[tamak]

I need to remove a plastic ceiling junction box and replace it with a metal one in order to install a new ceiling fan. I cannot get the old box out! I do not see any nails or bolts attaching it to the joists. I've tried pushing it up, one side moves, the other side does not, HELP please. Thanks

[tacramer]

I need to remove a plastic ceiling junction box and replace it with a metal one in order to install a new ceiling fan. I cannot get the old box out! I do not see any nails or bolts attaching it to the joists. I've tried pushing it up, one side moves, the other side does not, HELP please. Thanks

It is attached sideways to the joists...

But this is a 3 issue situation - electricity, physical forces of the weight, and restoring the ceiling after the changeover.. screwing up the first two can KILL someone... get a professional to do a professional job... Anyone not doing a professional job with the installation of spinning blades overhead is asking for another remake of Final Destination.

[tkrussell]

The box probably looks like the one in the picture I provided, or something along this line, with the nails on the perimeter of the box.

If you have a sawzall, perhaps you can have the blade reach in along side the joist and the box to cut the nails. Even a hacksaw blade may do the job.

Be sure any outlet box for a ceiling fan, whether plastic or metal, is rated for fans. Be sure the fan rated box is rated to handle the weight of the fan.

You can find paddle fan boxes with spreading bars made for old work that will fit into the 4 " round hole, and spread out and dig into the joists, similar to the picture I provided.

[tacramer]

I recommend you call tkrussell... spend the money - get it right - no issues later...

[Washington1]

I do not see fault in what TK posted!

Personally, I perfer the metal heavy duty PF boxes (PF=Paddle fan).

Note: One point TK presented was very important. The box you use "must" be listed for paddle fans. You cannot use a standard ceiling or wall 3/0 or 4/0 box.

Where is the PF going? EX: Bedroom on first level with no attic access above...

[tkrussell]

Tacramer, what exactly is your disagreement, when you say "while I trust your advice completely" ?

The purpose of the comment option is if someone gives incorrect advice, which I did not. Or is your disagreement to the fact that I gave a specific answer to a specific question.

I do not treat people like idiots, if someone is going to work on electrical wiring, I think it is reasonable to assume that anyone with average intelligence will know enough to shut off the power. And actually I did explain that the power should be turned off, I offer some basic advice in the Read This First post at the beginning of this forum. Did you read it? I believe that most DIY'ers do read it, it has over 2500 visits.

People do not visit Ask Me Help Desk to be told to hire a pro. I have come to the realization that people will be doing their own electrical work, along with plumbing, auto repair, construction, appliance repair, and every other trade or skill they can reasonably do on their own. I sure hope they do not attempt to do brain surgery...

If each answer is to get " hire an electrician", then I suggest that you petition the administration of this website to close the electrical forum, or perhaps, when they click on ask a question, send then to a link with that statement only.

Oh and by the way, also get Home Depot, Lowe's, and the like, to close their electrical departments, because what really scares me is the throngs of people that are buying electrical materials to do their own work WITHOUT asking any questions.

Don't forget all the books available that show how to do electrical work. And then there are those people that have a relative or friend that "thinks" they know how to do electrical work. They worry me even more.

If anyone should be not giving free advice is me. This trade is how I make a living, it is all I know, along with the 10 men that work directly under me, and the some 350 men and women in our company.

Oh and thanks for the recommendation, but I am very expensive and I am sure the poster cannot afford me. Besides I don't work anymore, I watch people work.

Many people will be doing their own work, deal with it, as I have, and help the best we can.

[Stratmando]

Tk don't worry about it, Got a red mark from someone with 1 post, You can't stop people from complaining. I don't know how the original was put in either, Think I could figure it out. If you can get in attic, if you have one, I would use a 4X4 Pressure treated with fan approved box.
About the red posters, they seem not to provide answers. Yet he just got 2 post?
Go Figure.

[Washington1]

I'm with Strat! Forget it! Yet, I'm the same person who just release my anger (on another post), because some idiot called me a nut case. He was a one time poster as well! Go figure! ;)

We will always have the non-electrician knowing more than the true electricians. I hear it all the time:
-electrical is easy
-who needs them
-waste of money or why hire them, when I can do it for 20-30 dollars per hour.
On and On!!

[tkrussell]

Thanks for the support guys, but me worry? No worry here about a red mark. If you go back, you will see that I am on record that I do not give a rat's backside, (maybe this word won't get automatically deleted) about the red mark, Not here for any popularity contest. Just that the comment option often get used incorrectly.

And sometimes some things need to be said.

Keep in mind, it is not the original poster, Tamak, who only has one post that offered the comment, it was Tacramer, who has a whopping 23 posts, and 5 comments, two that are red.

Similar name perhaps caused some confusion.

And Tamak is in order for some credit, at least he/she recognized the fact the existing plastic box may not be sufficient to support the ceiling fan.

If I ever offer incorrect, inaccurate, or unsafe advice, I stand ready for criticism and correction. I have no patience for disagreeing with correct advice. Illustrates a lack of knowledge on the commenter's part.