Ceiling fans are an excellent addition to just about any household. Not only are they effective at cooling your home down and keeping the air circulating, but they’re also much more energy-efficient than typical air conditioning systems. Plus, they’re relatively affordable to purchase, and in many cases, they can even improve the look of the room they’re in.
Installing a ceiling fan in your home isn’t as simple as just buying the fan and placing it where you want it. Today, most building codes require that ceiling fans be mounted on special fan-rated boxes.
Here, we’ll look at some of the best ceiling fan boxes currently available and cover their pros and cons. Then, you can make an informed decision about which box you want to go with.
Bottom Line Up Front
Choosing the best ceiling fan box depends on a lot of factors. Yes, the product’s quality makes a difference, but other factors determine the performance of your ceiling fan box.
The first factor to consider before getting your ceiling fan box is the location of your fan. Do you want to install it outdoor or indoors? Then next, you have to consider the weight of your ceiling fan. Once you verify and sort out these, you can find the best fan box for your ceiling fan.
I recommend that anyone check out the Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box, especially if you are unsure which fan box to buy. It’s suitable for all homes, very reliable, and relatively affordable.
Pick At a Glance
- Westinghouse 0152500 Saf-T-Bar – Ideal ceiling fan box for new construction projects.
- BELL PRCF57550WH Ceiling Fan Electrical Box – Excellent choice for mounting an outdoor fan.
- Southwire MSBFAN Fan Box – Ideal if you want an inexpensive and stable fan box.
- Hubbell-Raco 296 Octagon Ceiling Fan Support Box – Best for homeowners looking to mount lighter-weight ceiling fans.
- Westinghouse 0200011 Fan Master Support Box – Affordable with a quick and easy installation process
- Carlon CFB-12 Ceiling Fan Box – Simple and affording electrical box.
- Arlington FBRS4200R-1 Steel Fan Box – Excellent choice for anyone adding a fan to their existing property.
- Ciata Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket – Ideal for new construction and remodeling projects. Also great for large ceiling fan.
- BELL PRCF57550BZ Ceiling Fan Electrical Box – Great for outdoor ceiling fans. Locations like porch, covered patio, pergola, or gazebo.
- Arlington Industries FB900-1 Fan Mounting Box – Best for cathedral ceiling fans.
- Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box – Generally suitable for all homes. Very affordable and easy to install anywhere.
What is a Ceiling Fan Box
Ceiling fan boxes are used to connect the electrical components of the fan to those of your home. The electrical boxes must either be firmly attached to the ceiling joist or adjustable braces between the posts. Joists are horizontal beams that run through your ceiling.
Many of the more heavy-duty boxes come equipped with a sturdy brace, which supports the weight and movement of the fan.
So, when you’re ready to purchase a new ceiling fan for your home, you’ll also need to pick up an electrical box. You can choose from many different fan boxes available on the market.
Other electrical boxes cost different prices and come with many additional features, and you’ll want to select a product that’s a good fit for your household.
See also: How to Find the Best Ceiling Fan Mountain Bracket.
Best Ceiling Fan Box Options Guide
Here are the top 11 best ceiling fan box options:
Westinghouse 0152500 Saf-T-Bar for Ceiling Fans
The Westinghouse 0152500 Saf-T-Bar is a strong, 24-inch-long bar with an all-metal electrical box. It comes with a Romex connection, mounting gear, and a unique Saf-T-Cap, which protects the bolts and wires during painting and drywall installation.
This bar and the electrical box can handle ceiling fans weighing up to 70 pounds and lighting fixtures weighing up to 150 pounds.
Who is it for?
The Westinghouse 0152500 Saf-T-Bar is an ideal ceiling fan box for new construction projects. It’s also an excellent choice for any location with access to the attic.
Pros
- It fits all models of ceiling fans
- The electrical box can be positioned anywhere on the bar to suit your needs
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Must have attic access to install
- Relatively difficult to install
Verdict
For its relatively low price, the Westinghouse 0152500 Saf-T-Bar provides excellent value. This electrical bar and box combo is a great choice for anyone who has not purchased their ceiling fan yet.
Since the Saf-T-Bar will work for any fan model, you can safely install it without worrying that it won’t fit the fan you end up buying.
This product also comes with an excellent lifetime warranty; if there’s anything wrong with the Saf-T-Bar, Westinghouse will repair or replace it free of charge.
BELL PRCF57550WH Ceiling Fan Electrical Box
The BELL PRCF57550WH Ceiling Fan Electrical Box is a circular, compact box that can hold fans weighing up to 70 pounds and lighting weighing up to 150 pounds. The box is composed of heavy-duty PVC and has a galvanized steel support bracket.
Who is it for?
The BELL PRCF57550WH Ceiling Fan Electrical Box is perfect for you if you want to mount your outdoor ceiling fans. The most popular spots for this box are porches, covered patios, and pergolas.
Pros
- Weatherproof wiring junction
- Very reliable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Not meant for indoor mounting
Verdict
The BELL PRCF57550WH Ceiling Fan Electrical Box is a high-quality option for anyone mounting an outdoor fan. As long as you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, you’re getting a durable unit that will blend nicely in just about any setting.
Southwire MSBFAN Fan Support 50/ LB Maximum
The Southwire MSBFAN Fan Support 50/ LB Maximum is a small, inexpensive electrical box rated to support up to 50 lbs of ceiling fans. The gray-colored box utilizes extra-thick wall material to create stability and rigidity, which makes the product quite solid and durable.
The box also offers adjustable depth for paddle fan components.
Who is it for?
While the Southwire MSBFAN Fan Support electrical box is a solid option for new construction projects, it’s perfect for older homes without attic access.
Pros
- Quick and easy to install
- Adjustable depth adds versatility
- Very affordable
- Easy to remove without damaging the ceiling
Cons
- Not rated for heavier fans or lighting fixtures
- Only a good fit for specific models of ceiling fans
Verdict
The Southwire MSBFAN Fan Support 50/ LB Maximum is a reliable option if you want something inexpensive and stable. It’s worth noting that the unit’s two bolts protrude slightly past the ceiling fan box, which may not work well for some types of fans.
Hubbell-Raco 296 Octagon Ceiling Fan Support Box
If you are looking for an affordable ceiling fan support box strong enough to carry weighty fans, then Hubbell-Raco 296 Octagon Ceiling Fan Support Box is for you.
The Hubbell-Raco 296 Octagon Ceiling Fan Support Box is a 4-inch octagon-shaped electrical box. The metal box can support up to 70 lbs of ceiling fans and lighting fixtures up to 150 lbs. This product is 1-1/2 inches deep with 1/2-inch side knockouts. When you purchase this ceiling fan box, the mounting screws and ground screws are included, and they’re very strong.
Who is it for?
The Hubbell-Raco 296 Octagon Ceiling Fan Support Box will be an excellent fit for most indoor ceiling fan mountings. It’s also a good choice for anyone on a tight budget looking for something simple.
Pros
- Easy to install with a 4-inch hole saw
- Very affordable
- It can be used for many types of cables with proper fitting
Cons
- Not as strong as many other fan boxes
Verdict
The Hubbell-Raco 296 Octagon Ceiling Fan Support Box is best for homeowners looking to mount lighter-weight ceiling fans. The box is reasonably priced and comes with a one-year warranty.
Westinghouse 0200011 Fan Master Support Box
The Westinghouse 0200011 Fan Master Support Box is a non-metallic support box rated to hold up to 70 lbs of ceiling fans. You can install this electric box on standard and wider joists.
The box has wiring capacity on one side, allowing it to be mounted on either side of a ceiling joist without needing to split the wiring. When you purchase this product, you’ll receive all the necessary components, and it even has built-in tabs to hold it in place for hands-free installation.
Who is it for?
The Westinghouse 0200011 Fan Master Support Box is an excellent choice for new construction projects. It also works well for applications where ductwork or wiring is present.
Pros
- It fits all types of ceiling fans
- Includes mounting hardware
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Not a great fit for most older homes
Verdict
The Westinghouse 0200011 Fan Master Support Box is one of the best ceiling fan boxes on the market. It’s sturdy, versatile, and very affordable. The box comes with an ultimate lifetime warranty from Westinghouse. P
lus, the product includes a Saf-T-Cap for protecting bolts and wires, a Romex clamp, and all necessary mounting hardware.
Ciata Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket, Heavy Duty Metal Mounting Saf-T Brace
The Ciata Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a top-tier ceiling fan box. The stainless steel Saf-T-Brace can be securely attached to an existing ceiling joint. The electrical box can be positioned anywhere on the brace.
The all-metal electrical box has the dual mounting capability and can support up to 70 lbs of ceiling fans.
Who is it for?
The Ciata Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket with Heavy Duty Metal Mounting Saf-T-Brace is ideal for new construction and remodeling projects. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re looking to install a large ceiling fan.
Pros
- No attic access required
- Easy to install
- Adjustable electrical box
- Very durable
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Verdict
You really can’t go wrong choosing the Ciata Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket with Heavy Duty Metal Mounting Saf-T-Brace for your ceiling fan box. The product comes with all the components you need for mounting and straightforward instructions for a three-step installation.
It also includes a one-year warranty and can be purchased in two different sizes: 15.5 cubic inches and 21.5 cubic inches.
BELL PRCF57550BZ Ceiling Fan Electrical Box
The BELL PRCF57550BZ Ceiling Fan Electrical Box is another quality ceiling fan box for outdoor installation. It comes in a nice bronze color and is made from heavy-duty PVC with an integrated galvanized steel support bracket.
This compact product can reliably support ceiling fans up to 70 lbs and lighting fixtures up to 150 lbs. The box can be mounted parallel to, perpendicular to, or 45° from the ceiling joist. Those options allow for convenient conduit and fitting access to the threaded entries.
Who is it for?
The BELL PRCF57550BZ Ceiling Fan Electrical Box should be a perfect fit for anyone looking to install an outdoor fan. This electrical box will keep it secure whether you add a ceiling fan to your porch, covered patio, pergola, or gazebo.
Pros
- Flexible mounting options
- Weatherproof wiring junction
- Unobtrusive design
Cons
- Not meant for indoor mounting
- Relatively expensive
Verdict
Although the BELL PRCF57550BZ Ceiling Fan Electrical Box is somewhat expensive, it is a quality product. This box is an excellent choice for any outdoor ceiling fan mounting. It’s very sturdy, has five 3/4-inch threaded entries, and comes with three reducer bushings.
Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box
Another fantastic ceiling fan box from Westinghouse Lighting is the Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box. It can support ceiling fans and lighting fixtures up to 70 lbs. The heavy-duty, all-metal box is 2-1/8 inches deep and has a 21.5-cubic-inch wiring capacity.
When you purchase this product, you receive a Saf-T-Cap, all the necessary mounting hardware, and the side mount bracket and electrical box.
Who is it for?
The Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box is perfect for installation during remodeling projects and new construction. The property does not need attic access to install this box; it can also be easily installed on finished ceilings.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to install
- Dual mounting capability
Cons
- Not quite as strong as steel ceiling fan boxes
- Not ideal for heavier fans
Verdict
The Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box is generally a good choice for all homes. Whether your ceiling is finished, remodeled, or built, you’ll be able to install this electrical box securely.
It’s also an excellent fit for anyone who prefers a quick, easy installation process. However, if you’re planning to hang a heavy fan, you might want to choose a different box.
Carlon CFB-12 Ceiling Fan Box
The Carlon CFB-12 Ceiling Fan Box is a plain round electrical box. The fan box is made of strong plastic and has a 4-inch diameter with a 2-3/8-inch depth. This product is designed to wire the fan straight through to mount it directly on the ceiling joist. That way, it’s the joist supporting the weight of the fan instead of the small box. As a result, this box shouldn’t have a problem with relatively heavy fans or lighting fixtures.
The Carlon CFB-12 Ceiling Fan Box is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple, inexpensive electrical box. It isn’t anything fancy, but it will get the job done.
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Easy to install
- Intelligent design allows for stable mounting
Cons
- The included screws are low quality
- More susceptible to warping than metal boxes
Verdict
For anyone who doesn’t need anything too flashy or complicated, the Carlon CFB-12 Ceiling Fan Box is a great purchase. This electrical box comes with a two-year warranty from Thomas & Betts.
Arlington FBRS4200R-1 Steel Fan and Fixture Mounting Box with Adjustable Bracket
The Arlington FBRS4200R-1 Steel Fan and Fixture Mounting Box is a high-end ceiling fan box. The box has a fully adjustable bracket, which will securely hold your fan in place. This ceiling fan box is rated to support 70-lb fans and 90-lb light fixtures. This product is expensive, but the steel mounting box will surely stay in good condition for many years.
Who is it for?
Arlington FBRS4200R-1 Steel Fan and Fixture Mounting Box is an excellent choice for anyone adding a fan to their existing property. This sturdy box is also a good option for people who don’t have access to the attic in their home.
Pros
- Dependable steel design
- No assembly required
Cons
- Very expensive
- It can be challenging to install
Verdict
The Arlington FBRS4200R-1 Steel Fan and Fixture Mounting Box is an overall quality ceiling fan box. If you’re installing this box in an existing home without attic access, it’s an excellent electrical box.
However, the price is pretty high, and you may find that you can get better value from a different option.
Arlington Industries FB900-1 Fan Mounting Box
The Arlington Industries FB900-1 Fan Mounting Box is a white, plastic ceiling fan box designed for cathedral-style ceilings. The specialized electrical box can fit cathedral ceilings angled at 80° or greater. This product is equipped to support fans up to 70 lbs and fixtures up to 200 lbs.
Who is it for?
The Arlington Industries FB900-1 Fan Mounting Box is the perfect choice for anyone looking to mount a fan or large fixture on their cathedral-style ceiling.
Pros
- Quick to install
- Can be painted a different color
Cons
- Very expensive
- More susceptible to warping than metal boxes
Verdict
If you’re looking to install a ceiling fan on a cathedral ceiling, the Arlington Industries FB900-1 Fan Mounting Box will get the job done. It’s pretty expensive for a plastic box, but it serves a specialized purpose, so that’s to be expected.
FAQs
Question: Are more expensive electrical boxes always better?
Answer: Sometimes, a higher price indicates higher quality, but it doesn’t automatically mean you should go with the most expensive ceiling fan box. Sometimes, a box may be more expensive because it has a specialized purpose or is made from a more expensive material. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a cheaper option that will fit your personal needs as well or better.
Question: What kind of box do I need for a ceiling fan?
Answer: It all depends. Most building standards, however, require ceiling fans to be installed on specific fan-rated boxes made of metal or durable plastic with deep-threaded holes.
Question: Should you buy a ceiling fan box in a store or online?
Answer: Generally, it depends on the box that you’re buying. If you’re purchasing a widely available box with hundreds of positive customer reviews, you’re probably safe to buy it online. However, if you’re buying a more exclusive box, you’ll have a better chance of getting what you pay for if you buy it in person. Buying in person is also the way to go if you want to look at the electrical box before purchasing it.
Question: Can you get professional help mounting your ceiling fan and box?
Answer: Absolutely! We all have skills, and not everyone is comfortable working with fixtures and electrical components. Local contractors in your area should help you get your electrical box and ceiling fan properly set up.
Conclusion
Many high-quality ceiling fan boxes are currently available to purchase. But to get the right one for your ceiling fan, you must first verify the location you want to install your fan, then the type of fan you have.
All of the electrical boxes listed here are reliable products. Each of them comes with unique features, benefits, and downsides. Also, some are more cost-effective than others. So, depending on your need, you can choose the ceiling fan box that is most suitable for you.
For anyone who does not already know the exact ceiling fan box they want, you can start with the Westinghouse 0124000 Sidemount Plus Fan Box. It is very easy to install, affordable, and reliable.
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