Follow These Steps

Steps 1 - 8 of 8Print Project SheetEmail a Friend

• Step One

  

  Slip in the brace Check the joists for any wiring or plumbing runs that might be in the way before you install the brace. Test-fit the box on the brace; then take it apart again. Push the brace through the hole and spread it until it touches the joists on both sides with the legs of the brace resting on top of the drywall or plaster.

• Step Two

  

  Tighten the brace
  
  Measure to make sure that the brace is centered in the hole. Position it on the joists at the correct height so the box will be flush with the surface of the ceiling. Use a crescent wrench or channel-type pliers to tighten the brace until it is firm.

• Step Three

  

  Attach the box
  
  Attach the U-bolt assembly to the brace so that the assembly is centered in the hole and the bolts face down. Thread cable through the cable connector and into box. Slip the box up so the bolts slide through it, and tighten the nuts to secure the box.

• Step Four

  

  Install the mounting plate
  
  Thread the wires through the center of the mounting plate. If the box has mounting bolts that poke through the plate, fit the mounting plate over the bolts and fasten it with the nuts provided. If separate bolts are provided, push each one through the mounting plate as shown. When both bolts are in place, tighten the plate onto the ceiling.

• Step Five

  

  Assemble the downrod and canopy
  
  On a work table, ready the fan for installation, following manufacturer's instructions. Run the fan leads through the downrod (or downrod extender), and tightly screw on the downrod. Remember to tighten the setscrews. Slip on the canopy, then install the bulb-shape fitting at the top of the downrod. It will rest in the canopy when the canopy is attached to the ceiling. Be careful not to mangle the wires. Do not attach the fan blades yet.

• Step Six

  

  Wire the fan
  
  Temporarily hang the fan from the hook on the mounting ring. Connect the copper ground wire to the green wire attached to the fan base. If you have only two wires, connect both the black lead (for the fan motor) and the blue or striped lead (for the light) to the black house wire, and the white lead to the white house wire. If you have three-wire cable, connect black to black, white to white, and red to the blue or striped light lead. Check the manufacturer's directions. You may choose to install a remote control unit.

• Step Seven

  

  Attach the canopy to the mounting plate
  
  Use a helper to support the fan motor while you drive the screws. Push the wires and wire nuts up into the box to keep them from vibrating against the canopy when the fan is running. Clip the canopy onto the mounting plate and tighten the screws.

• Step Eight

  

  Attach the blades
  
  If the brackets are not all of uniform shape, return them and get replacements. Screw a bracket to each fan blade. Make sure the side of the blade that you want to show faces down. Attach each bracket to the motor with two screws. Drive the screws slowly to avoid stripping. Don't bend the brackets as you work.