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How To Install A Ceiling Fan For Your Home Or Business


Installing a new ceiling fan is a great weekend project for any DIY-er as it will only take you a few hours to complete and the payoff is immediate.

Step 1: Turn off power
Be sure to turn off power to the existing light or fan at the main fuse or circuit box. Use a circuit tester to verify that the power is off, while also turning the corresponding wall switches to the off position.

Step 2: Determine what switches you need
If this location has dual-switch wiring (where one switch controls the light and a separate switch controls the fan), label the wires accordingly so you won’t get confused later. If your electrical box has wiring for separate light and fan switches but you will only be using the fan switch, trim off the bare portions of the wires for the light, attach wire connectors to the ends, then wrap with electrical tape.

Pro tip: if you plan to control the fan with a wall switch, check to make sure you have the right kind of switch. Some fans will only work with pre-set multi-speed switches.

Step 3: Remove the existing fixture
Disconnect the wires and remove them from the existing fixture. You may need a helper to support the fixture while you disconnect and remove it.

Step 4: Check your electrical box
Check that the electrical box in the ceiling is suitable for use with ceiling fans. This indication will be stamped onto the inside surface of the box. You may also notice a fan-weight rating.

In order to support the ceiling fan, the box must be securely attached to the building structure and be grounded or attached to a ground wire in the ceiling. If you’re unsure about your electrical box, it’s best to purchase and install a new one. Better safe than sorry.

Step 5: Thread the ceiling fan wires
If your ceiling fan has a down rod, thread the wires through the canopy trim ring (if applicable), the canopy, and the down rod. Then continue to run the wires on one side of the pin in the down rod ball.

If you have a flush-mount fan, thread the wires from the fan motor through the top housing, the trim ring (if applicable), and the canopy.

Pro tip: Make sure you have enough lead wire to accommodate the down rod. If you need more wire for the down rod, it can be purchased separately.

Step 6: Attach the ceiling fan down rod
Insert the down rod into the collar yoke on the fan motor and secure it to the motor assembly, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use pliers, a wrench, or a screwdriver to secure the fasteners that hold the down rod to the collar yoke.
For a flush-mount fan, attach the top housing, trim ring, and the canopy to the fan motor assembly.

Step 7: Cut the Ceiling Fan Wires.
If necessary, cut and strip the fan wires according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 8: Hanger Ball in Ceiling Fan Bracket
If the mounting bracket or ceiling plate has a hook to support the fan for wiring, hang the fan on the hook. If there is no hook or down rod, have a helper support the fan while you continue to follow the rest of the steps below.

Step 9: Ceiling Fan Wiring Connections
Using wire connectors, join the wires according to the fan manufacturer’s instructions. Aside from the bare or green ground wire, no bare wire or wire filaments should be visible outside the wire connector after connecting the wire.

Step 10: Tuck the wires into the electrical box
Keep the green and white wires on one side of the electrical box and the black wires on the other side.

Step 11: Remove from the support hook (if necessary)
You may need to remove the fan from the support hook, depending on your model. For down rod fans, make sure the tab on the ceiling plate/mounting bracket or canopy is seated securely in the slot on the hanger ball.

Step 12: Attach the canopy
Attach the canopy to the mounting bracket/ceiling plate with supplied screws.

Step 13: Install the canopy trim ring (if applicable)

Even though installing ceiling fans is something the average person can do, it can be a little dangerous. There's the weight of the fan, ensuring the wiring is done correctly, plus having the tools.  Opting to use a professional, like a licensed electrician, is a great way to ensure the job is done right. The electricians at Tejas Electric are here for you, and can be found with a simple search using Electricians Austin TX.






Tejas Electric
512-858-7689
2799 W. Highway 290
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
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Location: 2799 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA

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