I need help with locating where I can hang a ceiling fan

[Adam]

I live in a condo, so I don’t have access to above the ceiling. How can I find a stud or joist to hang a fan from without tearing apart the ceiling? Also, are there any other alternative methods of hanging it?

[tomh]

You not only need to find a support structure in the ceiling, you need electrical wiring as well. If you have an electric box in the ceiling you are half-way home already. In condos, they are most often surface mounted on a rafter anyway. To find studs or wood members below drywall, buy a stud-finder. You can find it in the home improvement store. The finder can detect changes in density in the ceiling or wall and quickly locate a structural member.

There are two types of ceiling box. a surface mount (1/2″ deep bolts directly to rafter) and a retrofit universal box. This has an attachment flange that screws onto the side of rafter, then the box screws onto the flange. It is designed to be installed through a 4″ hole in a finished ceiling.

Now, about that wiring. Post back with your situation.

[Adam]

I plan on just putting on a swag kit to avoid having to run wiring through the walls and to keep it as simple to install.

[Adam]

There are no existing electrical devices/boxes in the ceiling at all.

[Author]

Posts