Installing a new ceiling fan, where none existed. I have an existing power outlet near the ceiling that was intended for a hanging lamp and is already hooked to a room switch (1960’s house). Can I remove that power outlet and use that existing box as a junction box to splice my cable? I would then just put a dummy plate on the front of the box. This all makes sense to me, but I wanted to check with people that obviously know more than me. Haha. Thanks in advance!
Using existing power outlet for new fan.
- Thread starter Rain King
- Start date
sberry
Banned
Most likely yes.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
The box in the ceiling may not be heavy enough for the weight of the ceiling fan. Check and make sure it is not a plastic one.
pattenp
Well-known member
He's not hanging the fan from that box.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
It could be done. Either you have power to the switch first, then to the outler. Or power to the outlet first, and a switch loop down to the switch.
The hardest part will be getting the wire up through the top plate and across the ceiling. Hopefully the joists run from the outlet toward the center of the room, or you have unfinished attic space above to work with.
The hardest part will be getting the wire up through the top plate and across the ceiling. Hopefully the joists run from the outlet toward the center of the room, or you have unfinished attic space above to work with.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Since you will be running new wire, i would use 3 conductor plus grnd, of appropriate gauge for the existing circuit/breaker rating, going from the switch to the fan j box so that you have the option of switching the fan and light separately.
Since the power feed is in the ceiling, this will mean running 2 cond plus grnd from existing j box down to switch, then the 3 cond from switch to fan box...
Since the power feed is in the ceiling, this will mean running 2 cond plus grnd from existing j box down to switch, then the 3 cond from switch to fan box...
tfi racing
Well-known member
You could do all that extra work, or just use the wireless remote kit that any decent fan/light combo comes with...
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
You could do all that extra work, or just use the wireless remote kit that any decent fan/light combo comes with...
When youve replaced as many of those as i have on service calls, then you would skip that option because its not worth the hassle when they break.