How to install a ceiling fan

I just finished installing two ceiling fans for a customer, and decided that it was time for a how to article on the subject. The first ceiling fan I installed was Hunter. It is a great looking fan, but may be a bit advanced for the average do it your self home improvement project. I'll walk you through some of the ceiling fan installation installation tips, so lets get started.

Ok, first of all many new ceiling fans are pretty complicated and require some pretty trick mechanical maneuvering to complete. I never used to read instructions, but it seems as though most of the new installations are getting more complicated because of the amount of labor required. I've yet to find a set of instructions that actually pertained to the installation that were 100%. Anyways, unpack all your parts and lay them out neatly on a towel of somewhere safe. Open the instructions and read over them. Don't worry if they don't make sense at first, we'll take it step by step. You will need to secure the mounting plate to the ceiling. This is critical and should be carefully installed. Depending on the weight of a ceiling fan, you want to make sure the plate or base is very secure. It is best to find an existing joist or cross stud in the ceiling for a solid install. You may have to install a special box made for ceiling fans and or crawl in the attic to make sure your installation is done on a sturdy and safe joist or ceiling mount. Once you have secured the base we can then address the wiring and ceiling fan motor installation. Many times manufacturers will want you to install the blades as part of the motor installation, but often it is easier to install the blades at a later time. They tend to get in the way of the installation and can create additional weight issues. I normally leave the fan blades till last.

Depending on the height of the room, you may want to flash mount the motor body or add an extension pole to the system to provide more circulation in the room. This will require you to mind the ceiling fan wiring, which needs to be fished through any extension of mounting trim before the final install. I have assembled and taken apart a ceiling fan multiple times before getting the right configuration. Often ceiling fan installation instructions will leave out critical information causing extended installation time.

You may want to install a ceiling fan remote control as part of your DIY project. This will require additional care and wiring. You may want to consult a professional electrician for this, however most instructions are pretty clear on the wiring aspects of a ceiling fan install. Remember some houses have multiple switches that require some advanced wiring.

Once you have your ceiling fan plate attached, and your motor wired, you will then attach the motor to the plate. There are two methods for this, one is a ball and socket type install and the other is a trim case install.

A ball and socket uses just that a ball and socket type system that allows you to hang the fan from the ball and socket while completing the final wiring. The other requires you to wire the motor and then secure the unit using a slide on trim system. Some manufacturers like hunter have provided a small hook attached to the ceiling fan base for easier installations.

Once you have hung, wired and trimmed out your motor, you can install the fan blades and supplemental ceiling fan light kit if required. You should always test the fan motor before completing the install to save time. You may have to balance your ceiling fan using a balancing kit provided by most manufacturers.

The average time to install a simple ceiling fan is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. A fancier ceiling fan may take between 2 to 4 hours depending on the specifications of your ceiling fan installation, location and wiring requirements.

Back 08.07.2008.