Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: Riograndeelectric, Location: Lakewood Colorado
Asked on: Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 9:48 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:14 am EDT
Question: I ma bidding on installing 10 ceiling fans for a 2 story school.The school was built in the mid 1950'S, walls and ceilings of second floor are built out of metal lathe and plaster /suspend ceiling on metal hat channel. there is an attic above the class rooms . wirng method would be M/C cable.the question ishow would one mount a fan rated box and or fan box and brace in metal lathe and plaster aqnd how to support the box? there are no I beams or joist directly above where fan would be installed.5 foot from ceiling to roof in attic. any help would be appreciated.Thanks.Cameron
Method 1: Installing a Fan-Rated Box in Metal Lath and Plaster1. Locate a Stud
Use a stud finder to locate a vertical metal stud or hat channel directly above the desired fan location.2.
Drill a Pilot Hole
Drill a small pilot hole through the plaster and metal lath into the stud.3.
Insert Screw
Insert a long, wood screw into the pilot hole and tighten it securely into the stud.4.
Attach Fan-Rated Box
Position the fan-rated box over the screw and secure it with more screws.
Method 2: Installing a Fan Box and Brace1. Cut a Hole in the Plaster
Cut a circular hole in the plaster and metal lath using a hole saw or drywall saw.2.
Insert Fan Box
Position the fan box in the hole and secure it with screws through the mounting tabs.3.
Install Brace
Cut a piece of 2x4 lumber to fit between the fan box and a metal hat channel in the ceiling.4.
Attach Brace
Secure the brace to the fan box with screws and to the hat channel with self-tapping metal screws.
Support for the Box Attic Access
If there is access to the attic above, you can secure the box to the attic floor using long wood screws.
Hat Channels
If there are hat channels in the ceiling, you can attach the box or brace to them using self-tapping metal screws.
Metal Lathe
If the only support is the metal lath, you can use toggle bolts to attach the box or brace. Toggle bolts spread out behind the metal lath, providing additional support.
Wiring Use M/C (Metal Clad) cable for the wiring, as it is designed for use in metal-framed buildings. Run the cable through the attic or concealed within the walls. Connect the cable to the fan-rated box following the manufacturer's instructions.
Safety Precautions Turn off the Power
Before working on the wiring or installing the fans, turn off the power at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Wear Safety Gear
Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from debris and sharp edges.*
Test the Fans: Once the fans are installed, test them to make sure they are working properly and are securely mounted. Flag for review