Installing a ceiling fan can seem like a daunting task; however, you will find that if all the wiring is in place, installing a ceiling fan should be quite easy. Below you will find some important information in regards to installing a ceiling fan. Before getting started there are some items you may want to take into consideration. The size and style of the fan you choose will be very important with respect to installing a ceiling fan. In order to choose the correct fan, you'll need to know the size of the room, as well as the type of ceiling you have.

Some people have vaulted ceilings which can make it difficult for installing a ceiling fan of a larger size. It will also make it difficult to position the fan properly if your ceiling is vaulted. Once you have selected the correct type of fan for your ceiling, it will be time to get started. With this tutorial of installing a ceiling fan, if you've never installed a lighting fixture before, you'll want to pay close attention to the instructions listed below.

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Pre-Installation:

1. Turn off the power – This is probably the most important step when it comes to removing or installing electrical fixtures. It will be important that you follow this procedure as closely as possible. Do not just turn off the light switch that controls the light. You will want to turn off the breaker that controls the light in the room you plan on installing a ceiling fan.

2. Removing the old light fixture – This process should be done in the middle of the day so you can open your blinds or window shades in order to allow for enough light. Depending on the type of fixture you're going to remove, it's a matter of disassembling your old fixture and removing it from the light electrical box.

3. Disconnecting the wires – You want to make sure that you disconnect the wires from the old assembly, but make sure you marked each wire as to its proper location. This will make it easier when installing a ceiling fan.

4. Inspect the old electrical box – Make sure the electrical box that is currently installed can handle the fan weight and is mounted to either a truss, or a cross brace. This will ensure that when you install your new fan that it will have a proper foundation in order to work properly. If for some reason your electrical box is not mounted properly, it will be important for you to get the correct electrical box and mounting brace. When installing a ceiling fan weight will be an important factor, choose wisely.

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Installation:

Before getting started on installing a ceiling fan, make sure you read through the directions that come with your new fan. You will be surprised at how easily you will recall this information during the installation process. Make sure you have everything laid out in a way that you can select each item as you move along.

5. Installing a ceiling fan mounting bracket – The first thing you want to do is install the new mounting bracket onto the electrical box. This mounting bracket is what will actually hold the new fan.

6. Use the working hook – Because of the weight of a ceiling fan motor, the manufactures are well aware that you can't hold the ceiling fan motor in one hand and secure the wiring with the other. So they've made something that's called a "working hook", which allows you to hang the fan motor on the hook while you are assembling the wiring.

7. Matching and securing the wires – In the step you will secure the wiring using the proper color codes. In the US, the white wire will be the neutral, the black wire will be a hot or (power leg) and the copper or green wire will be the ground. Sometimes we'll see a red wire which is considered a loop depending on how many light switches control a single light. Typically when you see this wire you have multiple light switches within one configuration. Just make sure to follow the wiring exactly as you remove the old fixture and you shouldn't have a problem.

8. Secure the fan motor – It's time to secure the fan motor to the fan mounting bracket. You want to push all the wiring inside the electrical box, and then secure the fan motor to the mounting bracket with the mounting bolts that have been supplied.

9. Install fan blades – After mounting the fan motor and putting on the cover, it will be time to install the fan blades. One by one attach each blade and secure with the accompanying hardware. Make sure that each fan blade is installed properly because you do not want your fan to be unbalanced.

10. Check your work – Once you've completed the installation, it's time to turn our back on to check your work. Make sure that your light switch is turned off, and go out and turn your break your back on, and when you return to the room turn your light switch on and make sure your fan works properly as well as your lights.

Installing a ceiling fan is not as difficult as one may think. The biggest intimidation is when a person thinks about working with electricity. As long as your electricity is off, it's a matter of disassembling the current fixture and replacing it with a fan of your choice. Follow these steps closely and you will see that once your ceiling fan has been installed, you'll be able to enjoy the new cool breeze, as well as the fact that you performed the installation.

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Written by: Stacey Jaques / Owner of CS Handyman Jacksonville Orange Park

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