Live Brighter

Ideas and Inspiration

Mar 9, 2014

Lighting Tips

Steps in Installing a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

Installing an indoor flush mount ceiling fan is easier than you think. With the help of electronic controls and thanks to new and stronger hanging systems, you will no longer have to contact an expert to install your ceiling fan. Here is a detailed guide to ensure that you perform this project correctly and safely.

Here is a list of the tools that you will need for this project:

  • Hammer
  • Nut driver
  • 2-foot level
  • Wrench set
  • Tape measure
  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Wire stripper/cutter
  • Non-contact voltage tester

Make sure to have the following materials:

  • Switch
  • Ceiling fan
  • Wire connectors
  • Fan brace and box assembly

Step 1: Determine the ceiling slope

Hold a 2-foot level against the ceiling. Measure the vertical distance between the level and the ceiling. Divide this number by 2 to get the drop over 12 inches of horizontal run.

Step 2: Pound out the old electrical box

Before you begin, make sure to turn the power off at the main panel, then remove the light fixture. With a hammer and a block of wood, knock out the existing electrical box free from the framing. Free the electrical cable by pulling it out from the old box and through the ceiling hole. Just leave the old box in the ceiling cavity.

Step 3: Mount the ceiling brace

Insert the fan brace up into the hole. Press the flat edge of the feet against the ceiling then center the shaft above the hole. Rotate the shaft to fasten the brace onto the framing. Snap the metal saddle over the shaft so it is centered over the hole.

Step 4: Install the new electrical box

Insert the existing wire into the cable clamp at the top of the new metal box. Slide the box above the saddle screws. Secure the nuts to fasten the box onto the shaft using either a nut driver or a deep-well socket. Tuck a loop of grounding wire about three-quarters around the grounding screw then tighten the screw.

Step 5: Attach the hanger bracket

Place the hanger bracket with its opening on the uphill side of the sloped ceiling. Using the appropriate screws provided with the fan brace, screw the hanger bracket into the box.

Step 6: Insert the downrod

Position the motor right side up. Insert the wire through the downrod, then attach this into the mounting collar.

Step 7: Securely fasten the downrod

Slide the downrod pin inside the collar and tube. Use the cotter pin to lock this into place. Tighten the locknuts and screws firmly.

Step 8: Prepare the hanging ball

Slide the collar cover followed by the canopy over the downrod. Slip the ball over the downrod then push the pin into both sets of holes. Lift the ball above the pin then tighten the set screw.

Step 9: Hang the motor

Raise the assembly above the open side of the bracket and then lower it into place. Wind the motor until the ball slot is locked into place above the tab on the bracket.

Step 10: Attach wiring at the fan

Join the bare ground wire from the box onto the green ground wire on the bracket using a wire connector. Then connect the white neutral wire from the motor onto the neutral wire from the box. The blue and black wire from the motor should be connected to the black hot wire from the box. Neatly fold these into the box.

Step 11: Attach the ceiling fan blades

Fasten the ceiling fan blades onto the brackets then screw the brackets to the bottom of the motor. Hold the screw in the bracket with the screwdriver while you are lifting the blade assembly into position then drive the screw in.

Step 12: Join the light pod and radio receiver

Put the radio receiver inside the switch housing or light pod assembly. Attach the light pod wires following the instructions on the ceiling fan’s manual. Take note of the settings on the receiver’s code toggles so that you can dial in the same settings on the electronic controls that are positioned on the wall switch. Halfway loosen the screws in the switch-housing hub. Plug the motor wiring into the receptacle located on the receiver then twist the switch housing into place on the hub. Refasten the screws.

Step 13: Connect the switch

Check and if necessary reset the code toggles on the wall-mounted electronic switch so that these match the ones on the receiver. Remove the existing wall switch then attach the two black wires on the new switch onto the wires that were connected to the old switch using wire connectors. Screw the switch into the box then mount the cover plate.