During the 1970s and early part of the 1980s, ceiling fans were found in homes around the country. However, popularity of the ceiling fan began to decline until the past five years. Originally, ceiling fans were used solely for functionality, leaving much to be desired when it came to appearance. However, by the mid-1990s, new and innovative ceiling fan designs were developed and today, literally thousands of amazing possibilities exist for fans that offer both functionality and aesthetics.
If you want to benefit from having a ceiling fan in your home but worry about expense of installation or do not know of anyone that could complete the installation, you could install the fan yourself. While you may need a little assistance from a friend or family member if installing a large ceiling fan, overall the installation process is relatively easy. In a short amount of time, you would have a beautiful new look for your decorating or remodeling project, as well as a cooler or warmer room once the ceiling fan has been installed. Check her for savings on ceiling fans you will not find elsewhere 70% Off Lighting and Fans. Online Only
The various tools and materials needed for this job include:
| Ceiling Fan (including swag kit, low or angled ceiling mount, support unit, mounting kit) | Claw Hammer | Compass Saw | Wall Stud Finder |
| Cable Ripper | Cable, Switch or Outlet Box, Switch, Box Connectors | Wire Nuts, Switch Cover, Screws, Lock Washers | Octagon Electrical Box |
| Screwdrivers (Phillips and Slotted, Pliers | Soft Cotton Cloth | Wire Stripper | Ladder |
The first step is choosing a new ceiling fan, one that has the aesthetics that would support your decorating or remodeling project, as well as the right size according to square footage of the room. Then, make sure power to the room is shut off, which must be done at the circuit breaker, not the wall switch. With the ladder, the existing light fixture would be removed. The metal junction box, which goes into the ceiling, would be inserted. If you were replacing an outdated ceiling fan, the existing junction box may work with your new fan but if not, a junction box would need to be installed.
The hole where the old light fixture was located may be large enough but if not, use the saw to make the hole large enough through which the junction box would fit. Now, if the junction box would be inserted next to a ceiling joist, drill holes in the side of the box so it could be screwed into the joist.
If the fan would be installed away from a ceiling joist, fasten a 2×4-inch piece of wood to the joist, again screwing the junction box to this piece of wood. This box must be made of metal and make sure it is designed to support 50 pounds, which is the weight of the average ceiling fan. For a fan heavier than 50 pounds, a larger junction box would need to be purchased.
Next, follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer for the fan assembly, which varies from one brand to another although the basics are the same. For the fan assembly, the hanger pipe would fit into the hole located on top of the motor. Draw the wires up through the center and then tighten the set screw to keep the pipe in place. Place the motor unit on the floor so it is stable, and then tighten the screws that come through the fan blades going into the flanges.
You will then measure the distance from the underside of the blades to the floor, needing a minimum of seven inches. Keep in mind, for proper airflow, the minimum height should be 12 inches. However, 18 inches would offer optimal airflow. The hanger bracket would now be installed, connecting it to the box using screws and lock washers. If your ceiling fan did not come with washers, you want to purchase them to prevent vibration that can develop over time as screws loosen. Next, the hanger bracket would then be slipped into the bracket.
For the next step, the fan with attached blades would be wired and the ceiling cover pushed up to full height and tightened in place. To wire the fan, connect the black wire from the ceiling to the black wire of the fan. To accomplish this, use the wire stripper to expose about one-half inch of copper wiring under the black sheath. The copper of the two wires would be twisted together and capped with a black plastic grounding pigtail. You would do the same thing for the white wire from the ceiling to the white wire of the ceiling fan.
Grounding wires are green, which would also need to be stripped to expose the copper beneath the green sheath. However, for this, you would use a green pigtail to connect the grounding wire from the ceiling and fan, as well as from the power supply. To complete the connection of the grounding wires, also use a wire nut. Finally, go back over all the mounting screws, use the cloth to wipe the fan down, and turn the power at the breaker back on.
With the attached pull chain or at the wall switch, turn the fan on, and stand back to admire the project you just completed.
