Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture Installation

We’ve also experienced customers looking to spruce up their lighting by upgrading to chandelier style fixtures; in place of the smaller type of light fixtures that came with the build of their home. It sounds quite easy to install these newer and usually heavier hanging items, however… 

People often assume that they can remove an existing light fixture and replace it with a ceiling fan; or a considerably heavier chandelier style fixture, because the area already has electrical wiring in place. Typically, the job isn’t as easy peasy as it may sound…

Electricity isn’t the only consideration to hanging ceiling fans or upgrading to a larger or more intricate style of light fixture.

The existing outlet box (that’s the device that anchors a light fixture or ceiling fan) whether plastic or metal, is probably not going to be appropriately rated to hold the additional weight of your new ceiling fan or larger light fixture, aka chandelier.

Most of the smaller outlet boxes are only rated to hang the weight of a standard light fixture, which is about 50 pounds, give or take; and is not the type of supported outlet box that is required by the National Electrical Code (The NEC) for hanging anything other than a small light fixture. 

Attempting to install a ceiling fan or a chandelier style light fixture into a box that isn’t rated for the excess weight of a new fixture; could result in serious bodily injury, multiple electrical hazards, as well as damage to your property.

A smaller end ceiling fan is not only heavier than a standard light fixture, it also has moving parts, and blades that spin like a helicopter. Conventional metal or plastic rough-in boxes aren't supposed to hold any more than 50 pounds, and most fans exert more force than that while in motion! 

And if you’re hanging a shiny new crystal style chandelier, imagine the extra weight of 30 plus dangling crystal drops would add to an already intricate fixture. 

A support system consisting of a metal box, attached to blocking or metal rods that you can secure to your ceiling joists is what is truly required to hanging these heavy fixtures, or as mentioned earlier a fixture with moving parts. For these reasons alone, ceiling fans should be hung by a qualified and experienced electrician.

The results of an improperly installed ceiling fan when hung on a light weight fixture box; can prove to be very dangerous. Even if your new fan doesn’t actually fall out of the ceiling, it will eventually begin to wobble due to the fact that it is not installed on a properly supported outlet box. 

We see these type of issues occasionally, where folks will call about a wobbling or unsteady fan that they need swapped out. 

In most of these cases, it isn’t the ceiling fan causing the problem. Instead, it usually ends up being an installation issue, where the fan should have been anchored with the appropriate sized outlet the box. 

Here at Bolt Electric, we refuse to take shortcuts that could potentially put a customer at risk. Our customers depend on that, and we’re happy to provide the type of service that keeps our customers happy.   

Our team of skilled and professional Electricians are well versed in Residential electrical jobs in and around your home, such as installing heavy light fixtures and ceiling fans. Even though it might seem like a small job, our Electricians take the same professional approach with these jobs as they would if they were replacing the electrical panels for your home.

Whatever the call may be, the trustworthy professionals at Bolt Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have…throughout the entirety of your project. Give us a call if you're looking to spruce up your lighting or ceiling fans...or anything residential! We're happy to help!

Our office staff is eagerly awaiting your call. We can't wait to work with you!

Bolt Electric

13106 Lookout Way

San Antonio, TX 78233