A ceiling fan improves cooling during the summer period and heating during the winter period. Installing a new ceiling fan can be a great way to reduce your energy bills without compromising your comfort. Besides, using DIY ceiling fan installation methods can help save the expensive ceiling fan installation cost. Instead of calling a Raleigh electrician or electrician in Durham, you can schedule the installation for a weekend. Moreover, installing a ceiling fan is much easier than you think. In this post, we will show you how to install a fan and common mistakes to avoid. Continue reading to learn how to install a ceiling fan without any need to call an electrician near me.
Review the Safety Rules
For every DIY ceiling fan installation project, safety is crucial. While you intend to save ceiling fan installation cost, it is also essential to avoid injuries. Follow these safety rules to reduce the risk of personal injuries and property damage.
- Before you start, shut the power off at the circuit breaker.
- Also, verify there are no obstructions at the ceiling fan installation site.
- Inspect the existing junction box to ensure that it is rated for ceiling fans.
- Choose a UL-Listed outlet box marked “Acceptable for Fan Support.”
- Also, confirm the electrical connections comply with local codes, ordinances, or National Electric Codes.
- Lastly, read the instructions of the manufacturer for additional caution, safety, and warning information.
Get Ceiling Fan Installation Tools
You have purchased the ceiling fan, fan brace, and box, switching and wire connectors. Some other tools you will need to install the ceiling fan include:
- Crescent Wrench or Wrench set
- Cordless Drill with Long Bit
- Non-contact Voltage Tester
- Wire Cutters or strippers
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Electrician’s tape
- Ladder
- Safety Glasses
Thus, you can use the above tools to install your ceiling fan or troubleshoot your existing ceiling fan.
Install a Ceiling Fan Box
Before installing a ceiling fan, it’s illegal by NEC not to install a ceiling fan box. Also, you can install an outlet or metal box, as an alternative. Here is how to install the ceiling fan box.
Remove Existing Box: Remove the existing box using your screwdriver. Ensure that you don’t damage the ceiling while doing this. Also, remove dirt or other ceiling debris.
Fix U-Bolt and Support Brace: Carefully insert the support brace into ceiling opening. Twist the support brace until it becomes locked. Place the U-bolt with screws using your screwdriver.
Fix a New Outlet Box: Also, remove the knockout on the outlet box and attach the cable clamp. Through the opening in the ceiling, align the outlet box with U-bolt brace. Attach the outlet box using nuts and washers.
Attach the Hanger Bracket
Carefully position the hanger bracket. Ensure that the opening in the bracket is on the uphill side of the sloped ceiling. Using your screwdriver, screw the hanger into the box. Pull the ceiling fan wiring into the new box. Mount the box onto the brace and attach the fan hanger bracket.
Assemble and Hang the Fan
Insert the right size of downrod. Place the motor right side up. Pass the wire through the downrod. Carefully insert the downrod into the mounting collar.
Fasten the Downrod Securely
Slip the pin of the downrod through the collar and tube. Use the cotter pin to lock it into place. Then, tighten the locknuts and screws. However, ensure that you tighten the locknuts firmly. Loose nuts are the most common cause of shaky fans. The last thing you want is your fan to fall off in the future and cause injuries.
Set the Hanging Ball
Furthermore, slip the collar cover as well as the canopy over the downrod. Next, slide the ball over the downrod. Also, push the pin through both sets of holes. Once done, lift the ball over the pin. Using your screwdriver, tighten the set screw.
Hang the Ceiling Fan’s Motor
Lift the assembly over the open side of the bracket and carefully lower it into place. Continue rotating the motor with your hand until the ball slot locks into place. At this point, the ball socket should be over the tab on the bracket. Most ceiling fans come with assembly instructions. You can check the assembly instructions for how to hang the motor.
Connect Ceiling Fan Wiring
To connect the fan wiring, you will need to have a little knowledge about the ceiling fan wire colors. With a wire connector, connect green ground wire on the bracket to the bare ground wire from the box. Also, connect the neutral wire from the box to the white neutral wire from the motor. What’s more, connect the black hot wire from the box to the black and blue wire from the motor. Neatly fold them into the box. This requires electrical knowledge. Call a trusted Raleigh electrician or electrician in Durham to help out. You can also search Google for an electrician near me.
Attach the Fan Blades
In addition, screw the ceiling fan’s blades to the brackets. Screw the brackets to the bottom of the ceiling fan’s motor. However, if your fan has a light pod and radio receiver, you can connect them using the manufacturer’s instructions.
Connect the switch
Finally, connect the switch. You will be using the switch to control your ceiling fan. Remove the existing wall switch. Connect the two black wires on the new switch to the ones that were connected to the old switch with wire connectors. Screw the switch into the box tightly. Finish up the task by installing the cover plate.
There you have it! Above are a step-by-step guide for your ceiling fan installation. Installing your ceiling fan using DIY techniques can help save expensive ceiling fan installation cost. The insightful tips above will guide you through the installation. Nonetheless, you can call a trusted Raleigh electrician or electrician in Durham to handle the task. You can also search Google for an electrician near me.
Why do Ceiling Fans Shake after an Installation?
Here are some reasons why ceiling fans shake after an installation.
Ceiling Fan Bracket Incorrectly Mounted: Your ceiling fan will shake if the bracket is not installed correctly. The fan can fall down in the future.
Unbalanced Ceiling Fan Motor. Usually, the ceiling fan came damaged from the manufacturer. Also, the ceiling fan box may not come in a flat position. It can also be caused by damages during shipment. Thus, causing the ceiling fan to arrive unbalanced from the manufacturer.
Defective Ceiling Fan Blades: Your ceiling fan can also shake due to defective ceiling fan blades.
Poor Installation: Likewise, ceiling fans can shake after a poor installation by an incompetent technician. It can also be caused if the installation is done using DIY techniques.
To prevent this, hiring a reputable electrician near me is the right thing to do. Our qualified Raleigh electrician and experienced electrician in Durham are always at your service. We will handle your ceiling fan installation promptly and excellently.
How much is Ceiling Fan Installation Cost?
Ceiling fan installation costs on average $200. Electrician in Durham and some Raleigh electrician can charge anywhere between $30 and $70 per hour. Thus, you can save this cost by installing the fan yourself.
Choose Us for Your Ceiling Fan Installation
Installing a ceiling fan requires someone with knowledge of electrical wiring. Anytime you need an electrician near me to help install your ceiling fan, call our experts at Electric All PRO. Our services are affordable, prompt, and detailed. Our qualified Raleigh electrician and electrician in Durham will handle the task brilliantly. We guarantee you quality and excellent services.
Contact us today to get an accurate ceiling fan installation cost estimate. An amazing experience awaits you.