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Expert-approved tips to safely and securely put in a new ceiling fan
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Need to install a new ceiling fan? We can help! It might seem a little daunting at first, but it's actually quite easy to install a new ceiling fan on your own. We spoke with master electrician James Hornof and home improvement specialist Allen Lee so we could walk you through the ceiling fan installation process correctly and safely. Scroll down to get started!

How to Mount and Install a Ceiling Fan

Confirm that your electrical box is rated for ceiling fans before installing one. Assemble the fan on the ground and then hang it from the mounting plate in the ceiling. Connect the color-coded wires using wire nuts before tucking the wires in the box and securing your fan.

1

Turn the electricity off.

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  1. Lee explains that you must cut power to the area before you touch anything else. Locate the circuit breaker box in your home and turn off the power to the room or area your fan will be installed in.[1]
    • Some homes will have multiple breaker boxes, with one main and several sub-breaker boxes in different places. If you have multiple breaker boxes, turn off power at the sub-breaker box and the main box before beginning work.
    • If you aren’t sure which fuse corresponds to the room where you’re installing the fan, just flip the main breaker to shut power off to the whole home.
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2

Remove the old fixture or fan.

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  1. Use a ladder to safely climb up towards the ceiling. Remove any screws or brackets holding the fan in the ceiling (don’t worry, it won’t fall to the ground). Then, twist the fan out of its bracket and hang the fan from the hook in the ceiling. Disconnect all of the wires before taking the fan down.[2]
    • Take a photo of the wiring setup before undoing it if you’re worried about connecting the right wires to the new fan.
    • If there is no fitting where you want to install your new ceiling fan, call a licensed electrician to install one for you. You will need to run wiring through your walls, which is very difficult to do and can be very dangerous if done wrong.
    • Lee says you shouldn’t use a step-ladder—use an actual ladder with enough structural support to hold your weight. You’ll also want a ladder with a platform at the top to rest the fan on as you work.[3]
3

Confirm the ceiling box is code or replace it.

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  1. The ceiling box is a circular metal fitting that other fixtures attach to. Only a ceiling-rated box will be sturdy enough to hold the weight of your fan. Lee explains that you cannot use the existing ceiling box unless you are absolutely certain it is rated for a ceiling fan.[4] It should say if it’s rated for ceiling fans on the box itself. If you're unsure or you don’t see a ceiling stamp, contact an electrician—you’ll need them to install the new box anyway.
    • If the ceiling box isn’t up to code, contact an electrician to have them install one. This isn’t a DIY job. The box must be installed by a professional who knows how to ground the box and run the wires correctly.
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4

Attach the ceiling bracket.

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  1. Hold the ceiling plate up to the fan box and pull all of the wires through the hole in its center. Use the provided screws to tightly secure the ceiling plate in place.[5]
    • If your new fan’s ceiling plate looks identical to the old one, you don’t need to replace it.
    • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when working with specific parts. The method for attaching ceiling plates and brackets may vary, so consult your manual.
    • If you have a ceiling medallion or any molding to go around the fitting, attach it now. This will be a decorative piece that surrounds the fitting and is secured to the roof. Use a small amount of urethane-based adhesive to hold it to the ceiling, before securing it in place with four finishing nails. For a better-finished appearance, cover the nail holes with caulk or spackle.
5

Assemble the fan.

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7

Wire the fan.

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  1. Hornof explains that while you should check your instruction manual to confirm which wire connects to what, ceiling fans are generally all the same: white (neutral) goes to white, black (hot) goes to black, and the green/copper wire is for the ground (do this one separately). Connect the wires by holding the exposed copper together and twisting a wire nut over each pair you’re connecting.[8]
    • If there’s a blue wire, it’s for a dimmer, dual switch, or light. Connect it to the two black wires.
    • Wiring schemes will vary between different ceiling fans. Check the manufacturer’s guide if your wires differ, or call a licensed electrician.
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8

Ground the fan with the green/copper wire.

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  1. Hornof says the ground wire will usually be green or entirely bare.[9] It prevents electrical shocks and fires by grounding the circuit. Find the two ground wires, twist them together and secure with a plastic wire connector. Use electrical tape to keep the wires and the connector in place.
    • If there is no ground wire on the fan, look for a screw attached to bare metal. Connect the ground wire to that screw.
    • Safety warning: If you don’t have a ground screw, or you don’t know how to ground a wire, call a licensed electrician.
11

Install any light bulbs and glass fixtures.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I install a ceiling fan by myself?
    Allen Lee
    Allen Lee
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Allen Lee is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Honest Lee Handyman Services, a licensed and insured handyman business servicing Sacramento, California, and surrounding areas. Working with homeowners and businesses to get their small repairs done in a timely and efficient manner, Honest Lee Handyman Services provides gutter and dryer vent cleaning along with fixture, fence, drywall, and toilet repairs.
    Allen Lee
    Home Improvement Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but when you install a ceiling fan, make sure the box you use is rated for a fan. If it's only light-rated, then it might make your fan wobble.
  • Question
    Can I install my own ceiling fan?
    Kevin Turner
    Kevin Turner
    Commercial Handyman
    Kevin Turner is a handyman and the owner of Red Gator Maintenance, a handyman business based in Fresno, California. Working on handyman-related projects since the age of 12, Kevin specializes in a wide variety of home improvement projects such as (but not limited to) lighting/electrical, plumbing, deck staining, drywall repairs, cabinet installation, air conditioning, trash removal, and window, roof, and appliance repairs.
    Kevin Turner
    Commercial Handyman
    Expert Answer
    You can, but I would first make sure you have the setup in your home to install a ceiling fan. In general, there should already be a ceiling fan rated box, electrical wiring, and power to the ceiling. If you don't have these things, call an electrician for help.
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Tips

  • Carefully inspect the fan blades prior to securing to the fan. To check for warped wood or bent metal, stack the blades on top of each other to reveal potential balance problems. If the blades aren't balanced, they will throw the balance of the fan off and cause wobbling or loud noises.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for balancing. Check for balance over the entire speed range of the fan.
  • Don't use a dimmer switch to control the fan. If you want to vary the speed of the fan, you will need to use a speed controller.
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Warnings

  • If at any point the specifics of your home or fan vary from the guide, or you feel unsafe working with electricity, call an electrician. Electricity can be very dangerous if not handled properly.
  • Do not use a power screwdriver to tighten screws, as this can damage the threading and the screw head.
  • Check your city regulations before beginning the installation. Many cities will require a licensed electrician to do electrical wiring for safety reasons. It may be illegal to install fixed electrical wiring if you do not have a permit or a licensed electrician.
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Things You’ll Need

  • Ceiling fan kit
  • Ceiling outlet box
  • Expandable hanger bar
  • Wire connectors
  • Screwdriver
  • Pencil
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Electrical tape
  • Ladder or step ladder

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References

  1. Allen Lee. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
  2. https://ourfifthhouse.com/2016/11/replace-ceiling-fan-pendant-light/
  3. Allen Lee. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 10 June 2020.
  4. Allen Lee. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
  5. https://ourfifthhouse.com/2016/11/replace-ceiling-fan-pendant-light/
  6. https://pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/468e9ea2-6379-489d-a259-66352c6768af/45378376.pdf
  7. https://pdf.lowes.com/productdocuments/468e9ea2-6379-489d-a259-66352c6768af/45378376.pdf
  8. James Hornof. Master Electrician. Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.
  9. James Hornof. Master Electrician. Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.

About This Article

Allen Lee
Co-authored by:
Home Improvement Specialist
This article was co-authored by Allen Lee and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Allen Lee is a Home Improvement Specialist and the Owner of Honest Lee Handyman Services, a licensed and insured handyman business servicing Sacramento, California, and surrounding areas. Working with homeowners and businesses to get their small repairs done in a timely and efficient manner, Honest Lee Handyman Services provides gutter and dryer vent cleaning along with fixture, fence, drywall, and toilet repairs. This article has been viewed 796,391 times.
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Co-authors: 47
Updated: December 17, 2024
Views: 796,391
Categories: Ceiling Fans
Article SummaryX

To install a ceiling fan, attach the downrod to the fan body, then lift the fan up to the ceiling. Either use a hanging mechanism or ask someone to help you hold the fan in place while you connect the wiring. Connect the neutral, or white, wires first by twisting the ends of the wires together and securing them with a wire connector and electrical tape. Do the same for the ground wires, which are either green or bare, then connect the remaining wires together. Tuck the wires into the fan box, then screw the canopy over the fan box and attach the fan blades. Keep reading to learn how to install a new ceiling box!

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