While ceiling fans are obviously designed to circulate air around a space, installing them has more in common with ceiling fixtures (like chandeliers) than not, especially ones that offer a light kit.
Installing or replacing a ceiling fan is easy as replacing a light fixture. Most of the work will be in preparing the space your ceiling fan will go, especially if you have to install a junction box. It also goes without saying, but since you’ll be working with electricity, exercise caution. Plus, with the added weight of lifting the ceiling fan (as well as lowering the one you may be replacing) it’s imperative that someone capable helps.
Because installing a ceiling fan is relatively similar regardless of manufacturer, theme and size, this article will present the basics.
It’s recommended that you read all
instructions thoroughly for
specifics prior to installation.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS 
YOU WILL NEED:
Outlet Box
Wire Nuts
Electrical Tape
Ladder
Pliers
Wire Cutters
Phillips and
Flathead
Screwdriver
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BEFORE YOU INSTALL YOUR CEILING FAN
- First and Foremost, Turn off power from circuit box
- For maximum efficiency, avoid any obstruction within 24 inches of the blade tips.
- You’ll need an appropriate junction or outlet box that can safely support the moving weight of the fan.
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WHAT'S A J-BOX?
The weight of your new ceiling fan is important for one major reason: the ceiling junction box. If you’re replacing an older fixture, you already have a junction box (j-box, for short). This contains all the wiring connections in the ceiling, and it must be strong enough to accommodate the weight of your new fan. If the new fan is around the same weight as the one you’re replacing, the old j-box should work. If the new ceiling fan is much heavier, however, you’ll have to replace it with one that can adequately support the new weight.
Similarly, if you don’t have a box already in place,
you’ll need to do that first.
If you have to install a j-box, please refer to
How to Install a Chandelier. This will give you the same information on how to do this quickly, safely and effectively.
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INSTALLING YOUR CEILING FAN
Once again, it’s recommended that you consult the manufacturer-issued instructions. The following is intended only as a general guide. Also, if you haven’t already done so, cut the power to the circuit. Inexpensive circuit testers are available here or at any home improvement store.
Mounting Bracket
- Remove the fan motor screws, which will later secure the blade arms to the motor.
- Remove the mounting bracket from the fan canopy.
- Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling electrical box with mounting screws
and lock washers. - Pull the electrical wires through the center hole of the mounting bracket.
Downrod
You may be able to skip this step since not every fan requires a downrod.
- Install the downrod into the mounting bracket with the ball end toward the ceiling.
- Thread the lead wires (black, white and blue) from the motor through the canopy and downrod.
- Insert the downrod into the motor yoke then match up the holes.
Engage the canopy with the downrod.
Note: Be careful not to damage or cut the fan wires. - Connect the hanger and downrod to the motor assembly.
- Place the ball into the hanger bracket, and make the appropriate
wire connections. - After all connections are made and the wires are contained in the outlet box, slip the canopy up over the hanger bracket and attach it with the supplied screws.
Flushmount
Once again, you may skip this step if your fan isn’t mounted close to the ceiling.
- Remove any hardware from the top of the motor housing, and use it
(screws and washers) to secure the canopy to the housing. - Hang the fan and make the appropriate wire connections, carefully tucking the wires into the outlet box.
- Attach the canopy to the mounting plate.
Fan Blades
- Connect each blade bracket and blade with the provided screws and washers.
- Repeat this process to mount each blade and bracket assembly to the fan.
Light Kit
You may skip this step if your fan doesn’t include a light kit.
- Remove the switch housing cover plate from the fan and remove the plug.
- Feed the black and white light kit wires through the holes and screw the cover plate to the light kit.
- Feed the black and white light kit wires through the holes and screw the cover plate to the light kit.
- Carefully push the wires back into the housing and attach the light.
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HEIGHT PLACEMENT
For optimum air movement, it’s most efficient to place the blades eight to nine feet above the floor. For standard eight-foot ceilings, snugger fans are recommended. For ceilings that are above nine feet, use a downrod(s), and check your manufacturer-issued instructions for an accurate height placement for your ceiling.
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