The installation of a ceiling fan is not really that difficult of a project as it may seem, however, if there is no accessory already exists in the place where you would like your new fan to live, the task may be a bit more challenging.
But don’t be afraid because we can still do the job! Here is how to install a ceiling fan where there is no wiring.
Ceiling fans are very practical and good to have in any home. For that reason, having one installed where there is no artifact is something that people try to do all the time. However, many do not know how to install a ceiling fan where there is no accessory is this. Today, we’re going to spend exactly that. However, it is a challenge, it can still be done. It is important to make sure that you follow the steps completely. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your home or ceiling fan.
Determine Where to install the ceiling fan
Let’s start by deciding where your new ceiling fan resides. The answer may seem obvious: is the center of the roof okay? Not so fast. Most ceiling fans weigh at least 20 pounds so your new blower will need to be located between two support joists.
Check to make sure the hole you are going to make for the ceiling fan is located between two beams (this will be easier if you have access to the attic).
Keep in mind, what makes a ceiling fan the different electrical box of a traditional lamp box is reinforcement. Ceiling fan housings should include ribs that hold to the ceiling joists to withstand the heaviest and most vibration coming with a ceiling fan installation.
Once you have found the correct position, mark and cut a hole with a saw for holes and/or a hand saw.
Installation of ceiling fan electric box
The process of installing a ceiling fan case involves pushing the reinforcement and the box through the hole you made on the roof and attaching them to the ceiling joists according to the manufacturer’s instructions (although very similar not all the roof boxes are exact M The same).
Here is an excellent video show of how the appropriate lease of an electric ceiling fan box works:
Electrical wiring operation for your new fan
Before going further it is very important that we take a moment to address the inherent danger that exists when working with the electrical wiring of your home. If at any time you feel insecure what you are doing it is important to stop and call a certified electrician.
That said, before touching any wiring the first step is to turn off the electric switch to the circuits where you will be working.
Once the circuit breaker has been switched off always make sure to test all the power cords before touching them. This can be easily done with a non-contact voltage tester. A voltage tester can be purchased below $20 and is cheap safe against electric shock.
Now that power is off and tested the next step is to find the wall switch that you would like to take control of the power of your new fan. Very often, the builders will include at least one switch in a room (which does not have a ceiling luminaire) that feeds one of the establishments of the room. This switch is a great option to use to control your new fan and ceiling lamp.
Then you will need to rise above the roof to start fishing the switch wires to the fan housing. But before you do that, it is a good idea to identify where on the wall the switch is located for you to drop the wires into the correct stud cavity. You can do this by measuring the distance of the wall and looking for other tracks mounted to the stud such as ATAC turns.
Once you have found the correct point above the wall switch, you can start by drilling about a diameter hole of 1 “To drop your new wiring. A 1 “bit Spade works perfectly for this work. You will also need to drill a small hole into the electric wall switch box to lock the wires thoroughly.
Now that all the holes are made it’s time to start fishing the cable. In order to avoid having to drill extra holes in your drywall, the best method is to use the fish tape, which again you can buy relatively economically and it is great to have in any Home toolbox.
Using your fish tape starts at the switch box and push and rotate around until you find the hole 1 ‘ you made in the upper attic.
Once you run the fish tape through your time to start pulling the wires, but even before you do this it is important that you select the correct cables to pull. To do this, make sure that the wires you are using combine the wiring gauge that already exists in the circuit breaker (e.g. 15 amperes in 14 gauge copper, etc.). Again, if at any time you are not sure what type of wiring you should be using, it is very important that you consult a certified electrician.
Use the electrical tape to attach your new wires to your fish tape and start working your wires through the switch box and up on the ceiling.
Be sure to pull enough slack on the roof to make sure the wires reach the new ceiling fan housing. You will also need to staple the yarn each pair of legs to the beams in the attic above where you are working-check your local electrical code for the exact distance required between the staples.
Inside the wall switch box your next job will be to join the new wires that ran to the proper hot, neutral and ground wires that already exist in the switch box.
The exact wiring method will depend on your preferences with considerations on how the switch will control the light and fan. For example, you might want to provide constant power to the fan, allowing the switch to control the light.
Now moving to the fan box you will want to connect your floor, neutral, and hot wires to the fan wiring.
Ceiling Fan Installation
The rest of the fan installation will require mounting and hanging the fan you purchased. Since each fan is different, it is best to refer to the installation instructions that came with the new manufacturer’s fan. But before you do this here are some important things to remember:
- The electrical box you have installed must be metal and rated to withstand a ceiling fan.
- Secure the mounting bracket that came with your ceiling fan to the ceiling fan housing you installed earlier.
- Test the strength of the box and mount by pulling it a bit to make sure it doesn’t move easily.
Some final notes
Installing a ceiling fan is always easier if you are able to work with a pre-existing roof accessory, but just because one is not there does not mean you can’t do the job. Just be sure to follow the above steps and it will be done at no time.