How To Install a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is one of the most versatile fixtures you can add to your home. With efficient air movement, the ability to light up a room, and its focal point-worthy good looks, few additions can impact a living space quite like a ceiling fan.

Installing a ceiling fan is something you can do yourself, too. You can use the same principles to install a ceiling fan or other hanging light fixtures, such as chandeliers. With a few basic instructions and a helping hand, you’ll enjoy the sweet breeze of a ceiling fan in no time. 

NOTE: This installation guide will provide the basics. Ceiling fans vary in size and capabilities, please refer to the manufacturer user guide for specific details.

Keep safety in mind. Remember, these light fixtures can be heavy and challenging to handle by yourself, so enlist help if you need it. If you aren't comfortable working with the electrical wiring required to install a ceiling fan, call in a professional contractor or electrician for the task.

Step 1: Disconnect Power

Since you’re working with electricity, cut the power to the room. Switch the breaker off at the fuse box.

Be sure that the circuit is off by using a circuit tester before taking the fan down.

Tip: It's always a good idea to label the switches in the box with the rooms they control. It makes projects like a light fixture installation much quicker and safer.

Step 2: Remove Existing Fixture

Remove the existing chandelier or fan. Start by removing light bulbs and glass light covers.

Next, unscrew the anchors around the canopy cover and slide it out of the way.  

Disconnect the old fixture’s wiring, making sure to keep the wires safely separated and capped. 

Carefully remove the fan from the mounting bracket. 

Tip: Ceiling fan blades can be awkward to work around, so it can be a good idea to have a helper for this stage.

Step 3: Attach Mounting Bracket

 Make sure the electrical box is marked as being acceptable for ceiling fans, due to the extra wear and tear caused by the movement of the fans. Look for non-plastic electrical junction boxes.

If your ceiling fan comes with a mounting bracket, attach that to your junction box. It ensures a proper fit for the fan, as well as provides a new, strong support bracket.

Tip: Your ceiling fan should always be mounted securely. Be sure the electrical box is mounted to a support joist, not just the ceiling drywall. 

If the electrical box is installed between joists, look for an expandable brace that can secure to the joists. The electrical box and ceiling fan can then be anchored to the brace.

Step 4: Assemble New Fan

Before you install the fan, put your new ceiling fan together.

Attach the blade brackets to the motor housing before putting the fan up. Tighten the screws and secure the parts completely.

Be sure to follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

It's also a good idea to have someone on the ground to hold the fan or steady the ladder as needed, just for safety.

Tip: Working overhead with the bulk of the fan and the blades can be a challenge. Attaching the fan blades before securing the motor casing to the ceiling can add extra weight, and the blades will turn and adjust with gravity as you work on the installation. 

To get around the juggling act, you can opt to add the blades after the motor casing is mounted to the ceiling. For some models, once the blade brackets are attached, the blades themselves can be added after the motor housing is installed.

Step 5: Hang New Fan

 Hang the new ceiling fan. Some mounting brackets include a hook to hang the assembly from while you work on the wiring. 

For fans with downrods, you can set the hanger ball in the bracket before working on the wiring. Be sure the ball seats completely and securely in the bracket, and line the groove on the ball with the pin on the mounting bracket to help keep it in place.

If the fan comes with a canopy, be sure to put that in place before hanging. Slide it out of the way along the downrod so you have clear access to the wiring.

Step 6: Connect Wires 

Because you'll be working overhead and on a ladder, this may be another good time to have a set of helping hands close by. 

At this point, you'll connect the wires according to their matching color. You should have a ground, neutral, and live wire to connect to between both the fan and the electrical box. 

For grounded junction boxes, connect the fan ground wire directly to the grounded screw in the box.

Your new ceiling fan will come with either a wall-mount or hand-held remote control. If there's a remote control, connect the reciever box according to the manufactuer's instructions and insert it above the mounting bracket.

The wires should tuck inside the electrical box completely. The canopy slides back up the rod into place and locks against the ceiling with screws along the upper edge. 

Tip: If you have a wall-mount control, you can install the switch yourself or call for the professional assistance of an electrician. This may depend on the number of switches already in place on the wall and whether or not the switch you're adding or replacing is the same size as the existing switch.

If you choose to install it yourself, remove the trim panel from the switch. Check that the power is turned off before unscrewing the existing switch and removing it. Separate the wires between the switch and the box by removing the caps and untwisting them. Be sure the new switch fits in the existing space. If everything fits, once again, just connect the wires between the switch and the wall electrical box according to their matching color.