Installing a Ceiling Fan

Installing a ceiling
fan is almost a rite of passage. It is one of the first projects a new
homeowner is likely to come across and also one of the simplest do-it-yourself
task you can undergo. Once you get the hang of it, the project will fly by
quickly and you’ll have a good sense of accomplishment as you work your way
towards more difficult home projects.

Before we start, let’s
quickly remind users that you can find another article on ‘What Type of Ceiling
Fan do I Need?’ in another part of the website. This article will focus
primarily on the actual ceiling fan installation. After you have selected the
proper fan to fit your room or application, make sure you have all of the tools
and parts you’ll need to complete the job.

You also won’t want to
forget about buying some light bulbs if your fan comes with a light kit. If you
are doing any attic work you’ll also want to add a dust mask to your shopping
list and make sure you have adequate light.

Planning Your Installation

There are two types of
ceiling fan installations: New installation, and replacement. If you are
putting in a ceiling fan where there wasn’t one previously, then you are doing
the former. The latter typically involves simply removing an old fan and
replacing it with a different or updated model. This also holds true for
replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan. We’ll assume a new installation
in this article and readers can jump ahead if they are simply
replacing an older fan.

Ceiling fans typically
require at least 24″ of clearance from nearby walls and they really need 8
foot ceilings (or greater) in order to generate a safe airflow (without danger
of chopping off someone’s head!). If you have less than this clearance you’ll
want to check with local codes or really make sure you’re not endangering
guests with a low-flying blade.

Author’s Note: Codes
and Safety Tips
It’s important to follow the local codes in your area. Permits may be required
for interior electrical work. When working with electricity, always remember to
turn off the power, test the wiring with an electrical tester (or voltmeter) to
ensure the power is off, secure the panel box so no one can accidentally
re-engage power while you are working, and consult a professional to ensure you
are doing things correctly and within the specifications of your state and
local codes. Read all the instructions and safety information that comes with
your ceiling fan.

The Mounting Position

The ceiling fan must
be mounted to a metal junction or outlet box which is securely attached to the
ceiling joist, either directly or via a secure cross brace. The box and
whatever is supporting it must be capable of handling a ceiling fan in motion.
There are several choices for this, including solutions for new construction
and “old work” (existing installations):

For new construction
you simply attach your choice of fan box to a vertically-positioned 2×4 which
braces between two ceiling joists. For your convenience, both thick and thin
boxes are available, though you should ensure that all exposed wiring stays
within the box and ceiling fan canopy. For existing installations, if you don’t
already have an adequate mounting electrical box, you can use an expanding
metal ceiling fan hanger bar. Some of these are meant to be inserted from below
and expanded once they are positioned between the joists.

Be sure to measure
your fan mounting position well if you are doing new construction. There’s
nothing worse than mounting a fan and realizing it is off-center after the
installation is complete!

Note: For detailed wiring examples and options,
please see our article on wiring a ceiling fan, which details several different
ways to make the necessary electrical connections in a variety of situations
you may encounter.

Attaching the Ceiling Bracket

1. Remove the screws from the top of the fan motor screws. You’ll use these later to attached the fan blade arms and you don’t want to have to remove them when the fan is mounted if at all possible.
2. Attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling’s electrical box with the included screws. Most modern fans come with some sort of hook or hanger to temporarily hold the fan during installation. Position the mounting
   bracket so that the hanger points towards the ceiling. It will support the
   weight of the fan during the wiring process. If you are on a sloped roof, be sure the hook or hanger’s open side faces the high part of the ceiling.
3. Pull the electrical wires through the hole in the center of the mounting bracket.

Choose the Installation Height & Install Optional Downrod

You’ll need to decide whether or not to use a downrod. For sloped ceilings this is mandatory. For all other applications it depends on the ceiling height. You want to make sure that the fan blades are at least 7′ off the ground. Beyond that it’s up to personal preference. If you aren’t using a downrod, skip to Step #4.

Attaching Fan Blades

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