iwire said:
Mike03a3 said:
Fan rated boxes are not required for fans.
Using a fan rated box is just a design decision to be made by the installer. 8)
While technically correct, that's misleading because it fails to mention that a fan rated box isn't required only if the fan is independently supported.
314.27(D) and 422.18
Well we will have to agree to disagree.
IMO it is misleading to say a fan box is required at fan locations.
All you have to do is run screws onto the structure to support the fan and you can forget the fan rated box.
What is misleading about this?:
314.27(D) 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 than32kg (70 lb.), the required marking shall include the maximum weight to be supported.
This article clearly states that if a fan is supported by the box a fan box is needed. While it is true that it is also legal for a fan to be independently supported at the location of a light box, if the plans are calling for a "fan outlet" ( an outlet at which fans can be hung) a fan box needs to be used.
If the plans call for a light outlet then, at the time the fan is hung the fan needs to either be independently supported or the box needs to be changed.