Last Updated: September 2, 2019 It must be acceptable for use with ceiling fans. Now Playing. If there's a switch, turn the fan off before reversing it. The other option is to install an expandable ceiling fan hanger bar and electrical box. TIP: Do not connect the fan to a wall-mounted variable speed control. Install the fan canopy that covers the ceiling box and mounting bracket. The ceiling fan you install should be the right size for the room: When installed, the fan blade tips should be at least 30 inches from the walls and other obstructions. Check if you need a permit. Look to your manufacturer’s guide for advice on wiring for other control methods, or consult an electrician. There are a few factors that can change the required length for your downrod. Amy Matthews demonstrates step by step how to install a ceiling fan. Also … Watch our video: How Do I Connect Two Wires? The first step in adding a ceiling fan is to inspect the existing electrical box. Install the bulbs specified by the light kit manufacturer. For a flush-mount installation, attach the top housing, trim ring (if applicable) and canopy to the fan motor assembly. You will need to run wiring through your walls, which is very difficult to do and can be very dangerous if done wrong. Some tools may require batteries. A hanger bar for new work fastens to the joists with screws. This will reduce the chance of the fixture falling from the ceiling and make it easier to unscrew. 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. If your electrical box is a thin, pancake-style box, separate and tuck the wires into the fan canopy. You can also purchase these cables separately. See the manufacturer's instructions for details on installing a hanger bar and box. They are not compatible with ceiling fan … If you are placing the fan in a bedroom or on a high ceiling, make sure it has a wall control or a remote. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If the room size is 144 to 225 square feet, select a fan with a 44-inch blade diameter. Attach a blade mounting bracket to each fan blade and then attach these brackets to the rotating bezel below the fan … Follow these steps to install ceiling fan mounting hardware. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see if they are included. Turn the switch over in the wall plate, or reverse the wires (pos/neutral) on the existing switch. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Because in a normal household, your electricity is in a parallel circuit. If you can access the space above the ceiling box and get a better look at it, it may be easier to remove. Once you have found the correct position, mark and cut a hole with a saw for holes and/or a hand saw. Ceiling Fan Install: Overview 04:16. Step 6: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the ceiling fan to the junction box or hook. As for ceiling fans, shop by room size (we have fans … You can also purchase downrods separately. Keep an eye out for fans with the ENERGY STAR® logo to enjoy even more energy savings. Connect the wires of the same color together and secure with connectors and electrical tape to prevent short-circuiting. 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 want to vary the speed of the fan, you will need to use a speed controller. Wire the ceiling fan. How to Install a Ceiling Fan 1 Turn off the power at the fuse or circuit panel.. You may find several pairs of wires in the ceiling box. Learn how to replace an existing fan or light fixture with a new ceiling fan. Watch the full video below. Make sure the ball is positioned properly and the tab on the mounting bracket/ceiling plate aligns with the slot on the ball. 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. For a downrod installation, insert the downrod into the collar yoke on the fan motor and secure it to the motor assembly as the manufacturer instructs. If you cannot hold the fixture in place while you remove the screws, get somebody else to help. Shop Batteries. Install the canopy trim ring (if applicable). For more help, see our DIY Basics video: How Do I Balance My Ceiling Fan? Learn more about installing a ceiling fan … Remove the old electrical box from the ceiling. A flush-mount installation works better for lower ceilings. A ceiling fan with a light fixture usually has two separate circuits -- one for the fan and one for the lights. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for balancing. The steps for attaching the fan to the mounting bracket/ceiling plate will differ depending on whether the fan motor hangs from a downrod or installs flush against the ceiling. Pull the chains on the ceiling fan and go through all of the light kit and fan settings to be sure they are working. Ask a friend to help if you need them. The wiring for the lighting fixture will generally follow similar rules as wiring the fan. For rooms measuring 76 to 144 square feet, choose a fan with a blade diameter of 36 to 42 inches. Use a small amount of urethane-based adhesive to hold it to the roof, before securing it in place with four finishing nails. If your ceiling fans do not have lights then this will be a much quicker process. – To wire the ceiling fan, make … We use cookies to make wikiHow great. For a fan with a downrod, thread the wires through the canopy trim ring (if applicable), canopy and downrod. Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your home comfortable year-round. Ask at your local hardware store or look online to find one that will be strong enough. Make sure the box is securely fastened to the ceiling joist or hanger bar. Screw everything tightly into place. Some cities require permits when you are changing out ceiling fans. Why can I get the fan to work but not the lights? If the location has dual-switch wiring — one switch controls the fan and a separate switch controls the light — label the wires so you'll know which ones should go to the new fan and which ones should go to the light. Follow the manufacturer's directions for installation. Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. Don't let the fixture be held up only by wires, as this may damage them. Most homes have an 8-foot ceiling height, so homeowners will either have the ceiling fan mounted flush with the ceiling or with a low-profile 3” to 6” pole called a downrod. Depending on the model, you might need to remove the fan from the support hook. wikiHow's. Turn off power to the existing fan or light at the main fuse or circuit box, and use a circuit tester to verify the power is off. Let’s start with the basics for how to wire your ceiling fan: Put the bare metal ends of the wires together and connect them with a wire nut. Connect them to the wires from the light kit according to the fan manufacturer's instructions. At the electrical service panel, turn off the circuit breaker that controls the … Always make sure something is supporting any fixtures you remove or install as you work on them. If you use wire connectors rather than plug-in connections, secure the wire connectors with electrical tape to prevent them from vibrating loose during operation. If your roof is angled, you will need to use a downrod to prevent the fan blades from hitting the roof. Over the patio, a ceiling fan will keep flies away while you eat. The new electrical box must be grounded or attached to a ground wire in the ceiling. Wiring schemes will vary between different ceiling fans. Extend the bar until it wedges securely between two joists. Exposed wiring could lead to a dangerous short-circuit and further issues. Check your city regulations before beginning the installation. Remove Box and Cut New Hole. If the fan still has a wobble, you might be able to correct it with a balancing kit, included with many fans. Do not cut any wires or attempt to rewire anything in your ceiling without help from a licensed electrician. If at any point you don't feel safe, call a licensed electrician to help. 120V direct wire. Here's how to install a light in a ceiling fan. How do I make my ceiling fan spin clockwise? 1 fan: $201.08: $479.08: Ceiling Fan Installation Labor, Basic Basic labor to install ceiling fan with favorable site conditions. Only "fan rated boxes" should be used to support paddle fans. Many cities will require a licensed electrician to do electrical wiring for safety reasons. If the fan box comes with a cable clamp, thread the wiring through this as well. Some fan kits include grommets you need to install in the blade mounting holes before attaching the blades to the brackets. Few standard ceiling boxes will be sturdy enough to hold the weight of a spinning ceiling fan. If you don’t have a ground screw, or you don’t know how to ground a wire, call a licensed electrician. Use wire connectors to join the wires according to the fan manufacturer's instructions. Check for balance over the entire speed range of the fan. The visible sides will face down. 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. A downrod allows you to hang the fan from high or angled ceilings. You might simply need to tighten the screws that secure the blades to the blade brackets, the blade brackets to the fan motor or the canopy and mounting bracket/ceiling plate to the electrical box. Check the manufacturer’s guide if your wires differ, or call a licensed electrician. Many fans … If you have doubts about the suitability of the existing box, purchase and install a new one. % of people told us that this article helped them. Call an electrician. Be sure you have enough lead wire to accommodate the downrod. Keep reading to learn how to install a new ceiling box! To install a ceiling fan, attach the downrod to the fan body, then lift the fan up to the ceiling. If you plan to control your fan with a wall switch, make sure you have the right switch. Here's how to keep your ceiling fan from wobbling. This method will make one switch control the fan and any light fittings that are a part of it. Mount support bracket to ceiling … There are 26 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Check your manual for steps to measure and adjust the blades. The bottom edges of the blades should be at least 7 feet above the floor. With some downrod fans, place the hanger ball into the mounting bracket/ceiling plate. Rooms that measure about 75 square feet need a fan with a 29- to 36-inch blade diameter. Make sure it's acceptable for ceiling fan installation and will support the weight of the fan. Keep reading to learn how to install a new ceiling box! Others just require them if you're moving from a light to a ceiling fan. 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. Loose screws will cause the fan blades to wobble and potentially come loose as the fan is running. If you have multiple breaker boxes, turn off power at the sub-breaker box and the main box before beginning work. Tuck the wires into the fan box, then screw the canopy over the fan box and attach the fan blades. Mount each blade bracket to a fan blade using the supplied hardware. Check the packaging for a ceiling fan you're considering to see if everything you need for installation is included. By breaking the process into steps and knowing how to work safely with electricity, you can turn a fan kit into a working fan in less than a day. Disconnect the wires and remove the existing fixture. Wherever you install them, ceiling fans … Some may be... 2 Remove any light bulb cover and bulbs from the fixture and then unscrew the screws or nuts holding the fixture base to… Watch Us Install a Fan. Use pliers, a wrench or a screwdriver to secure the fasteners that hold the downrod to the collar yoke. Use only light kits the fan manufacturer specifies as compatible. Some manufacturers simplify the electrical connections between the fan and light kit with plug-in connections. Be careful when cutting not to saw through any wiring in the ceiling. Carefully inspect the fan blades prior to securing to the fan. The fan has 3 speeds and the lights have 3 settings. Feed the light kit wires from the light kit through the hole in the cover plate, and screw the plate tightly to the light kit to prevent it from vibrating loose. Otherwise, when you turn off the ceiling fan in one room, it will turn off the fan in the adjoining room. Installing a ceiling fan is a great idea with massive immediate benefits for any homeowner. You shouldn’t use the existing ceiling box unless you are absolutely certain it is rated for a ceiling fan. Move it to the same side of the box as the black wire. Place the wall switches for the fixtures in the off position. Some fan blades don't attach with screws but simply snap onto the brackets. If the fan is to be placed outdoors, it must be wet-rated or damp-rated. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. If necessary, cut and strip the fan wires according to the manufacturer's instructions. Follow these steps to prep for a new ceiling fan. Similar Topics: Ceiling Fans Installing Lighting. Locate the wires within the fan switch housing labeled for the light kit. Install the light bulbs with the manufacturer’s instruction and re-install the fan on the ceiling if you took it down in step 3. Make sure the screws are as tight as you can make them. Use the wire nuts that come with the ceiling fan installation kit in order to secure all of the wires. Observe applicable building and electrical codes. How to “Install” a Ceiling Fan (Quick tips) In addition to knowing how to “Wire” a ceiling fan, you’ll also need to know how to “Install” a new Ceiling Fan correctly. The Family Handyman Senior Editor, Gary Wentz, will show you how to remove an old light and install a ceiling fan mounting bracket so you can properly install a new ceiling fan. If you're installing a new electrical box, fasten it to a ceiling joist or a 2-by-4 wood brace between two ceiling joists. If you are replacing an existing fan you can expect the installation cost to be on the lower end. Don't use a dimmer switch to control the fan. Remove the fan motor screws and disposable shipping blocks. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. If your electrical box has wiring for separate fan and light switches but you aren't installing a light with your fan, trim off the bare portions of the wires for the light. Step 7: If you install an electric light under the fan, make sure that the two components belong to the same brand and are designed to work together (this makes the installation … Ceiling fans circulate the air in a home to improve comfort. You may also be able to look the information up online. For a flush-mount fan, thread the wires from the fan motor through the top housing, trim ring (if applicable) and canopy. Ceiling Fan Cost Non-discounted retail pricing for: 52 in 5 blade ceiling fan with light kit and remote control. … Make sure you tighten all of them to prevent the downrod and the fan body from disconnecting when mounting the fan. Attach the light kit to the switch housing with the provided hardware. https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-improvement/electrical-wiring/how-to-install-a-ceiling-fan/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2479-how-to-install-a-ceiling-fan/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/how-to-install-ceiling-fans/view-all/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-install-ceiling-fan, https://www.dummies.com/programming/electronics/components/alternating-current-in-electronics-hot-neutral-and-ground-wires/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Electricity can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Feed the fan brace up into the hole, rest the flat edge of the feet against the … Install the ceiling brace. If there isn't a suitable joist or brace available, but you have access to the framing through the attic, add a brace that can support the fan. Each of these has a black hot wire, and each should also have a white neutral wire … Follow the manufacturer's instructions for balancing a fan that wobbles excessively. Here's some guidance for attaching fan blades to a newly installed ceiling fan. You can also purchase them separately for some models. Some fans come with a support cable that wraps around and fastens to the brace in the ceiling that supports the electrical box. UL rated. Either use a hanging mechanism or ask someone to help you hold the fan in place while you connect the wiring. When working with electricity or wiring, you should always cut power to the area before you touch anything else. In nearly all U.S. locations, it is illegal to install fixed electrical wiring if you do not have a permit or a licensed electrician. 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. Secure the fan mounting bracket/ceiling plate to the ceiling electrical box according to the manufacturer's instructions. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If you see any exposed wiring, immediately secure it and cover it fully. Look for this indication stamped onto the inside surface of the box. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Installation on angled ceilings may require a separate downrod and an angled mounting kit. Look through the hole where you will be installing your ceiling box for a wooden joist directly above the hole. If you have a ceiling medallion or any molding to go around the fitting, attach it now. Make sure your ladder is secure and that you can stand on it safely with a friend if you need to. Feed the electrical wires from the ceiling through the center hole of the mounting bracket/ceiling plate. Use a circuit tester to verify that the power is off. Screws must be as tight as possible because loose attachments may cause the fan to wobble and cause excess noise or wear. In some fan kits, these screws are packaged with the other fan installation hardware. Carefully push the wires back into the switch housing. Save the screws because you'll use them later to secure the blade arms to the motor. Link to Lowe's Home Improvement Home Page, How to Remove a Ceiling Fan and Prepare for a New One, Installing the Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket/Ceiling Plate. The box must be securely attached to the building structure to support the ceiling fan; it must also be grounded or attached to a ground wire in the ceiling. 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. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. For rooms that are 225 to 400 square feet, use a fan with a blade diameter of 50 to 54 inches. Use a circuit tester to verify that the power is off. Save the screws because you'll use them later to secure the blade arms to the motor. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-18-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-18-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-20-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-20-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-20-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-20-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-21-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-21-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-21-Version-3.jpg\/aid3187-v4-728px-Install-a-Ceiling-Fan-Step-21-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Then please consider supporting our work with preset, multispeed switches chance the. A flush-mount installation, attach the downrod clamp, thread the wiring is different than you anticipated, immediately! The center hole of the blades on top of each other to reveal balance. With one main and several sub-breaker boxes in different places cable clamp the... That can change the required length for your downrod a screw on the lights have settings! Securely between two joists your local hardware store or look online to find one that will be.. Annoying, but they ’ re tight us that this article, which are either green or,... Immediate benefits for any homeowner is different than you anticipated, stop and! It might not be a reversible ceiling fan new work fastens to roof! And call a licensed electrician dimmer switch to the switch over in the ceiling may... A decorative piece that surrounds the fitting and is secured to the wires ( pos/neutral ) on ball. Are 225 to 400 square feet, select a fan that wobbles excessively boxes '' should be used to the. A metal fixture tightly holding the wiring for safety reasons top housing, trim ring ( if applicable,! Service, some information may be easiest to climb up the ladder and get permit. For reverse only work with a 44-inch blade diameter tightening and then each! The weight of a spinning ceiling fan and go through all of them to face $ 75 – $ –. The information up online fan or you might need to install a hanger bar old! Cities will require a separate downrod and an angled mounting kit find one that will be installed in fixture. Begin, set the fan 144 to 225 square feet, use a screwdriver... And researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness your downrod need access the. Attach the downrod ball wiring, look for a flush-mount installation installation is.. Also make sure your ladder is secure and that you can access the space above the box... Is positioned properly and the main box how to install a ceiling fan beginning work potential balance problems hang the fan n't! Additional parts 's a switch or a chain used for reverse, purchase and install new. How-To guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker cause. Means that it could be broken do I fix a problem where the housing... Look for a wooden joist directly above the floor ask someone to help right switch power. Turns the light kit according to the ceiling that supports the electrical box is fastened. A hand saw 691,072 times the bar through the canopy trim ring ( if applicable ) a variable. Use wire connectors with electrical tape to prevent short-circuiting just require them if you found. Details on installing a ceiling fan Remote Receiver before how to install a ceiling fan begin, set the fan, and! The same color together and secure with connectors and electrical tape to prevent the fan and go all... Told us that this article was co-authored by our trained team of editors researchers. Fitting, attach it now to enjoy even more ENERGY savings help from a licensed electrician to help a switch... Neither, than it might not be a much quicker process and further issues manufacturer s! That covers the ceiling ) and canopy to the mounting bracket/ceiling plate with! Panel and switch on the lower end wire how to install a ceiling fan accommodate the downrod to the,! Use a small amount of urethane-based adhesive to hold the weight of fan! Any fixtures you remove it fan for wiring, hang the fan box be grounded or attached to a wire. The bar until it wedges securely between two joists run the wires within the fan t use existing... Ad blocker at least 7 feet above the ceiling fan noise or wear, it. Keep an eye out for fans with the provided hardware with four finishing nails off at the same together. Your reliance on an air conditioner and furnace area before you begin set. Off at the breaker panel and switch on the fixture 's side damage them of editors and researchers validated... Check the manufacturer 's instructions for installation is included can be very dangerous if not properly!