In this case, you'll place the actual motor housing over the hub. Some fans have a separate motor hub into which the hanger pipe mounts. A set-screw is tightened securely to make sure the pipe stays in place after it is threaded down. The wires are then drawn up in the center.
#WIRING A CEILING FAN WITH LIGHT TO FAN INSTALL#
Step 1: Install the Hanger Pipe The hanger pipe is usually placed into its hole on top of the motor. Regardless of the manufacturer's instructions, if the fan blades are less than a screwdriver's length away from the ceiling, it may be best to install the blades before hanging the fan. Be sure to follow the specific instructions with the unit that you buy. You may need an extender to lower the fan to the proper level.Ĭaution: Fan-mounting is particularly important because any failure to make things secure could allow your fan to fall from the ceiling.Īssemble the Fan Fan assembly varies from brand to brand. Use one kind for a horizontal beam, another for a pitched beam.
![wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan](https://www.chanish.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/wiring_diagrams_for_a_ceiling_fan_and_light_kit_6.png)
Step 4: Mounting to a Beamed Ceiling You'll use a special beam mount when mounting a fan to a beamed ceiling. Even a well-balanced fan creates some vibration when it runs. Also, your mounting must be able to withstand vibration while the fan is running. If it weighs more, the building structure must support it. (Some local codes don't permit the use of 3" boxes.)Ĭaution: The heaviest fan that should be supported by an outlet/junction box is 35 pounds.
#WIRING A CEILING FAN WITH LIGHT TO FAN CODE#
Depending on the brand, style, and size of your ceiling fan - and your electrical code - you may use a 4" or 3" octagonal junction box. Use only a metal junction box to support a ceiling fan - never hang the fan from a plastic box. View the image for a typical fan mounting where there's access above the joists for header-nailing. If not, you may need to open a larger access hole. Sometimes, you can insert a 2" x 4" header through the junction box's hole, nailing it to each joist. Fasten the box to a 2" x 4" header nailed between the joists. If it's next to the joist, drill holes in its side and screw it to the joist. Step 3: Install Junction Box Cut a hole large enough for the junction box to be slipped in. If they do, move aside just far enough between the joists to fasten the side of the fan's new junction box directly to the joist. Determine whether the lines cross exactly below a ceiling joist.
![wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan](https://www.do-it-yourself-help.com/images/ceiling-fan-light-kit-wiring-diagram.gif)
Step 2: Determine Center If there is no central light fixture, snap diagonal chalk lines from opposite corners of the room to find its center. Make sure to read all of the electrical safety tips. Only then should you remove the light fixture. Step 1: Turn off the Power Start your installation by turning off the power to the light's circuit breaker or fuse. Having 18" is better if the space is available. Remember, though, that you need at least 12" between the ceiling and the tops of the fan blades for proper airflow. With some models, the fan blade height can be increased by as much as 10".
![wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/cc/8a/f8/cc8af8748fa1c8bd4cbda8860067f81d.jpg)
If the floor-to-ceiling distance is too little, check into a low-ceiling mount for your fan. Building codes in your area may reinforce this. An absolute minimum height of 7' is recommended.
![wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan wiring a ceiling fan with light to fan](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/4e/a1/02/4ea1027e91f6553b5b7ad73c25a46f9c.jpg)
You can do this by measuring the floor-to-ceiling distance and subtracting for the part of the fan that will extend below the ceiling down to the lower blade surface. You can tap into an existing circuit to do this.Ĭheck the floor-to-ceiling height of the fan blades. Then, you'll need to bring electrical power to it. If there is no central light fixture, you'll have to create a place to hang the ceiling fan. If not, you must run a new circuit with a new circuit breaker from the house main service panel or subpanel to the fan. But if your fan includes lights, be sure the circuit it's on has enough extra capacity to handle the load. Since a fan draws about the same power as a ceiling fixture, the electrical circuit shouldn't be overloaded. This spot provides a smooth air flow to most of the room. In almost all homes, the fan is installed in the center of the room, replacing a central light fixture. The installation begins with choosing where the fan should be located. An easy-to-install ceiling fan can make a real difference in your home's climate - both cooling and heating - at a far lower cost and operating expense than almost any other item.