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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 821
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If the AHJ cited 110.3 (B), then he is absolutely correct, IMO. I know it seems a bit ridiculous but rules are rules.
If the pancake box is ceiling fan rated, then screws for mounting the box came with the box. If you don't use them they you are violating the manufacturers specificiations.
This NEC rule applies to all UL listed electrical equipment.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 821
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It is kind of funny that most ceiling fans are actually held up by the two 8-32 screws going into the celing box, even though we take great measure to hold the box securely in place. All of the ceiling fans I've ever hung come with 10-24 bolts, not 8-32. Now, some of the boxes are dual-rated for both 10-24 and 8-32, but for ceiling fans 99% of the time the manufacturer suggests using the 10-24's provided.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 482
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The manufacturer supplied hardware is often a couple of 8-32's. The better the fan, the better the hardware, of course, and you're absolutely right that some have a better mounting system.
Problem is, the vast majority (maybe 80%)of the fans I've put up over the years are supplied by the client due to "style choices" (read: what's on sale).
ShockMe77 is 100% on target about using the manufacturer-supplied hardware to achieve NEC and UL compliance. An AHJ will have a difficult time arguing with that.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
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See 422.18, 314.27(B), and (D) Rock-screws??? #10 X 1 1/2" in the very least, if not larger. A big fan - 1/4" lags. A real big fan - 1/2" bolt. [This message has been edited by e57 (edited 12-06-2006).]
Mark Heller "Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445 Likes: 3
Cat Servant Member
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Could be worse...
I've just come from a service call. The DIY "service change" pulled completely off the wall, as soon as the roofing crew removed an eave.
The panel, and mast, were attached with a handful of drywall screws, that penetrated only the vinyl siding and the soundboard.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,934 Likes: 34
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In my opinion the only redeeming value of drywall screws is you can find them laying around for free (and you get what you pay for). I don't think they have the holding power to hang equipment. Galvanized deck screws are better but a pan head #10 is the most appropriate until you reach the threshold where a lag screw is needed.
Greg Fretwell
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 375
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I guess we could look up the design values in the National Design Standard for Wood Construction but ...
It is hard to install screws that are too small.
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,294
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I really push the costs up on fans. I don't mind even paying upwards of 15 cents for decent screws.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 32
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Were does it say in the code that you must use a Fan box. The way I read it you need a fan rated box only when it is the sole support of the fixture.314.27 D So if you used a regular steel Oct box For example and attached the fan bracket to the box with the 8-32s and also ran some long screws up threw the box into some good wood you would meet code. There are some pretty cheap fan boxes out there now. that basically do just what I am describing and skip the 8-32s also. Safty is #1 you got to know that fan is not comeing down so be safe and use screws other than drywall screws.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 65
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I just came upon a job where the boxes electure showed were used. In the box it is stamped into the metal to use the 10-24 screws, NOT the ears, to support the fan. Whoever hung the fans used 1" tek screws into the ears to hang the fan, AND left the bracket 3/8" from the box. ridiculous.
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Tom
Shinnston, WV USA
Posts: 1,044
Joined: January 2001
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