How to Install a Ceiling Fan?

Buco 29 Mar 2020

CEILING FAN INSTALLATION | DIY GUIDE

Ceiling fans do much more than just cool down a room. Installing the correct ceiling fan for your space means an addition of instant style and functionality, creating a room that can have more optimal airflow.

However, most people think of ceiling fan installation as something only specialists can do - when, in fact, it is a straight forward process. There is quite a bit involved in the consideration and installation of a ceiling fan, however. In this article, let`s take a look at all the factors involved in installing a ceiling fan.

TOOLS NEEDED FOR THE JOB

Click on items below to shop online:

Wire cutters/strippers

Don’t have any of these? Find them at your nearest BUCO branch or simply shop online.

SAFETY FIRST

• SHUT THE POWER OFF. Make sure all the correct switches are down at the breaker box before you begin.
• DOES IT COMPLY? Ensure all product and project components comply with local electrical safety standards.
• ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. To be informed on extra manufacturer safety standards and procedures.

HOW’S IT HANGING?

Let’s begin! You’ve purchased the perfect ceiling fan, you have all your tools and are ready to get going. Now to decide where your fan will hang. It’s not always a good idea to just opt for the same spot where a prior ceiling light fitting was. You have to consider the following:

• Your ceiling fan will provide optimal airflow to the room if it is hung at least more than 8 feet off the floor.
• Ceiling fan blades must hang at least 20 – 25cm from the ceiling.
• Ceiling fan blades must be at least 45 – 50cm away from any walls, doors, or obstructions.

HOW TO UNINSTALL AN EXISTING FITTING

If your ceiling fan is going to go in the exact same spot as an old light fitting, below is the best way to take out that light fitting:

1. Ensure the power is switched off at the mains.
2. Take off the glass fitter, then the bulb, then unscrew the canopy from the ceiling and lastly, remove the mounting bracket.
3. If you are uninstalling an existing ceiling fan – light kit, fan blades, canopy, motor assembly, then the mounting bracket.

HOW DO I INSTALL THE CEILING FAN BOX AND BRACE?

The first thing is to ensure that the weight your box indicates for support matches the weight of your ceiling fan.

You will need:

• Ladder
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Adjustable wrench
• Keyhole saw
• Scrap of wood

Remove the existing electrical box, if one is present. If it is stuck, simply place a scrap of wood in the box and give the wood a tap to loosen the box. Remove any ceiling debris.

Insert the U-brace into the ceiling opening and brace it between the two closest ceiling joists. Twist until it locks into the joists.

Place the U-bolt over the brace and screw in tightly.

Remove one of the knockouts on the outlet box and attach a cable clamp. Guide it through the ceiling hole, after feeding the supply line through the cable clamp so that it extends around 15cm from the box. Attach the outlet box directly to the brace with the washers and nuts provided.

HOW DO I INSTALL A CEILING FAN WITH A DOWNROD?

Now you are ready to start the show and install your ceiling fan. For this part, you will need the following tools & equipment:

• Ladder
• Pliers
• Wire strippers
• Phillips head screwdriver

Installing:
1. Secure the mounting bracket to the outlet box.
2. Feed the electrical wires through the opening on the mounting bracket.
3. Remove the shipping blocks from the motor mechanism.
4. Ensure all the fan wires are around 15cm longer than the downrod, and strip the edges around 2cm in.
5. Remove the motor coupling and threads the wires through the downrod. Tighten the downrod into the motor coupling with the screwdriver.
6. Fasten the setscrew on the motor coupling and use the pliers to tighten it.
7. Pull the wires and downrod through the canopy, allowing it to sit loosely on top of the motor housing.

GET WIRED UP

The next step is to connect the wiring of the ceiling fan unit to the outlet box connected to the U-brace.

1. Place the downrod ball into the slot in the ceiling bracket and place the wall control receiver into the mounting bracket.
2. Connect all the wires to the correct connections. Consult your instruction manual during this process to stay safe.
3. Separate the grounded wires on one side of the outlet box and the ungrounded wires on the opposite side, to prevent a shocking experience or even a short once the whole show is going.
4. Consult our in-store experts at BUCO if you are unsure about any wiring issues.

BECOME A FAN

1. Screw the canopy into place.
2. Install the ceiling fan blade mounts and screw the blades onto the mounts. Be very careful and precise with this step so that the blades don’t land up wobbling or detaching once it is switched on.
3. Attach the light bulb fittings, if your fan has them.
4. Turn on the circuit breaker after you are done and give the fan a test.

All that now remains is to enjoy the cool indoor breeze!