How to Install a Ceiling Fan

Installing a ceiling fan is really quite easy and even the least experienced individual can handle this task.

Difficulty: Simple

Things You'll Need:
Screwdriver, step ladder, wire cutter/stripper and safety goggles.

Step 1: You must make sure that the electricity is off to the room in which you are working. This can be done at the breaker box in your home. If you are unsure which breaker it is, try turning the light on that you are replacing and turn off breakers one by one until you see that the light is no longer working.

Step 2: Remove the old light fixture and determine if your electrical box is rated to hold a ceiling fan. If you are unaware of which type of electrical box you have, then simply take a picture and ask a sales associate at your locale hardware store to help.

Step 3: There should be at least 2 wires coming out of your electrical box, one black or hot and one white or neutral. There might be a green wire or a bare copper wire, either of these will be the ground wire although not always found in a box that has been wired for lighting. Your ceiling fan will have one black wire and one white wire and if there is a light kit for your ceiling fan, there will be an additional hot wire and could be marked to identify so make sure you refer to the instructions that came with your ceiling fan to determine what color the hot wire is for the light kit.

Step 4: To start hanging the ceiling fan, you must install the mount. The ceiling fan mount attaches directly to the electrical box and is what holds the weight of the fan on your ceiling. Assemble the ceiling fan according to the instructions and attach all blades but one as this will make the wiring of the fan much easier. A majority of ceiling fans will have a hook that helps in holding the weight of the fan as you connect the wires. Always connect the hot wire from the fan motor and the hot wire from the light kit to the hot wire coming from the ceiling. Connect the three wires together by using a wire nut to secure them together. Connect the white wire from the ceiling fan to the white wire from the electrical box by using a wire nut as well. If there is a green ground wire present, then attach it either to the ground wire from the ceiling box or connect it directly to the ceiling fan box if no wire is present. This can be done by wrapping the wire around a screw and attach to the box itself. Gently push all the wires into the electrical box and attach the ceiling fan to the mount. Attach the final fan blade and turn the power back onto the room.

Step 5: Flip the light switch and your fan should be operating as if a professional installed it.

Tips and Warnings: Always make sure that you read the manufacturer's instructions before you get started as they contain helpful information as you work through this project.

If your electrical box is not rated for a ceiling fan then it must be replaced. Speak to a local hardware store associate as to what options are available to you.