installing fans in sheet rock ceiling

[rackeu]

Electrical Rookie here and want to put fans in an existing garage with a sheet rock ceiling. There is a garage opener plug in up there but I dont have any light boxes to go off.

I presume I would need to cut a hole in the sheet rock put up a bos on the rafeter and snake wires around. Or I could use some sort of surface system. Which/what would you recommend for a Rookie? Thank is advance.

 

[csp]

There are fan boxes you can buy where you cut a hole in the drywall and secure to the framing.

 

[930dreamer]

Install an electrical box that's made for mounting a fan and go from there.

 

[vhol5]

Unless the rafters are are inline with the box you plan to tap out of, it's going to be difficult to go ACROSS the rafters, without tearing up some sheetrock.
Being a rookie, you should probably use WIREMOLD, a surface mounted conduit. It actually looks cleaner than EMT.
Don't forget to add a switch!

 

[rackeu]

There are fan boxes you can buy where you cut a hole in the drywall and secure to the framing.

Yes but how do I get to the switch across the ceiling and down the wall. I know how the rafters go but the turn to down the wall I cannot visualize. I presume I have to rip a bunch out to make that turn.

The surface solution is not as cosmetic but as an install may be a lot easier.

 

[RM209]

Another alternative is to purchase a fan that incorporates a remote control; that will simplify the installation.

Yes but how do I get to the switch across the ceiling and down the wall. I know how the rafters go but the turn to down the wall I cannot visualize. I presume I have to rip a bunch out to make that turn.

The surface solution is not as cosmetic but as an install may be a lot easier.

 

[SyTyJim]

Yes but how do I get to the switch across the ceiling and down the wall. I know how the rafters go but the turn to down the wall I cannot visualize. I presume I have to rip a bunch out to make that turn.

The surface solution is not as cosmetic but as an install may be a lot easier.

The only way to get the wires in/down the wall would be to make holes and then you'd have to drill into the top plate of the wall to get down into it. Its not impossible, but requires the most work.

I've done all of this before, so if you need any help with it, just PM me and we can get together.

Jimmy

 

[theoldwizard1]

You need one of these available at HD, Lowes and probably most stores that sell fans

More info here

See other posts for wiring tips.

 

[vhol5]

Wiremold or EMT can both be run down the wall on the surface.

 

[rackeu]

Thanks all for your thoughts. This is a fantastic board with lots of great advice and fast responses.

Looking at cost and more important the complexity (rookie here) I am thinking about trying to hang the fans to the rafters through the drywall with a "beam box" and then wire them to the electric garage door opener socket that is already in the ceiling. I would control the fans by using a wireless remote control switch. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Seems simple and easier than running down the walls on the inside or the outside, however, not sure I can attach a "beam box" mount to a rafter. The other mounting option is to use the Safe-T-brace as was sugested by the old wizard. It looks pretty easy too as there is no insulation above the garage.

What do you think?

 

[ford33]

I've installed a ceiling fan in a finished room and found the wiremold products make installation easy.

Buy all the wiremold stuff at one time and make sure to get some extras pieces in case you break a some or cut it wrong. Definitely buy a switch box and switch and install on the wall. The remote will get lost or broken or be a hassle to find. The guy who buys the house from you in 10 years would appreciate having some flexibility in controlling the power to the ceiling box.

Here's a link to wiremold ...picture of ceiling fan install.

http://www.legrand.us/wiremold/at-home/install-ceiling-fan.aspx


Good luck.

 

[Takashi]

I've installed a ceiling fan in a finished room and found the wiremold products make installation easy.

Buy all the wiremold stuff at one time and make sure to get some extras pieces in case you break a some or cut it wrong. Definitely buy a switch box and switch and install on the wall. The remote will get lost or broken or be a hassle to find. The guy who buys the house from you in 10 years would appreciate having some flexibility in controlling the power to the ceiling box.

Here's a link to wiremold ...picture of ceiling fan install.

http://www.legrand.us/wiremold/at-home/install-ceiling-fan.aspx


Good luck.

There are wall mounted remote controls. I used these when adding ceiling fans.

 

[richtersrodz]

You can buy a cheap ceiling fan, and buy the remote, with wall mount,
separately. The fans, with built in remotes might cost a bit more.
I installed this one in my garage, from Lowes, and didn't even use the
wall remote. I just hooked it straight to a switch. I was a bit disappointed
in the speed, a bit too slow, but still fast enough to cut your fingers off..
Also, this remote, wired in, not wireless.. so make sure which one you
are getting works for you.

 

[pcgold]

You guys are going to flame me for what I just did - today as a matter of fact.

I bought an "Industrial Fan" from Princess Auto. It is meant to install in a metal ceiling rafter. To hang it, a metal j hook is designed to go through a hole in the rafter, then bolted from the top. The fan then simply hangs from the j hook. There is also a safety tether.

Of course my garage has wooden rafters. I drilled a hole up through the drywall and into the rafter. The hole is slightly smaller than the diameter of the threaded j hook. I screwed the j hook into the rafter. I also screwed the tether eyebolt into the rafter.

Simply hung the fan up that way. It is in there very securely.

To wire it, I drilled a hole through the canopy, ran a wire through it, wired the fan and plugged the other end into the outlet dedicated to the garage door opener. The wire is secured to the roof, out of the way, using electrical wire clips.

This means I have to plug and unplug the fan when I want to use it. However, that's not an issue since I plan to run it all winter, turning it off in the summer.

Rackeu, if you want a pic, let me know.

 

[kbs2244]

All the fans I have seen have an on/off and 3 speed switch built in.
My garage one is just screwed through the drywall into a joist and wiremold over to a plug into the opener outlet.
I never turn it off.
Med speed blowing down in winter and up in summer.