Speak About It! | Install a Ceiling Fan Where A Light Exists | Ceiling, Fan, Hole, Existing, Electrical

Install a Ceiling Fan Where A Light Exists

Written by Charlie Hare

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Today's ceiling fan designs make it feasible to install these units in homes with standard-height ceilings (seven to eight feet). There are numerous options, and installing one where a light fixture now exists is not that difficult to do.

General Notes:
1. Before you begin, check with your local building authority to determine whether or not you are permitted to do minor electrical work in your home, as you will need to disconnect wiring from the light fixture and reconnect it to the fan unit.
2. You will need to get a "fan-support brace", which is an adjustable brace that can be installed through the existing ceiling hole once the light fixture and electrical box are removed.
3. You will undoubtedly want a friend to assist you, at least with lifting the new fan unit into position after you install the fan-support brace and fan mounting hardware.
4. Be sure to read and follow all instructions that come with the fan unit and fan-support brace, which may differ from instructions given here.

Assuming your local regulations permit you to perform minor electrical (etc.) work, proceed as follows:

SAFETY:
1. Wear protective equipment as necessary (recommend safety glasses, gloves, dust mask at minimum).
2. Follow safe ladder use guidelines (click HERE for OSHA ladder safety recommendations)
3. Practice safe lifting techniques (click HERE for one source of safe lifting suggestions)
4. Follow manufacturers' instructions for safe use of tools needed to perform this task.

TOOLS NEEDED:
Screwdrivers-Phillips and standard
Cordless drill/driver with Phillips and standard screwdriver bits and 3/8" diameter drill bit (wood boring bit is ok--needed in the event you need to expand existing ceiling hole or create new one)
Drywall saw (in case you need to expand existing ceiling hole or create new one).
Measuring tape and pencil (in case you need to mark and expand existing ceiling hole or create a new one)

NSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Turn off power to the circuit feeding the existing ceiling light (i.e., remove fuses, switch off circuit breakers in the circuit panel).
Note: Be sure to secure a legibly printed label/tag at the circuit panel, to alert anyone who might potentially re-energize the circuits that you are working on the system. Label should read: "DO NOT TOUCH! I AM WORKING ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM", and should include your name and the location of the work being done (especially if in a multi-dwelling unit).
2. Remove existing light fixture (remove globe or diffuser; remove cover; disconnect wiring; unscrew fixture from electrical box).
3. Remove existing electrical box (using small pry-bar through the existing hole, carefully pry the electrical box from the ceiling joist it is attached to).
4. Determine if the existing hole is located to allow the fan-support brace electrical box to line up without expanding or moving the ceiling hole.
4a. If the existing hole needs to be expanded, simply mark and cut the ceiling with the drywall saw, taking note of any wiring in the ceiling to prevent damaging it.
4b. If you need to create a new hole, position it so the existing wiring will reach it comfortably, then trace the shape of the electrical box in the new location; drill a 3/8" starter hole; then cut the shape out with the drywall saw, taking note of any wiring in the ceiling to prevent damaging it.
5. Install the fan-support brace, securing it firmly into position between the ceiling joists and aligning the attached electrical box with the ceiling hole.
6. Install the fan mounting hardware provided with your new fan unit.
Note: You might need a friend to assist with lifting your fan unit up to the ceiling, as some fans are a bit heavy for one person to maneuver into position, attach wiring and secure the unit.
7. Lift the fan unit into position and connect the power wiring to the fan motor wiring.
8. Secure the fan unit to the fan mounting hardware.
9. Secure the mounting hardware cover.
10. Install the fan blades.
11. Turn power back on at the circuit breaker.
Note: It is always a good idea to have a friend stand by in the room while you turn the power back on, just so they can alert you if any sparks start flying for some reason! You may need to work out a communication system if the panel is far away from the room (i.e., in a multi-dwelling unit).
12. Test your new fan for proper operation.
Note: Most ceiling fans have one switch for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation, and one switch for fan speeds.

ENJOY your new ceiling fan!