Porch fan swap, canopy dropped

The answer

The paddle fan hangs from a plain luminaire box (marked 50 lb, for luminaires) that is not listed and marked as suitable for fan support.

Correct choice: 1. The fan hangs from a box that is not listed for fan support

A running fan puts a constant dynamic, twisting load on its support, very different from the static weight of a light. 314.27(C) requires an outlet box used as the sole support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan to be listed and marked by its manufacturer as suitable for that purpose, and limits it to fans of 70 lb or less, with the maximum weight marked for boxes rated over 35 lb. 422.18 says the fan is supported either independently of the box or by a listed box identified for the use. A nail-on plastic luminaire box marked for luminaires loosens its nails and fasteners under fan vibration until the fan drops. Swapping a porch light for a fan without changing the box is one of the most common homeowner and handyman mistakes.

How to fix it

Code references

• NEC 2023 314.27(C) — Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets

  Outlet boxes or outlet box systems used as the sole support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose, and shall not support fans weighing more than 70 lb; boxes designed for fans over 35 lb must be marked with the maximum weight.

  Drills citing 314.27(C)

• NEC 2023 422.18 — Support of Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fans

  Ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be supported independently of an outlet box, or by a listed outlet box or outlet box system identified for the use and installed per 314.27(C), or by a listed locking support and mounting receptacle system installed per 314.27(E).

  Drills citing 422.18

• NEC 2023 314.27(A)(2) — Boxes at Luminaire or Lampholder Outlets: Ceiling Outlets

  Ceiling boxes at luminaire outlets shall be designed for the purpose and capable of supporting a luminaire of at least 50 lb; a heavier luminaire must be supported independently unless the box is listed and marked on its interior with the maximum weight it may support.

  Drills citing 314.27(A)(2)

2026 NEC:renumbered to 314.27(B). In the 2026 NEC, 2023 314.27(C) was moved to 314.27(B) and rewritten. The new wording spells out where a fan-rated box is required (central ceiling outlets in dwelling living and sleeping areas, and wherever a fan is indicated). A box used as the sole support of a paddle fan still has to be listed for that use, so the violation in this drill stands. The 422.18 cross-reference changes to match. Confidence: medium

Minnesota

Why the other choices are wrong

• A fan on a covered porch must be listed for wet locations. A roofed open porch is a damp location by the Article 100 definition, so a fan listed for damp locations is acceptable; wet listing is needed only where exposed to weather.
• A paddle fan must also have a safety cable tied to the framing. 422.18 permits a listed outlet box or box system identified for fan support as the sole support; a separate safety cable is not an NEC requirement unless the fan's own instructions call for one (110.3(B)).
• Nothing. This installation is compliant. The box is marked for luminaires only; a fan swapped onto a light box is the textbook 314.27(C) violation.