Install Ceiling Fan Junction Box

Install Ceiling Fan Junction Box

Installing a Ceiling Fan in Six Easy Steps

Installing a ceiling fan is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project. In addition, adding a ceiling fan to your home can help to increase its value while also making it more pleasant for you to live. So, if you have a light that you would like to replace with a ceiling fan fixture instead, just follow these simple steps and you will soon have a nice, cool breeze in your home.

Step #1: Deenergeize the Circuit

Of course, safety is always the main concern when doing any electrical project. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is deenergize the circuit so you do not get shocked while changing out the light. To accomplish this, you can either turn off the main switch to your home, which will shut off all of the house’s eletricitly, or you will need to trip the circuit that provides electricity to the light you are replacing. Shutting off all of the electricity is the surest way to avoid getting a shock, but it will also make it impossible for you to use any outlets or lighting. Therefore, most people prefer to simply trip the correct circuit breaker instead.

Step #2: Remove the Old Light

Next, you will need to take out the light that you are replacing. Most lights are simply screwed or bolted into the ceiling and can be easily removed once the cover is taken off. After you have removed the cover, lower the fixture and disconnect all of the wires. Using pieces of masking tape, mark each wire so you can more easily identify them when it comes time to install the ceiling fan.

Step #3: Read the Instructions

Even if you have done electrical work in the past, it is best to review the manufacturer’s instructions in order to make certain you know the proper color-coding for the wiring.

Step #4: Wire the Fan

Once you have determined the proper wiring configuration, connect the wires with wirenuts and make sure the connections are all tight and secure. With the wiring properly in place, push them into the junction box.

Step #5: Attach the Fan

Now, it is time to attach the fan to the junction box or to the hangers. Again, you should review the manufacturer’s instructions to make certain you do this correctly.

Step #6: Reenergize the Circuits

With everything in place, you can now reenergize the circuits and make certain everything is in proper running order. Test all of the functions of the ceiling fan in order to be certain all of the connections are in proper working order.

If you aren’t comfortable with performing the wiring necessary to complete this job, you might want to consider taking a few electrical courses. After taking a couple classes, you will likely feel inspired to tackle some even tougher jobs around the house.

About the Author

electrical courses - Able Skills Electrical Courses offer you all the training you need to become an electrician.

Want to install a ceiling fan in the bedroom but there is no metal junction box?

I would like to install a ceiling fan in the bedroom house (built 1920), but when I removed the light fixture there was no junction box and a very small opening with two black-sheathed wires coming out. I have multiple questions:

Haven't seen one of these questions in a while. Yeah, they make products for your EXACT situation. You need a metal box and that box has to be secure. Here's what they have:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_306248-427-VQFH_4294935637+4294965578_44?productId=3126865

There are lots of other manufacturers. I know that Eagle Electric makes one that actually screws out and can hold over 1000 pounds. I can't find that one right now, but they all work in the same manner. You collapse it then you put it into the cavity then you orient it correctly and expand the braces. It will hold a ceiling fan.

As far as the hot wire is concerned, it needs to go on the black wire of the fan, not the white. Depending on what kind of fan you get, there could be another load from the light kit. You really have no choice but to hook that up to the hot as well and control the whole thing from the pull switches on the fan itself. The wall switch will merely control power to the fan. You can buy remote systems that will allow you independent control of the lights and the fan, but they are expensive and in my experience don't work that well.

As far as the ground wire, who cares? Unless you get a live short to the chassis of the fan, it won't make any difference. It ain't exactly modern code, but people have lived like this for DECADES and unless you want to tear out all your ceilings, it's the only option. If you aren't tough enough to take a hit from 120V 60Hz, you really shouldn't be doing this project anyway.

Good luck, man.

DIY Tips to Die From Good Luck

[affmage source="cj" results="3"]light ceiling fan[/affmage]