How to Install a Ceiling Fan

Disconnect the wires and remove the existing fixture. Enlist a helper to support the fixture while you remove it. 

Check the electrical box in the ceiling. It must be acceptable for use with ceiling fans. Look for this indication stamped on the inside surface of the box. You may also see a fan weight rating. The box must be securely attached to the building structure to support the ceiling fan; it must also be grounded or attached to a ground wire in the ceiling. If you have doubts about the suitability of the existing box, purchase and install a new one. Make sure it’s acceptable for ceiling fan installation and will support the weight of the fan. 

If you’re installing a new electrical box, fasten it to a ceiling joist or a 2-by-4 wood brace between two ceiling joists. If there isn’t a suitable joist or brace available, but you have access to the framing through the attic, add a brace that can support the fan. 

Another option is to install an expandable ceiling fan hanger bar and electrical box. A hanger bar for new work fastens to the joists with screws. You’ll need access to the joists — such as from the attic — to install it. You can install a hanger bar for old work from below the ceiling by fitting the bar through the rough opening. Extend the bar until it wedges securely between two joists. See the manufacturer’s instructions for details on installing a hanger bar and box. 

The new electrical box must be grounded or attached to a ground wire in the ceiling. 

For a downrod installation, insert the downrod into the collar yoke on the fan motor and secure it to the motor assembly as the manufacturer instructs. For a flush mount installation, attach the top housing, trim ring (if applicable) and canopy to the fan motor assembly. Fans that work in either downrod or flush mount applications might need additional adjustment to convert them for a flush mount installation.

If necessary, cut and strip the ceiling fan wiring according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Watch our video: How Do I Strip a Wire? 

If the mounting bracket/ceiling plate has a hook to support the fan for wiring, hang the fan on the hook. With some downrod fans, place the hanger ball into the mounting bracket/ceiling plate. Make sure the ball is positioned properly and the tab on the mounting bracket/ceiling plate aligns with the slot on the ball.

If there’s no hook or downrod, have a helper support the fan while you follow the steps below.

Different fans come with different wiring. Before purchasing a new ceiling fan, check to make sure the included wiring will work with the switch configuration you’re planning to use. If it won’t, you’ll need to make wiring modifications.

Use a circuit tester to verify that the power is off. Use wire connectors to join the ceiling fan wiring according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Connections will vary depending on whether you’re using wiring for a light switch and a separate fan switch; wiring for a single switch for both the fan and the light; or wiring for a fan that isn’t controlled by a wall switch.

Here are the most common wiring configurations.

• Wire the ceiling fan and light using separate switches. You can control the fan and light by flipping different switches on the wall.
• Wire the ceiling fan and light using a single switch. When you flip the switch, both the fan and the light will turn on.
• Wire the fan light using a switch and the fan using a pull chain. Use this wiring configuration when you install one wall switch and want to control the fan separately.
• Wire the fan and light to work without wall switches. If the room doesn’t have a designated switch, you can wire a ceiling fan and light to turn off and on using only the pull chains attached to the unit. If you choose this option, it’s a good idea to purchase a fan with a remote control so you don’t have to reach up every time you want to adjust the fan.

Except for the bare or green ground wire, no bare wire or wire filaments should be visible outside of the wire connector after connecting the wires. For more information, watch our video: How Do I Connect Two Wires?

Attach each blade assembly to the fan. As you did above, start the screws before tightening them.

Locate the wires within the fan switch housing labeled for the light kit. Connect them to the wires from the light kit according to the ceiling fan connection diagram provided in the manufacturer’s instructions. Some manufacturers simplify the electrical connections between the fan and light kit with plug-in connectors.

Carefully push the wires back into the switch housing. Attach the light kit to the switch housing with the provided hardware.

Install the bulbs specified by the light kit manufacturer. Depending on your light kit, you might need to attach light shades before installing the bulbs.

Install the light globe or bowl (if applicable). If your kit includes pendants for the fan and light pull chains, attach them. Turn on the power to the fan, turn on the lights and test them.