Tools Needed
- Hammer or screwdriver
- Wire sheathing strippers
- Wire cutter/stripper
Materials Needed:
- Metal ceiling fan electrical box
- Wire nuts
- Screws (wood screws and #8 or 10)
- 2x4 or 2x6 lumber
- Grounding screw
OVERVIEW
Installing a ceiling fan is a common DIY task. It is not difficult, but there are important factors to consider so the installation is safe and secure. We’ll cover the entire process here so you can do it right!
Show Notes:
Tools Needed:
- Wire cutters – diagonal or side cutters
- Wire strippers
- Wire sheathing cutter
- Drill
- Slotted and Philips screwdriver
- Saw (if you have to construct a cross brace)
Materials Needed:
- Ceiling fan
- Ceiling fan electrical box and fan mounting screws (10-24 machine screws – video incorrectly specifies 10-32)
- Dimensional lumber and wood screws (if you have to construct a cross brace)
- Spare wire nuts
- Plastic push connectors
The first step to installing a ceiling fan is choosing the location so you can then determine the appropriate electrical box to use. Fan boxes are not the same as other electrical boxes. They have special mounting posts designed to support the weight of a ceiling fan.
Once you choose the location of the fan, determine if the fan box will be installed to a ceiling joist or between joists. If it will be installed on a joist, you can use a slim (1/2” deep) ceiling fan box. If the box will fall between joists, you can use a deeper box and you’ll need to either construct a cross brace using a 2x6 or you can purchase a box and brace together. For remodel jobs where the drywall is already installed, you can use retrofit kit that includes the box, brace, and mounting hardware.
If you decide to construct your own brace, you’ll need to make sure the brace is installed so the box will be flush with the drywall or ceiling material once it’s installed.
Install the brace higher than the bottom of the ceiling joists using this formula:
Ceiling fan box depth – Ceiling material thickness
If you are installing a brace to wooden I-beams (aka engineered joists) you’ll need to notch the ends of the braces. The depth of those notches will determine the position of the ceiling fan box so you use this formula to ensure the box will be flush with the ceiling:
Ceiling material thickness + Depth of bottom of I-beam – Ceiling fan box depth
Once you have the box installed, run the electrical wiring to the box just like any outlet or electrical fixture. Maintain 6” of wire inside the box so there is adequate wire to work with. If using the slim box, you can reduce this to 3 or 4”.
Ceiling fan installation varies from manufacturer to manufacturer so please be sure to carefully read the installation instructions provided with your fan.
One thing that all fans have in common is the electrical wiring. The hot (black), neutral (white), and ground (bare) wires must be connected correctly. Usually, the fan wiring will be the same color except the ground wire may be green.
When choosing a fan, first read the installation instructions. Some fans have much easier installation than others so this may be a factor in your decision.
PLEASE, always check your local codes and ordinances to determine if you are allowed to perform this type of work or if you need a permit to do so. Working with electricity can be inherently dangerous and should only be done by a qualified person.
