How to Install a Ceiling Fan

All ceiling fans come with an installation manual, but these step-by-step instructions will help make the process even easier.

Time
2 hours
Price Range
$250 - $500
Difficulty
Moderate

In this Project you will:

Assemble the Blades
Attach the Blades, and Install the Down Rod
Push the Wires Through The Down Rod
Remove the Old Fan
Put the Bracket Into the Remodeling Box
Strip and Connect the Wires
Attach the Bulb Motor

Step 1: Assemble the Blades

The best place to start is with the blade assembly. Screw the hardware onto the fan blades. Don't worry if there are extra pieces -- the manufacturer typically throws in an extra screw or two.

Step 2: Attach the Blades, and Install the Down Rod

Install the blades onto the fan motor, and make sure the blades are attached tightly (Image 1). Loose fan blades are the most common cause for fan wobble. Now install the down rod. In this instance, the rod supplied by the manufacturer is too short. Note: Mounting fans too close to the ceiling prevents proper air flow. Instead, a longer steel down rod (Image 2) is purchased for the ceiling fan to hang lower from the ceiling.

- Image 1
- Image 2

Step 3: Push the Wires Through The Down Rod

All ceiling fans come with roughly 36" to 38" of wire. To push these long wires through the down rod, it's best to tape the ends of the wires together so they can be pushed through much easier. Once the wires have been attached through the down rod, attach the rod to the fan.

Step 4: Remove the Old Fan

Now that most of the fan is assembled, it's time to take down the existing fan. Safety Alert: Before taking down the existing fan, turn off the power at the source. Remove the fan by starting with the globe. Then unscrew the base and disconnect the wires (Image 1). Remove the fan. Tip: When working with wiring, it's handy to have a small outlet tester (Image 2). Stick it into any outlet or hold to the side of a wire to see if they're hot -- without the threat of being shocked.

- Image 1
- Image 2

Step 5: Put the Bracket Into the Remodeling Box

When installing the fan, be sure to have the proper remodeling box to support it, then put in the bracket. Lift the fan up to the bracket and attach. Turn the fan until the ball is seated in place.

Step 6: Strip and Connect the Wires

Strip the wires and match up the colors -- black to black, white to white, green to the bare copper wire and the blue wire (going to the light kit) to the red. Once the wires are connected, place the canopy over them and screw it in.

Step 7: Attach the Bulb Motor

Attach the bulb motor by snapping in the plug, turn a few screws to attach the lights and connect the decorative pull chains. Screw in the light bulbs, attach the globes, and turn on the power. Tip: Be sure to use "ceiling" light bulbs because they have a thicker filament to withstand vibration.