How To Install a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are both functional and decorative. They are particularly useful in the summer, since they can reduce energy usage while creating a cool breeze. They can also be used in the winter to gently pull heated air away from the ceiling where hot air tends to collect. This how-to provides general instructions for installing a ceiling fan and should give you a feel for what is involved. Remember to always consult the manufacturer's instructions before actual installation.

Determine What Size Fan You'll Need

If the longest wall in your room is 12' or less, use a 36" diameter fan or smaller.
If the longest wall is 12' to 15', use a 42" to 48" diameter fan.
If the longest wall is more than 15', use a 52" diameter fan or larger.

REMOVE THE OLD FIXTURE

01 Turn off power to the existing light at the main breaker-box.

02 Remove the fixture's canopy.

03 With a circuit tester, check if any of the wires are still HOT.

04 Once you are sure that the electricity is off, remove the fixture.

INSTALLING THE NEW FAN

01 If the existing electrical box in the ceiling is plastic, replace it with a metal box rated for ceiling fans. Also, if your electrical box is not securely fastened, you may need to install an expandable mounting bracket in the ceiling.

02 Secure the fan mounting bracket to the ceiling electrical box with mounting screws and lock washers.

03 Assemble the fan

It's easiest to do this with the fan motor-housing on the floor.
Pull the wires through the downrod, canopy and other trim and insert the rod into the housing.
Secure the downrod to the housing with a connector pin and a cotter pin.
Tighten the set-screw on the side of the downrod.
Some fans might have two set-screws.

04 Lift the assembled unit to the mounting bracket. You may need a friend to help with this.

05 Connect the white-neutral and green-ground wires to the same colored wires in the ceiling box.

If your fan has a light, attach both remaining wires to the remaining hot wire in the box.
Secure the wire connectors with electrical tape.
Tuck the wires into the electrical box.

06 Seat the canopy, and secure it with the included screws.

07 With the motor secured, mount the fan blades with the supplied screws and washers.

08 Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the light.

09 Turn on the power at the main breaker-box and test the fixture.

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