Paddle fans like this require much more support than a light fixture. Most fans are far heavier than the average light fixture, and the motion of the fan weakens standard lighting supports. In this installation, 2-by-4 blocking nailed between ceiling joists supports a ceiling box approved for fan support. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Electrical connections vary, depending on whether your fan includes a light and whether it’s controlled by a pull chain or wall switch. Again, follow the instructions that come with the fan.
You can suspend a fan from a joist-mounted fan box, which eliminates any need for blocking between the joists. With some fans you can use an existing ceiling box, provided it’s mounted on a joist or blocking. Drive a screw hook through a hole in the back of the box into the wood above it. The fan hangs from the hook, not from the box.

By the Book
The NEC says you can’t hang a fan from an ordinary ceiling box. Vibration and the fan’s weight could bring everything crashing down on your head.

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