We are attempting to install a ceiling fan into our 1920s home. The light fixture was centered in the room, above it are two wooden cross sections (I’m guessing to support the floor above).
We can’t get the new fan box/brace to center in the hole that is there.
What should we do, Cut out the plaster ceiling so the fixture will be off center from the room (not preferred)?
Or, would it be OK to cut/remove the cross section so the fan support brace will fit, leaving the fixture center in the room?
Best Answer
The cross bracing there is just to keep the joists from twisting and isn't required. You can cut it out.
Take extreme caution in doing so!
Make sure that this wire is dead (breaker is turned off, test to be sure with a non-contact voltage checker) before working near it.
Odds are really good that in addition to the old-work ceiling fan brace you've got there (good job on picking that up!) you'll also need an extension of some sort in order for the ceiling fan bracket to actually reach the mount points on the box. Because of the height of the legs on your old-work support and the extra depth of plaster & lath, the box that comes with the support just won't be tall enough to be flush with the ceiling or slightly below. I'm not certain of the best, code approved, way of doing this in a retro-fit, so you may want to ask a new question about that.