15, 2022

dogbob said:
New construction in USA. I think that the builder put ceiling fan rated boxes in the ceiling. But when I remove the cover, I see a strange box. Picture attached. It's hard to make out all of the details, because the painter sprayed it.

Have you seen this brand/style box before?

There are two big screw holes near the wire, but they are only 1.5" apart or so. That's not the spread I was expecting and not what my ceiling fan bracket expects.

If this is a ceiling fan box, what are the strong mounting points? Do I need to drill holes or knock out something?

Thank you.

View attachment 96719

The NEC requires ceiling fan boxes in all bedrooms, living room, and dining room and kitchens. You need to look in your attic and see if you have rails on the box that attach to the ceiling joists. I’ve haven’t seen a box like that but I’m sure it is a ceiling fan box.

norcal · May 12, 2022

Megawatt said:
The NEC requires ceiling fan boxes in all bedrooms, living room, and dining room and kitchens. You need to look in your attic and see if you have rails on the box that attach to the ceiling joists. I’ve haven’t seen a box like that but I’m sure it is a ceiling fan box.

It would only be required if was prewired for a fan, but a good idea anyway, even if not wired for a fan/light someone will hang one even on a plastic box, bloody tenants hung fans off cut in boxes rated for fixtures 5 pounds max, ticked me off since they had no business messing with the wiring, or any of the building systems.