Comments on: How to install a ceiling fan between joists?

Question: How to install a ceiling fan between joists?

macfly — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:24:15 -0800

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.

By: jazon

jazon — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:40:55 -0800

I've done this and it worked fine.

By: sandra_s

sandra_s — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:41:13 -0800

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!

By: jca

jca — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 19:44:04 -0800

Make sure you use the octagonal electrical box rated for ceiling fans.

By: Chrischris

Chrischris — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 07:03:17 -0800

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.

By: macfly

macfly — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 09:36:53 -0800

Installed it this morning and it's working great. Thanks for the help.