Install a Ceiling Fan


Sizing Guidelines

The simplest way to install a new ceiling fan is to substitute it for an existing ceiling fixture. Many ceiling fans also have light fixtures built into the units, so you won't be losing your lighting. Their cost savings comes from their ability to keep a room cool without running an air conditioner all the time.

Consult the table below to select the correct fan size for your room.

  Max room length, in feet   Fan diameter in inches 
12 or less 36
12 to 16 48
16 to 18 52
over 18Two fans

All You Need

  • Fan and recommended installation hardware
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Keyhole saw
  • Wire stripper
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Wrench

Step-by-Step

Photo 1

1. Clear the space. Turn off electricity at the service panel. Remove old fixture and its box. Use locknuts to attach the supplied stove bolts to the adapter plate.

Photo 2

2. Prepare the space. Make sure the existing fixture box will support the weight of a fan. If not, install a metal brace between the joists. Most fan canopies are large enough to cover the hole you'll need to make in the ceiling. Place U-bolt over the brace bar and through bottom of a 1-1/2-inch drop fixture box and adapter plate. Remove a knockout to receive the cable.

Photo 3

3. Position box in ceiling cutout (enlarged as necessary) with face of box flush with ceiling. Twist bar to extend braces. Tighten until secure.

Photo 4
Step 4

4. Thread old circuit wires through hole in mounting plate and attach plate to bolts. Secure plate with locknuts.

Photo 5

5. Attach wires. Temporarily support the fan motor and attach wires: black to black, white to white, bare to green.

6. Secure the fan motor. Install the canopy to cover the ceiling hole. Assemble fan blades as instructed.

Copyright 2007, Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved
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Recent comments

Flag this comment

Gary, what you're suggesting isn't safe. The lamp cord is too small to handle the amp load. You'd have to extend electrical to the site that complies with local building codes.

Question from Manage My Home on 08/10/2009 at 9:48am
Flag this comment

Is it possible to wire a ceiling fan/light using lamp cord and plugging directly into wall outlet. I have a cathedral ceiling with a non-supporting beam across the top. There is no box or wiring in ceiling.

Question from Gary Kautz on 08/08/2009 at 11:45am

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