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A Ceiling Fan Right There
So I’m sitting in the kitchen in the middle
of the day getting ready to watch a football game, I have the oven
going with the mini hotdogs, getting ready to settle in when it
happened...I’m sweating!
That’s when I decided to install a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan offers
many functional benefits while adding a certain decorative touch to
a room. In the summer it can help cool a room (or even a porch). In
the winter it can be used at low speeds to circulate warmer air that
has risen to ceiling level.
Whatever your reason for installing a ceiling fan, you will find it
to be a relatively easy project especially if you will be replacing
a light fixture in the middle of a room (all the wiring will already
be there). Most likely your biggest obstacle will be a new workbox
that is approved for the weight of an overhead fan or adding support
to an existing workbox, a workbox that is not approved for ceiling
fan weight can lead to disaster!
The following instructions cover general installations when
replacing an existing light. It will give you an idea of what is
required for the project. Make sure you review and follow
instructions that are specific to the fan you purchase. Depending on
your installation requirements, you may need to purchase a longer
“down rod” for cathedral ceilings or purchase an optional lighting
kit if it is not included.
1) Turn off the circuit by switching off the breaker. Remove the
existing ceiling fixture.
2) Determine if your existing workbox will provide enough support.
If you have access to the workbox from your attic, check to see if
the workbox has metal cross braces that span between two joists. If
not, you can cut a 2”x4” to fit in between the joists. Install it so
it touches the top of the workbox. Anchor the wood in place. From
the room, use 1” drywall screws to anchor the box to the wood brace.
3) If you do not have access from the attic, you can install a metal
cross brace through the rough opening in your ceiling and then
attach an approved workbox to the metal brace.
4) I hate this part! Assemble the ceiling fan according to the
manufacturers provided instructions. When you are ready to hang the
fan, take the mounting bracket and install it to the ceiling
workbox. Some fans come with a hanging frame that allows you to hook
the ball end of the down rod in place. Others come with a bracket
that provides a “J” hook that allows you to hang the motor housing
while hooking up the wiring
5) If you removed a light fixture from the ceiling, most likely the
existing wiring will provide one switched circuit to your new
ceiling fan. This means the wall switch will function as the master
switch to turn the unit off and on. The pull chain on the fan will
also control the fan (and its speed). If you install an optional
light kit on the fan, both the wall switch and a pull chain will
also control it.
6) Following the wiring diagram provided with the fan, hook up the
wires using wire nuts. Most likely this is as simple as connecting
the 2 black wires; connecting the 2 white wires and connecting the 2
ground wires.
7) Once the fan is wired, finish its assembly according to the
specific manufacturer’s instructions. You will need to install the
canopy to the top of the rod.
8)You will also need to attach the fan blades. If you are installing
a light kit, remove the cover on the bottom of the fan where the
light kit will be mounted. Following the manufacturer’s
instructions, assemble and install the light kit.
At this point you are ready to switch the breaker on and start
enjoying your new ceiling fan.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube