Drop ceilings, also known as suspended ceilings or false ceilings, are ceiling panels that hang below structural ceilings to serve as secondary ceilings. These ceilings have many applications in modern construction, and their use is indispensable in many home and office spaces. If you have a drop ceiling in your home, you might have wondered if you could install a ceiling fan there or not.
You can safely put a ceiling fan in a drop ceiling as long as you don’t install it on the false tiles. You will either have to mount the fan directly to the actual ceiling or the metal mounting bracket between the actual ceiling and the false ceiling.
The drop ceiling panel conceals the bracket, so it will not compromise the aesthetics of your space.
Let’s look at this matter in more detail!
How much weight can a drop ceiling support?
A drop ceiling is not a strong structure compared to the actual ceiling. It comprises lightweight false ceiling panels or tiles and an aluminum grid that holds these panels. This aluminum rail is designed to hold only the weight of the panels and the material of the panels is also not sturdy to endure the weight of heavy objects. However, it also depends on the quality of installation and the strength of different rail brands, as the rail will bear the weight eventually.
Most drop ceiling rails can hold from 20 to 30 pounds if the weight is distributed over several feet of the rail instead of hanging an object with only one rail hook or clamps available in the market for hanging objects to the drop ceiling rail. These hooks claim to support up to 15 pounds but putting too much weight on one spot can damage the rail and the drop ceiling panels. So, check with experts before exerting any pressure on the drop ceiling.
How to install a ceiling fan on a drop ceiling?
The best way to install a ceiling fan is to access the joists in the structural ceiling and mount your fan with the help of a down-rod. If you cannot access the joists, use a mounting bracket to mount the fan to the drop ceiling.
Start by removing the tiles from the drop ceiling where you want to put the ceiling fan and access the joists behind the false ceiling. Once you have access to the joists, you can proceed with installation by just following these simple steps:
- First, turn off the power. Then, bring the electric cable from a power source to the spot where the fan box will be. Secure the cable with cable clamps or staples.
- Mount a suitable fan box on your desired location between the joists. Join the electric cable to the fan box.
- Join the ceiling fan wires from its base to the fan box. Use a plumb line to measure the length when it passes below the false ceiling level.
- Cut a hole in the false tile according to the above measurement, where the fan will attach.
- Insert a ceiling fan down-rod through the hole and pass the wiring from the fan box through the rod to reach the ceiling fan.
- Attach the down-rod to the fan base and put the false ceiling tile back into its place.
- Mount the rest of the ceiling fan to the down-rod. Flip the power back on and check if the installation is a success.
Conclusion
It is possible to install ceiling fans with drop ceilings in two ways. Use an extension rod to hang a fan above the false ceiling onto the actual ceiling. Sometimes the support beams are too far apart for ceiling fans to be supported, and there may not be enough room above to work with. In that case, a mounting bracket is your best bet but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential hazard.
