Ceiling fans/lights

[Karl]

I am having a problem putting in ceiling fans and/or ceiling lights on mobile homes with the cathedral ceilings. Because the outlet boxes are at the peak of each ceiling (where the two ends meet), the fans cannot be connected to the outlet box. Is there some sort of extender available to take care of this? The ones I've been able to install are not very sturdy because they are not soundly attached to the outlet box.

[Ramb37 (old ron)]

There are extension rings available at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. This will extend the depth of the box about 1-11/2 inches.

The National Electric Code (NEC) section 314.23, 314.27 and 314.28 (HUD code does not apply in after market add ons) requires the primary junction box, that an extension ring is attached to for hanging a fan, be securely fastened to a structural member of the home and be supported, rigidly, by using a polymeric or metal brace.

If the junction box is not fastened securely, you can replace the existing junction box with a specially designed fan brace and box purchased at Lowes or Home Depot, etc. In any event, with a securely fastened box, and extension ring added, the total weight should not exceed 50 lbs. (NEC 314.27 (B). If the fan is heavier than 50 lbs, then in addition to all the above, it should be independently supported.

Please research the NEC 2002 code, and the sections mentioned earlier, to verify this information for yourself. This is only my opinion without seeing the actual installtion.

[Karl]

Thanks for the info. I'll check Lowe's and see if I can find these extension rings.