How to Install a Ceiling Fan
If a ceiling is unfinished, carefully follow
the manufacturer's instructions to install the
ceiling fan. You will need to rough in the
support and wiring for the fan. Keep in mind
that ceiling fans are very heavy and can
vibrate, therefore, they need special mounting
techniques in order that they will stay securely
suspended.
If the ceiling fan will be installed in place of
a light fixture, you will need to check out the
electrical box to view the light before shopping
for the fan. Use the wall switch to turn off the
light, then loosen the fixture and let it hang
by the wires for a minute or two. Then you need
to determine if there are any energized wires in
the box. In order to do so, use a voltage
tester, and if there are, turn off the circuit
at the panel.
Determine how the box is mounted while the power
is off. It is fine if it is screwed directly to
the bottom of a piece of wood. However, if it is
not, use a piece of wood or plastic (a hammer
handle is fine) to push up to determine if it is
side-mounted or mounted on a cross-strap.
Also determine if it is metal or plastic and
examine the threads from which the mounting
screws were taken. You will need a new ceiling
fan box if the box is not metal with molded
inserts for the mounting screws. If it is this
type, you are in good shape with this box.
You may need an All Fan Control if the wires
from the switch to the light are a black and
white pair. Check the wires in the switch box to
determine if there is a three conductor cable;
if so, you may purchase any wall control that
you prefer.
You should add a downrod if your ceiling is more
than 9' high. In order to determine the downrod
you should purchase, subtract 8'9" from your
ceiling height and buy the longest downrod that
is that length or shorter.
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