How to install a ceiling fan between joists?

August 25, 2006 6:24 PM

Anyone have any experience installing a ceiling fan using a brace between the joists?

I'm installing a ceiling fan and where I want to place it is between the joists (isn't it always?). So I've purchased a Saf-T-Brace from Home Depot - basically a metal bar that unscrews to clamp into the two joists and then you mount the electrical box to the brace. Anyone done this? Does it work well? I'm wondering about vibration and wobble, as well as long term impacts.

posted by macfly to Home & Garden (5 answers total)

I've done this and it worked fine.
posted by jazon at 6:40 PM on August 25, 2006

Best answer: If you have the one I'm thinking of (octagonal bar), they work great. Very solid, easy to install and no vibration at all.

If you havent cut your hole in the ceiling yet, use a medium-sized coffee can (or lid) for a template for the hole.

Good luck!
posted by sandra_s at 6:41 PM on August 25, 2006

Make sure you use the octagonal electrical box rated for ceiling fans.
posted by jca at 7:44 PM on August 25, 2006

I put one in last weekend. My advice: spring for the all-in-one package (bar and outlet included in the package). If you are working with older wire, buy the deep (2-1/2", If I remember correctly) outlet--the extra space really helps if you have to maneuver the older, much stiffer wire around.
posted by Chrischris at 7:03 AM on August 26, 2006

Response by poster: Installed it this morning and it's working great. Thanks for the help.
posted by macfly at 9:36 AM on August 26, 2006