Ever since my father was pushing me to take his headache of high electricity expenses, I took a project of buying new ceiling fans and install all the fans on my own.
Installing a ceiling fan can be a little tricky but it’s not rocket science that a layperson may assume.
Initially, I thought I would be terrible at installing the fan, but after researching a while, it all made sense to me. Without my intention of installing all of them on my own, it would incur a lot of costs, which might be a big pocket cut to my father once again.
I took a DIY project.
Set a flowchart and enumerated what I would require.
Different ceiling fan installation guides helped me a lot. These gave me visual experience and helped me to be a Pro in this area.
In this step by step guide, I will be covering the following areas:
- Safety Guidelines
- Ceiling Fan Installation Tools and Materials
- Primary Preparation
- Install a Ceiling Fan-Rated Junction Box With Fan Brace
- Install a Ceiling Fan With a Downrod
- Wire Your Ceiling Fan Controls
- Checklist for Testing the Fan
- Install a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan
- How to Replace a Ceiling Fan Capacitor?
Check out this short guide on Ceiling Fan Installation from Home Depot that I found very helpful.
Watch Out the Safety Guidelines
When you get to deal with any kind of electrical task, be very careful. You have to keep it very well in your mind that electricity is the boss of all technical terms. Therefore, it sometimes kicks off its master, if it finds any scope. To reduce any personal injury and damage to the property, watch out for these safety guidelines:
- SHUT OFF all the power from the circuit breaker related to that particular room.
- Clean up the area for enough space where you would install the ceiling fan.
- Choose a UL-Listed Outlet Box (Ceiling Fan-Rated Junction Box) along with the “Acceptable for Fan Support” mark.
- Recall whether your external and internal electrical connections comply with the National Electric Codes.
- Every new fan comes with user manuals. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for additional caution, safety, and warning information.
Recommended Tools and Materials for Installing a Ceiling Fan
While I was researching, I enumerated all the items I might need to install the ceiling fan.
Similarly, as you prepare to install the new ceiling fan, some tools and materials are highly recommended. Having the right set of tools to install a ceiling fan will guarantee a safe project and time finish.
- Ceiling Fan – the newly purchased ceiling fan comes with all the essential components. If you purchase a ceiling fan with a light component, it comes with the fan also. Sometimes, Light Bulbs are required to purchase separately.
- Additional Accessory Components – you will require a Fan Brace to mount your Ceiling Fan-Rated Junction Box. If you don’t have these two, you have to purchase these also.
- Step Ladder – to reach the ceiling to be able to install the mounting bracket and hang the entire ceiling fan assembly. It will come to be useful while wiring the fan.
- Crescent Wrench – to tighten a support fan brace or any bolts comes with the ceiling fan.
- Screwdriver – to tighten and secure the screws while assembling all the components of a ceiling fan. You may need a flat-head and star screwdriver. Probably, the screw is the only component that you will find a lot while installing the ceiling fan.
- Electric Tester – to test the presence of electricity in wiring and to tighten very small screws.
- Wire Cutter/Stripper – as you may find different sizes of screws and sometimes very short cables, you will need a wire cutter not to waste/damage the cables in length. This makes wire cutting much easy and clean.
- Electrician’s Tape – insulation tape to secure electrical wires that supply electricity. It will be used to insulate all the cable joints.
- Pliers – to tighten some screws and nuts. Very essential and works like a goody.
- Dusk Mask and Safety Glasses – to protect yourself from inhaling unwanted particles and save your eyes from hazardous materials.
Primary Preparation Before Installing the Ceiling Fan
If you have selected a standard room layout with a standard width, height, and depth of the ceiling, then there is nothing to be worried about. Depending on the size of the room, you can choose a different ceiling fan size.
If you are planning to install the ceiling fan rather than this standard layout, you must keep the below points in mind. Otherwise, you will lack the optimal performance of the fan.
- The ceiling height of the room must be at least 10 feet from the ground. A ceiling fan provides optimal airflow at 8 to 9 feet above the floor.
- There must be at least 7 feet of clearance between the floor and the ceiling fan blade. If your ceiling height is too much, then you can use a longer downrod to maintain blade clearance.
- There must be at least an 8 to 10 inches gap below the ceiling fan blades and the ceiling whether you install an ordinary ceiling fan or flush mount ceiling fan.
- There must be at least 18 inches gap between the ceiling fan and the walls, doors, and cabinets, etc.
- Make sure that the ceiling area is strong enough to hold the ceiling fan. It should not have the risk to be cracked and damaged.
- If you are not sure to handle all the installation jobs alone, take help from a friend or family member.
- If you already have something installed at the ceiling fan, ex. an old ceiling fan or light bulb, then clear the ceiling first of all. Be careful to shut the power off and uninstall it gently.
Ceiling Fan Installation
The first move you make for the DIY installation of a ceiling fan is to have the confidence in doing it. Then get the essential materials and tools as you proceed on with the flow you have been researching all this time.
How to Install a Ceiling Fan-Rated Junction Box With Fan Brace?
First, you need to get the tools and materials to replace the existing electrical box with the UL-Listed Outlet Box (Ceiling Fan-Rated Junction Box).
The box should be marked with “Acceptable for Fan Support”. The outlet box generally supports a fan of up to 50 pounds.
Place your ladder under the point where the fan is going to be set, not straightly below it but a little bit away from the center. So, you can see all through the fan’s junction box on the ceiling.
- Remove Existing Electrical Box: To remove the existing electrical box, use the screwdriver to remove any screw and washer. Pull the electrical box carefully and be careful not to break or damage the box or the ceiling anyway. If the box is stuck, use another screwdriver and a hammer to loosen the box. Remove any debris in the ceiling.
- Install Support Fran Brace with U-Bolt: Insert the fan brace into the ceiling hole and place it gently between the nearest two joints. Turn the fan brace with your hands until it gets locked into the ceiling joists. The teeth at the fan brace should be gripping the joists and hold the brace in place. Place the U-Bolt over the fan brace with the screw provided with it.
- Install New Outlet/Junction Box: Make a hole by removing the knock-out on the outlet box and attach a cable clamp. Bring the electric supply line through clamp 6 to 8 inches to work properly. Adjust the outlet box along with the screw of the U-Bolt. Tight the box with the washer and nut provided.
How to Install a Ceiling Fan With a Downrod?
If your ceiling fan is a standard one, you have to install the downrod first before mounting it to the ceiling. Start with the mounting bracket.
- Install the Mounting Bracket: Fit the mounting bracket with the outlet/junction box with the screws and washer provided. Bring the electrical wire through the opening of the mounting bracket. Remove the shipping blocks from the motor. Discard the blocks, but save the screws for the blade iron installation.
- Assemble Motor Housing: Take the wire coming from the motor housing and channel it through the downrod. Tighten the donwnrod with the motor coupling housing. It should be fully tightened with 4 to 5 full turns. Fit the given screw set on the motor coupling and tighten with pliers. Insert the canopy through the wire and downrod. Cut the wire 6 to 8 inches longer than the downrod. Trim all the small wires half inches with the help of the wire cutter.
Ceiling Fan Wiring
Lift the motor assembly along with the downrod close to the ceiling. Place the downrod ball into the slot of the mounting bracket. Turn the downrod until it locks properly. Place wall control receiver into the mounting bracket. For connecting all the wires, you can use wire nuts or electrician’s tape, whatever is present to you. Join the bare metal of the wires together and twist clockwise to secure connection.
1. Wire Fan and Receiver: Connect the ceiling fan wires and receiver wires as per the below.
i) Connect the grounding wires from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket
ii) Connect the white wire from the fan and white wire from the receiver marked “To Motor”
iii) Connect the black wire from the fan and black wire from the receiver marked “To Motor”
iv) Connect the blue wire from the fan and blue wire from the receiver marked “To Motor”
2. Wire Receiver and Supply Line: Connect the supply line and the receiver as per the below.
i) Connect the black wire from the ceiling and black wire from the receiver marked “AC In”
ii) Connect the white wire from the ceiling and white wire from the receiver marked “AC In”
Arrange all the connections up and push them through the mounting bracket and the junction box. Keep the wire connections separate, with the grounded wires on one side of the outlet box and the ungrounded wires on the other side of the box.
3. Wire Wall Control: Connect the wires to the wall control as per the below.
i) Remove the switch plate cover and remove all the wiring from the switch.
ii) Connect the black wires in the outlet box. Connect the two green wires from the outlet box to the grounding wires from the wall control.
iii) Push all the wire connections into the outlet box. Spread wire connections apart, with the grounded wires on one side of the box and black wires on the other side of the box.
iv) Install the wall control and switch plate cover with the two screws provided.
Install the Canopy
Canopy has screw holes to adjust to the mounting bracket. Align the holes of the canopy and mounting bracket, and then insert the canopy screws provided into the holes and secure tightly.
Assemble and Attach Fan Blades
Assembling the fan blades is mostly easy. You just have to align each blade to the motor housing as per the holes. Then, tighten with the screws provided. First, attach all the screws slowly and then tighten all the screws together.
Switch Housing
After attaching the fan blades, bring the switch housing and channel the wire through the center hole. Fit and place the switch housing into the motor housing by turning around and tighten the screw accordingly. A good observation and few experiments will do the job for you.
Light Kit and Pull Chain
First, connect the plugs ensuring the colors match up. Fit and place the lower switch housing with the upper switch housing. Insert the screws and tighten all the screws. Insert the light kit and glass shade. Install the bulb in each bulb holder.
This part comes into different formats depending on the ceiling fan you select. Again, good observation and a few experiments will do the job for you.
Connect the pull chain to the short-chain that comes from the switch housing.
Checklist for Testing the Fan
- TURN ON the power from the circuit breaker related to that particular room. Turn on the ceiling fan switch.
- Check whether the ceiling fan turns ON/OFF properly and operates at different speed levels.
- Check whether the light kit turns ON/OFF properly and operates independently from the ceiling fan.
- Check the ceiling fan direction, if you have purchased a reserve function ceiling fan for summer and winter.
How to Install a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan?
Installing a flush mount ceiling fan is almost the same as the standard one except that there is no long downrod to fit initially. Follow the steps below:
- Make sure that your junction box was set for a flush mount ceiling fan because it has a T-brace that supports the box within the joist in the ceiling. Other junction boxes that mount directly to the joist in the ceiling are also rated for these types of ceiling fans.
- Adjust your ceiling fan mounting bracket to the junction box.
- Assemble the motor with the down-rod assembly.
- Adjust the blades with the blade arms. Do not assemble blades (with their arms), lights, and shades with the fan altogether for now.
- You have the motor assembly. Hang it onto the mounting bracket. It will set itself up in the right place.
- Remember, whether you are left with four wires from the fan: two wires for the fan and the other wires for the light. Connect them carefully to main wires. Lock the canopy up to the ceiling with a screwdriver.
- Then install the blades to the motor assembly. After that, install the light kit.
Check out another guide on Ceiling Fan Installation from popular Dal Mar Fans & Lighting
BONUS TIP: How to Replace a Ceiling Fan Capacitor?
You heat your ceiling fan regulator to boost the fan’s speed. Unfortunately, that does not work at all and you can’t feel the real taste of the rotation as you were used to. So, what’s the problem here?
One thing may work and that is replacing the capacitor of the fan. But remember, this is not the final solution; other diseases could be held responsible for damaging the swiftness of your fan. Capacitor replacement is the easiest and first that you can handle.
Having changed the capacitor, if this still can’t satisfy you, then you have to call an electrician for the major operation.
How To Tell If Ceiling Fan Capacitor Is Bad?
The ceiling fan capacitor is usually placed above the fan motor under the canopy. Upon seeing the symptoms and physical inspection, we can tell if the capacitor is bad or not.
Symptoms and Physical Inspection:
- Fan does not start but spins when you push by hand.
- The fan will run slow or not speedy all.
- Fan speed does not work in certain speed.
- If the capacitor seems to be melted, or burned.
- If the capacitor is tested bad by multimeter and gives unusual reading.
Here is how you can replace your ceiling fan capacitor:
- Before buying a new capacitor, you must determine the exact value(uf) written on the capacitor. To do so, you will have to uninstall the fan.
- Make sure that you have perfectly shut off the electricity to the circuit, and then check, and then double-check it with an electric tester.
- Take the fan off the ceiling and then check where the capacitor is situated. It could be found underneath the fan/ in motor housing/ in the down rod.
- Follow the next steps exactly, or you will get confused at the time of connecting.
- As you find it, don’t remove it right now. First, take some pictures of the capacitor on your phone, so you can read the correct value of it. Then go to a hardware shop; show them the pictures of the capacitor. Come right back home by buying the exact capacitor.
- First, cut one wire of the old capacitor from the base connection; connect the exact wire of the new capacitor to that very point. Then cut the other wire of the old capacitor in the same way and connect the new capacitor with the wire to the point.
- That’s all. Reinstall the fan to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Replace a Ceiling Fan?
For the replacing purpose, disconnect the wired connection first. Then unlock the nut and bolt and pick up the fan from the junction. Replace your desired fan in the right place by following the above-mentioned illustration.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Ceiling Fan?
Well, ceiling fan installing time depends on how swift you are doing the task. When it takes 5-10 minutes for a professional electrician to install it, it will take 30-50 minutes for a nonprofessional. So, if you are nonprofessional but have pre-experience, then take your time and do it perfectly.
Do I Need an Electrician to Install/replacing a Ceiling Fan?
After going through all these demonstrations, if you are still facing difficulties, don’t do that. Moreover, leave the responsibilities to the shoulder of an electrician to get your fan puzzle fixed.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ceiling Fan?
If you assemble your fan yourself, you will have to buy the required tools, or if you have them already, then there is no question of cost. But when you want an electrician to do it for you, then there is an issue of cost. It will cost you 50-75 dollars for a ceiling fan to install. So before hiring any electrician, fix the costing issue by a better negotiation.
Ceiling fans are awesome stuff to use. Using ceiling fans along with your existing air conditioning or instead of air conditioning can reduce your energy consumption in a great deal. It may save you 300 to 600 bucks per year.
And, installing a ceiling fan is more of a fun than a hassle. You can replace them anywhere you like, and you can also fix some problems without hiring a mechanic. It may take some time from your busy schedule but the effort you put through is always a worthy agenda for the comfort and saving you will get.
