Installing a new ceiling fan where there is existing wiring from an old light fixture or fan is a relatively simple task. It helps to have a basic understanding of electrical skills as well as some basic mechanical know-how. If you wish to install a fan where there is not existing wiring, it is a much more complex task! Unless you have a good working knowledge of electrical circuits, you should call an electrician to run the wiring. This way, you will be certain that the wiring is up to code. Improperly wired fixtures could put you at risk for electrical shorts or fires, so it is important to have this work done by someone who is qualified to do so!
If there is already an existing fixture that you are replacing, you will need to take this down first. It is very important to turn off the electricity to the fixture. Turn the power off at your breaker box; handling live wiring is never a good idea, and turning the power off at the switch is no guarantee that you won’t get a nasty shock.
Remove any part possible from the fixture, such as bulbs or globes, prior to taking the fixture down to make it easier to handle. Locate the screws or bolts that hold the fixture to the ceiling and use the appropriate too to remove them. Lower the fixture carefully to expose the wiring.
Once the wiring is exposed, you will want to disconnect all of the wires. There will usually only be two or three wires to disconnect. Now the fixture should be free and able to be completely removed.
Make sure the electrical box that houses the wiring is securely mounted in the ceiling, especially if you are replacing a lighter weight fixture, as ceiling fans are generally fairly heavy. You don’t want it to come crashing down on your head, or worse yet, a child or houseguest!
Before you actually mount the new fan, take all of the parts out of the box. The included instructions should include a list of parts. Make sure that everything is there before you proceed.
The new fan should include a mounting bracket, which you will have to attach to the electrical box. Be certain that all of the screws to attach the bracket are in securely and firmly to avoid a wobbly or noisy fan.
Check to see if your mounting bracket has a hook on it for hanging the fan while working on the wiring. If you don’t have such a hook, you will probably need a spare set of hands to hold the fan while you attach the wiring.
With the fan either hung or held in place, use the color coding system of the wires to attach the fan. There should be a black or blue wire on the fan; attach it to the black or blue wire in the box. White wires go to white wires, and copper or green wires attach to other copper or green wires. Once all of the wires are connected, use wire nuts to protect the connections and prevent them from touching each other.
If you have extra wires or not enough wires to attach the fan to the ceiling, you should consult an electrician. This is especially true of your wiring is very old, as it may not be up to code and could need replacing to eliminate potential fire hazard.
Next you will want to get all of the wiring inside the electrical box. Make sure all wires are completely contained inside of the box.
Now it is time to attach the fan motor to the mounting bracket. The screws for this should be included with your fan. Make sure to tighten them all the way, again for safety reasons. Once the motor is securely fastened to the bracket, turn the power to the fixture on so you can test your work before you proceed. If your fan motor runs and there is no sign of wobbling, you are ready to move on. But remember that it is very important to turn the power to the fixture back off before proceeding!
Attach the cover to the motor to cover all of the working parts. Then attach the blades using the included screws. This is another part of the project where having a friend to hold things in place while you work is very helpful!
Your completely assembled fan is now ready for power again. Turn it on for a test run and make sure nothing wobbles or makes noise, and tighten any connections as needed. (Remember, always turn the power off first!)
Congratulations, you just installed a ceiling fan!
