Hot summer days and stuffy nights call for one thing to keep us comfortable: ceiling fans. They provide energy efficient and cost effective air circulation and work in almost any room without taking up valuable space. 

Ceiling fan installation is something that’s generally left to professional electricians, but if you’re attempting it yourself, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the process before beginning. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to install a ceiling fan, so you can ensure a safe and successful installation. 

Materials Needed

Before we start on how to install a fan, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. We recommend having the following items on hand before you begin:

• A ladder
• A stud finder
• A level 
• A screwdriver set or electric screwdriver/drill 
• Wire connectors
• Electrical tape
• A ceiling fan (obviously!) and any additional hardware required for installation. Be sure to check when purchasing your ceiling fan that it’s suitable for the room it’ll be installed in. 

Once you’ve got your tools ready to go, it’s time to complete a few pre-installation steps.

Pre-Installation Steps

First things first, you’ll need to turn off the room’s power at the breaker box. To make sure you’ve turned off the right circuit switch, test the lights or appliances in the room. Once you’re sure the power has been cut, you can move on to preparing to mount the fan. 

Before mounting the fan, it’s important to measure and mark the location for the mounting bracket. This will help ensure it’s mounted in exactly the position you want it in. It’s best to use a stud finder to locate a ceiling joist or beam that can support the weight of the fixture.

Then, assemble any mounting hardware, as well as the fan’s blades and motor, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Mounting the Fan

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for: how to hang a fan.

After completing the pre-installation steps, it’s time to secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling. Using a level, check that your markings are straight and aligned. Then, use a drill and a drill bit to pre-drill holes at each marked spot. While this step isn’t mandatory, it will make it easier to install the screws and prevent the ceiling from cracking. 

Next, place the bracket over the holes and fix it in place with screws, tightening them with a screwdriver until it feels secure.

Once the bracket is secure, hang the fan motor from the bracket and wire it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the wiring is complete (see next section), you can attach the blades to the motor housing.

Wiring and Testing

Next up, how to wire a ceiling fan:

1. Using wire connectors, connect the neutral wire from the ceiling fan to the neutral wire from the electrical terminal block, the fan switched active wire from the fan to the switched active wire from the electrical terminal block, and the green or bare wire from the fan to the green or bare wire from the electrical terminal block. If the ceiling fan has a light fixture, connect the switched light wire from the fan to the switched light wire from the electrical terminal block. Note: for tips on how to install a ceiling fan without existing wiring, we recommend consulting a licensed electrician. 
2. Once the wires are connected, use wire nuts to secure the connections and wrap them with electrical tape, making sure there are no exposed wires.
3. Attach the canopy to the mounting bracket, securing it in place with screws or other hardware provided by the manufacturer. Once completed, all wiring and electrical components should be covered.

After completing the wiring, attach the blades to the motor housing, keeping them evenly spaced and securing them tightly. To test the fan, turn the power on and start the fan. Check that the blades are spinning smoothly and that nothing looks shaky or insecure.

Troubleshooting Tips

Congratulations – by following these steps, your ceiling fan should now be safely installed. Time to enjoy your room in new, breezy comfort. 

However, if you are experiencing any issues, here are some quick troubleshooting tips for common problems:

• A wobbly fan usually means something is off balance. Check all blades are attached securely and adjust the balance if needed.
• A noisy fan is usually due to loose hardware. Check all screws and bolts and tighten where needed.

Inconsistent fan speed is likely the result of a faulty motor or a wiring issue. In this case, consult a licensed electrician.

—

Orange Electrical are specialist electricians in Brisbane with an avid focus on quality. We can Design, Roll-out and Deliver electrical projects all over Queensland and even internationally. Get in touch with our team for a quote for your project today. Get in touch: (07) 3357 8618.