Having just installed 5, count them 5 (house came with no fans) ceiling fans since moving in, I have some pointers for newbies that will make the process a little easier. Ceiling fan installation isn’t bad, even when doing it alone. Some of this information comes by way of learning from my past mistakes…
Know the support you’re installing into: If your outlet isn’t a braced outlet do not trust it. My builder said all ceiling lights were braced to hold fans, even the light on the outside covered patio. I’m not thrilled that I have to go on trust and would like to see it — just not bad enough to climb into an attic in summer in Florida.
If in doubt, remove the existing box and install one of the supports pictured right — they’re available at all big box home improvement stores. It’s easy and a whole lot better than having a fan crash down unexpectedly. I once had a fan I had not installed spontaneously crash down on the bed in a spare bedroom as I watched. The fan wasn’t running and I hadn’t touched it. Fortunately no one was injured, but the event left a lasting impression.
Always, always turn the power off at the circuit breaker: Never work on electricity with just the wall switch off — be safe and turn the breaker for the circuit off until installation is complete.
Unpack all the parts: more than once I have had missing parts or a broken globe for the light. It is really annoying when you are part way through the install and are stopped dead with this kind of problem. FYI – Before I got smart enough to check all parts in advance I refused to take the fan back but instead returned with my receipt and made the store open a box and replace my missing/broken parts.
Really read the directions: All fans seem to go together a little differently. Read the instructions that come with them. It will avoid a lot of headaches.
Strip the wires on the floor: Before hefting the fan motor into place strip a little additional insulation off the wires. They come with maybe 3/8″ exposed and I like more exposed wire to guarantee a good connection with the wires coming out of the fixture box. Just make sure it’s not so much you have exposed wire showing above the wire nuts when connected. It is so much easier to do with the motor sitting on the floor than when it’s hanging from the ceiling.
Use the correct size wire nuts for your connections and make sure they are tight. Here’s a video if you’re new to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCbp6oVav7E
Assemble fan blades per instructions: This is important since you want a balanced fan that doesn’t wobble. Another thing that seems to vary a little between fans.
Make sure all assemblies are tight: Unless you like rattling noises from your fan be sure to get everything installed with appropriately tight connections.
Test sooner, rather than later: As soon as the motor is up and the light kit installed I stick the bulb in temporarily, turn the power on for a moment, and test to make sure the motor turns and the light bulb comes on. Turn the power back off until you’re completely done. I believe somewhere in my sordid past I have completely finished and put everything away only to discover something didn’t work properly…
