Ceiling Pan Weight & Install/Light Fixture

WDW Princess 71 · Apr 11, 2022

Hi! I'm in a new build home that has had a lot of construction problems, & the builder has done really substandard work in many areas. My current issue is with the electrical ceiling pan they installed where my dining chandelier should go. I hired my own electrician to install my 22 pound light, and he said he couldn't do it since the builder's pan was "just attached via stripped out screw holes in a thin metal tube in the drywall, not to any stud or joist". He said he couldn't hang the light for liability as it could fall down like that & the builder should have used a different box/mount to hold up to 70 pounds. I reported this to the builder electrician & they looked at my picture and said the "plate looks fine" and nothing is wrong! I don't know what to believe now. Can you please advise?

SJD · Apr 11, 2022

The fact that the ceilng pan has 4 screw suggests whoever fitted it wasn't too confident that they would hold any significant weight. You could try asking the original electrician to confirm in writing that the pan is securely attached to a joist or stud, though likely they'd have some excuse why they can't.

WDW Princess 71 · Apr 11, 2022

SJD said:
The fact that the ceilng pan has 4 screw suggests whoever fitted it wasn't too confident that they would hold any significant weight. You could try asking the original electrician to confirm in writing that the pan is securely attached to a joist or stud, though likely they'd have some excuse why they can't.

Thank you- I definitely got the vibe that he wasn't very confident! I was actually there the day they put this in and he said he "preferred to do something different" and it "should hold 25lbs" but he was concerned and thought something rated higher would be better- but then said nevermind its fine for 25 since your light will only be 22. Totally sketch!

Mike Johnson · Apr 12, 2022

If you have access to the area above the light it may be an idea to bridge between two joist with a noggin/sub beam and attach your light fitting to that.

WDW Princess 71 · Apr 12, 2022

Mike Johnson said:
If you have access to the area above the light it may be an idea to bridge between two joist with a noggin/sub beam and attach your light fitting to that.

Thanks- no access above without cutting out significant drywall. Someone suggested retro expandable brace boxes that can teeth into the joists on either side for the necessary support- I found these products below- do you think these would work and if so, what is the difference between the sizes/how do I know what I need?

Pancake: https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-Retro...eiling-Pans-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/5002822785
1 & 1/2" Box: https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-1-Gan...rd-Ceiling-Fan-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/3127059
2 & 1/8" Box: https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-1-Gan...Ceiling-Fan-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/1001330236