| The biggest mistake people make when installing a | | | | wiring changes are needed, unless the original |
| ceiling fan is probably the cheapest part of the | | | | wiring is not large enough to supply the fan, so be |
| installation, the box it is mounted on. Typically | | | | sure to verify wire size before proceeding. |
| when a home is roughed in for lighting a round | | | | Chances are that light is not the only light on that |
| plastic box with 2, 6/32 screws to mount the | | | | circuit. If you cannot access the box from above |
| fixture is used. This box is perfect for a 2 pound | | | | you can still install your new box from below. Just |
| incandescent light, but absolutely not for a 20 | | | | follow the instructions carefully that come with |
| pound ceiling fan. The plastic box is usually nailed | | | | your box. These boxes are designed for simple |
| to a joist with 2 diagonal nails making it very | | | | installation and most work very well. |
| secure for your average light fixture. | | | | Once you have your box and wiring installed it is |
| This however is not secure enough for the | | | | time to hang your fan. If you happen to remove |
| weight and movement of a ceiling fan. You will | | | | too much drywall when installing your box, you |
| need to change the box to an approved ceiling | | | | can purchase a plastic cover ring that will cover |
| fan box. An approved box can be purchased at | | | | most holes. Hang the bracket, the fan motor will |
| most building supply companies and should be | | | | hang from, and be sure to attach your ground |
| used for any ceiling fan installation. The box differs | | | | and safety cable. Hang your motor assembly on |
| from most boxes in that it is steel and attached | | | | the bracket and connect your wiring and safety |
| to a substantial bracket that is secured to the | | | | cable. If you used new wiring be sure to note |
| joist by either nailing or expanding the bracket. In | | | | which wire you use for lights and which you use |
| addition the screws are larger and go through the | | | | for fans. Hook up the light wire whether your |
| box rather than screw into it. That way the fan is | | | | using the light kit or not. Hang the fan motor and |
| hanging by the box and bracket not just the small | | | | secure it with the supplied screws. Attach the |
| screws. | | | | motor housing cover with screws provided and |
| The first step is to turn the power off, not the | | | | it's on to the blades. Attach your blades and install |
| light switch, the breaker. Now you can safely | | | | control switch if you are using one. Ensure |
| remove the light fixture and box from the ceiling. | | | | everything is installed, the switches are off and |
| If you have access to the light from above that | | | | restore power. Check the operation of your fan |
| is the best way to remove and install your new | | | | and or light. |
| box. I would also recommend that you replace | | | | Installing a fan is a very involved procedure, |
| the wiring to the switch with a 3 wire romex so | | | | especially if you need to replace boxes and wiring. |
| that you will have separate switch legs for light | | | | Before you begin, evaluate what is required to |
| and fan. Even if your not using a light kit trust me | | | | complete this task, and if you feel overwhelmed |
| it is better to have the other switch leg and not | | | | at all contact a qualified electrician to assist you. |
| use it, then to want it later and not have it. Keep | | | | The key to the success of this installation is the |
| in mind this is only necessary if you want a special | | | | box. Do NOT attempt to install a fan without the |
| switch to control your fan. | | | | correct approved box. The most important thing |
| If you don't mind using the chains no additional | | | | in any electrical installation is to be SAFE! |