Let’s be real. When it comes to ceiling fans and light fixtures, safety isn’t optional, it’s a MUST. The scary part? Most people don’t realize their homes are filled with non-compliant installs. That “bar box” you might’ve picked up from a big box store? It’s not just sketchy, it’s downright dangerous.

At Fixture Support Systems, we’ve seen the damage first hand. So, we did something about it. We created the EZ Brace, the only approved solution toceiling fan bracing that meets National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. If you’re installing a ceiling blade fan or light fixture, choosing the correct ceiling fan braces is critical, and we’re here to show you how to do it right.

Bar Boxes Are a Disaster Waiting to Happen

Electrical fires. Falling ceiling fans. Broken joists. We’ve seen it all because of one thing: using the wrong ceiling fan bracing. A proper brace isn’t just about holding weight. It’s about safe and code-compliant installation. The NEC is clear: electrical boxes shall be fastened to the structure using approved attachments. That cheap rotating spindle method in “bar boxes”? Totally non-compliant. And yet, it’s out there. Everywhere. That’s why we designed the EZ Brace. Our product isn’t just safe, it’s the only product that shall be used when installing a ceiling blade fan. Period.

Know Your Ceiling Type, Choose the Right Brace

Different ceiling setups need different solutions. That’s why Fixture Support Systems built three unique braces that cover almost every situation:

1. EZ 101: For Joist-Attached Boxes

  • Your ceiling has a plastic box nailed directly into a wood joist.
  • The EZ 101 installs fast, screws directly into the wood, and meets NEC standards.
  • This brace replaces the existing ceiling light fixture box with one that’s rock solid.

It’s perfect for most older homes and ideal when you already have visible wood support.

2. EZ 200: For Between-Joist Installations (With Attic Access)

  • Your existingbox for the light fixture is floating between two joists.
  • You have attic access and need a brace that spans the joist space.
  • The EZ 200 screws into each joist, not some mystery attachment like a bar box.

It’s built for stability in open-ceiling configurations and it’s also NEC compliant.

3. EZ 216 / EZ 224: For Limited or No Attic Access

  • You’re working in a tight spot, no attic, limited clearance.
  • These braces are designed to slip in and get the job done without access from above.

It replaces unsafe setups without tearing up the ceiling and versatile and fast.

FAQs

1. What’s wrong with the traditional “bar box”?

It’s dangerous and non-compliant with NEC. The installation method is vague, and the box often isn’t screwed to any structure. That’s a big problem in a 120-volt system.

2. Why is the EZ Brace safer?

Because it uses wood screws, attaches directly to the structure, and aligns with NEC’s requirement that boxes shall be secured to framing.

3. Can I use EZ Brace for a light fixture too?

Absolutely. It’s ideal for supporting mounting brackets for light,mounting bracket for lightfixtures, or a ceiling fan mount box.

4. What if I don’t know what’s behind my ceiling box?

That’s exactly why bar boxes are dangerous. Use the EZ 216 or EZ 224, they work in most conditions without attic access.

5. Is EZ Brace tested?

Yes, and it’s the only tested and approved method. We’ve done our own tests, and the results speak for themselves.

When it comes to ceiling fans, light fixtures, and safety, there is no competition. That old bar box? Throw it out. It’s non-compliant, untested, and a serious hazard.

At Fixture Support Systems, we’ve built the EZ Brace series: EZ 101, EZ 200, EZ 216, and EZ 224 to make sure you’re never left guessing. Each brace fastens to the wood structure using screws, as the NEC shall require. Check out our videos to find the right ceiling light fixture box solution for your project. Let’s make safe installs the norm, not the exception.

Contact Peter Gazerro at fixturesuppsystems@yahoo.com or explore our site for videos and more info.