|
Installing a ceiling fan yourself will save you the money from having to hire a professional. Here are some tips on how to properly install a ceiling fan:
You will most likely need a ladder when installing your ceiling fan. Get a friend hold the ladder for you while you are working. Some of the fan pieces can also be awkward to install. It is always a good idea to have someone there to help.
Find the circuit breaker box and turn off the circuit designated to the fixture where you plan to install the ceiling fan. Test the light switch to make sure there is no power (or use a circuit test if you have one). Remove the old light fixture. There should be three wires coming out of the electrical box: the power wire (black or blue), the neutral wire (white), and the ground wire (green or bare copper). Keep the wire nuts that hold them together.
Examine the electrical box to see make sure it is firmly screwed/nailed into the joist in the ceiling. The box needs to be secure enough to support the weight of the ceiling fan. Go to a home improvement store to replace the electrical box if you determine that it is not strong enough to support the ceiling fan. Consult an expert in the electrical department to get the best electrical box.
Attach the mounting bracket to the electrical box. Connect the wiring together by color (black with black, white with white, green with green). Put green to copper if the house ground is bare. Secure the black/white wires with the wire nut and push extra wiring into the electrical box. Fasten the motor to the mounting bracket with the provided screws. Turn the circuit back on and test the motor to see if the wiring was attached correctly. Turn the circuit off again and put the decorative cover over the motor.
Note: The manufacturer often includes a hook to hang the motor on the mounting bracket while you attach the wiring.
Attach the mounting brackets provided for each blade. Begin to attach the bracketed-blades to the motor. This can be an awkward job and you might need the help of a couple of extra hands. Once the blades are attached, turn on the breaker and wall switch to see if the fan functions correctly. Wobbling can be corrected by tightening screws or adjusting the fan to make sure it is level.
Note: Your ceiling fan might provide features that require special instructions. Read the manual carefully and follow any specific instructions the manufacture furnishes.
|
