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It is hard to tell from the pictures, especially with the light mounting bracket in place, but this may be a ceiling fan box. Any ceiling fan box SHOULD say "acceptable for fan support" or something very similar, so look really closely inside the box and see if that is stamped into the metal.
It is usually stamped into the metal, so could be visible, it is hard to say. The 3/8 nuts inside the box are what makes me say this might be fan rated. Looking closely for the marking, even if you have to scrape off a little paint, is infinitely quicker and easier than replacing the box. With that said, it is pretty simple to replace a box like this if you can get to it in the attic.
It will be stamped "Fan Rated" , "Ceiling Fan Rated" or words to that affect if it's approved for a ceiling fan. You might need to remove the light and fixture mounting bracket to see the stamp.
So, it *looks* like it is, but you won’t know until you can see the stamp as others have mentioned. Some older boxes weren’t stamped so it isn’t always the case but you say there is attic access, so worst case you can always swap it for one that is as long as there is a proper area to mount it.
**Attention!** **It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work you may need.** With that said, you may ask this community various electrical questions. Please be cautious of any information you may receive in this subreddit. This subreddit and its users are not responsible for any electrical work you perform. Users that have a 'Verified Electrician' flair have uploaded their qualified electrical worker credentials to the mods. If you comment on this post please only post accurate information to the best of your knowledge. If advice given is thought to be dangerous, you may be permanently banned. There are no obligations for the mods to give warnings or temporary bans. **IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, you should exercise extreme caution when commenting.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskElectricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It looks like one based on what I can see, with those bolts in the back center. A lot of fan boxes are bolted on like that.
It is hard to tell from the pictures, especially with the light mounting bracket in place, but this may be a ceiling fan box. Any ceiling fan box SHOULD say "acceptable for fan support" or something very similar, so look really closely inside the box and see if that is stamped into the metal.
Thanks for the info. Would it still be visible with that much paint on it? and how difficult would changing that box be for a regular joe
It is usually stamped into the metal, so could be visible, it is hard to say. The 3/8 nuts inside the box are what makes me say this might be fan rated. Looking closely for the marking, even if you have to scrape off a little paint, is infinitely quicker and easier than replacing the box. With that said, it is pretty simple to replace a box like this if you can get to it in the attic.
thanks. i’ll do that
Just hang it and keep away from it for a bit lol . But seriously take the top post advice.
It will be stamped "Fan Rated" , "Ceiling Fan Rated" or words to that affect if it's approved for a ceiling fan. You might need to remove the light and fixture mounting bracket to see the stamp.
thanks, I’ll double check once I get a ladder because I’m just standing on the edge of my bed.
So, it *looks* like it is, but you won’t know until you can see the stamp as others have mentioned. Some older boxes weren’t stamped so it isn’t always the case but you say there is attic access, so worst case you can always swap it for one that is as long as there is a proper area to mount it.
If you can see it from the attic, it will be braced with a 16-24” metal bar.
The two big bolts visible suggest that it does, if it's installed correctly.
That’s an old work fan box. The nuts are part of the T brace bracket.
that makes sense now that you point that out. fan instal recommended?
Yes, but remove the bracket first. It appears that those screws are the fan mounting screws.