Some homes will have multiple breaker boxes, with one main and several sub-breaker boxes in different places. If you have multiple breaker boxes, turn off power at the sub-breaker box and the main box before beginning work.
If there is no fitting where you want to install your new ceiling fan, you should call a licensed electrician to install one for you. You will need to run wiring through your walls, which is very difficult to do and can be very dangerous if done wrong. If you cannot hold the fixture in place while you remove the screws, get somebody else to help. This will reduce the chance of the fixture falling from the ceiling and make it easier to unscrew.
Do not cut any wires or attempt to rewire anything in your ceiling without help from a licensed electrician. If the wiring is different than you anticipated, stop immediately and call a professional to help. Always make sure something is supporting any fixtures you remove or install as you work on them. Don’t let the fixture be held up only by wires, as this may damage them. Ask a friend to help if you need them.
If you can access the space above the ceiling box and get a better look at it, it may be easier to remove. If not, use a flashlight to look at it from below and work out the easiest way to remove it. [5] X Research source Few standard ceiling boxes will be sturdy enough to hold the weight of a spinning ceiling fan. You shouldn’t use the existing ceiling box unless you are absolutely certain it is rated for a ceiling fan. [6] X Expert Source Allen LeeHome Improvement Specialist Expert Interview. 10 July 2020. If you’re unsure, remove it and replace it with a new ceiling box that has a weight rating above the weight of your ceiling fan. Ask at your local hardware store or look online to find one that will be strong enough. If you’re unsure whether or not your ceiling box will be able to hold your fan, look inside it for any markings or model numbers that will help identify it. Look online or ask at your local hardware store to make sure that the weight rating for your box is more than the weight of your fan. Some ceiling boxes will have cable clamps that secure the wiring in place. If you notice a metal fixture tightly holding the wiring, look for a screw on the fixture’s side. Loosen this screw and slip the cable clamp over the end of the wiring to remove it. [7] X Research source
Use a small flashlight to look into the hole in your ceiling where your new ceiling box will be installed. If you don’t see a long piece of wood directly above the hole, it is likely your ceiling box is being installed between two joists. Locate the studs in your ceiling to be sure.
Look through the hole where you will be installing your ceiling box for a wooden joist directly above the hole. If you can easily screw something into the joist, use a screw-fastening fan box.
Be careful when cutting not to saw through any wiring in the ceiling. Keep the saw as shallow as possible to prevent hitting anything unintended.
If the fan box comes with a cable clamp, thread the wiring through this as well. Push it over the wires until it sits on the face of the fan box, and tighten the screws on the cable clamp to hold the wires in place.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with specific parts. The method for attaching ceiling plates and brackets may vary, but it needs to be done correctly to keep the fan attached to the ceiling. If you have a ceiling medallion or any molding to go around the fitting, attach it now. This will be a decorative piece that surrounds the fitting and is secured to the roof. Use a small amount of urethane-based adhesive to hold it to the roof, before securing it in place with four finishing nails. For a better-finished appearance, cover the nail holes with caulk or spackle. [14] X Research source
Use a 36 in (91 cm) fan for a room less than 144 square feet (13. 4 m2) Opt for a 42 in (110 cm) fan for a room between 144 square feet (13. 4 m2) and 225 square feet (20. 9 m2) Choose a 52 in (130 cm) fan for anything larger than 225 square feet (20. 9 m2).
If you’re unsure about the way your specific fan is constructed and put together, check the manufacturer’s instructions for more advice. Some fans may have multiple locking screws to hold the downrod in place. Make sure you tighten all of them to prevent the downrod and the fan body from disconnecting when mounting the fan. There are a few factors that can change the required length for your downrod. If your roof is angled, you will need to use a downrod to prevent the fan blades from hitting the roof. If your ceilings are taller than 8 feet (2. 4 m), you should use a downrod that is at least 10 inches (25 cm) long to get the best air circulation. [17] X Research source If you have a ceiling less than 9 feet (2. 7 m) high, you should use a hugger ceiling fan kit, specially designed for lower ceilings. These will have a much shorter downrod, or may not have a downrod at all, allowing them to sit as close to the ceiling as possible. [18] X Research source
It may be easiest to climb up the ladder and get a friend to pass the fan up to you. Make sure your ladder is secure and that you can stand on it safely with a friend if you need to. If at any point you don’t feel safe, call a licensed electrician to help.
Wiring schemes will vary between different ceiling fans. Check the manufacturer’s guide if your wires differ, or call a licensed electrician.
Make sure the ground wire coming from the ceiling is attached to the ground screw in your fan box, as this connection is crucial for the ground wire to serve its purpose. If you don’t have a ground screw, or you don’t know how to ground a wire, call a licensed electrician. [22] X Research source
This method will make one switch control the fan and any light fittings that are a part of it. Look to your manufacturer’s guide for advice on wiring for other control methods, or consult an electrician.
Exposed wiring could lead to a dangerous short-circuit and further issues. If you see any exposed wiring, immediately secure it and cover it fully.
Make sure the screws are as tight as you can make them. Loose screws will cause the fan blades to wobble and potentially come loose as the fan is running.
The wiring for the lighting fixture will generally follow similar rules as wiring the fan. Connect the wires of the same color together and secure with connectors and electrical tape to prevent short-circuiting.
