How do I install a ceiling fan in a room with no previous one?
Question:I am fairly handy, but this is new territory for me. Thanks!
Answers:
If there is open attic above the area where the fan is to be mounted, this is a fairly easy install; if not, it will take a but more work but can be done.
You need to know how you are going to get an electrical connection to power the fan and if the fan will be controlled by a wall switch or by the pull chains on the fan. Need to also know if you plan to install a lighting kit or not. This will help determine how much circuit load you will have in order to judge if the fan can be wired to an existing circuit, or if you will need to 'home run' a cable back to the load center. If you are not sure of the load on the current cable, I would recommend wiring back to the load center and adding a breaker for it there.
You will need to put a junction box in the ceiling where the fan will be and it will need to be reinforced to be able to support the weight of the fan. If you plan on using a wall switch for a light kit, you will have to route a cable to a junction box in a wall for the switch. Some fans can be controlled for speed by a rheostat in the wall, but you will have to know if that is what you want to do and if the fan is capable of this feature. I will not go into this feature for the sake of keeping this short for now.
(If you want a lot more detail, you can use the e-mail link in my profile).
A simple set up will be either fan only or fan with light kit, with the light kit controlled by switch. Determine where you need to run the electrical cable and how it will be powered (existing circuit or home run). Consult the installation guide as to how the fan needs to be connected. Get your junction boxes in place and properly reinforced and snake your electrical cable to where you need to go. Once you have all the wiring done and the circuit is still cold (shut off), install the fan to the manufacturer's specifications. Should be good to go after that.
(Remember to follow all National Electrical Codes and local codes)
This description is an over simplification since there are a lot of unknowns in your application, but I hope it helps. Like I said, just use my e-mail link if you have some specific questions.
The question is: Is there a light fixture on that ceiling? If so, this is an easy one. Electric is already there. If you have attic access over the room.even easier. You put a brace between the two ceiling joists so that you have a STRONG mount for the fan. If no attic access check to see if the electrical box holding the light is strongly anchored to a joist (not just hanging there in the sheetrock). Follow the fan assembly and wiring instructions (the fan instructions are usually fairly easy to follow)..white wire (neutral) to white..black (hot) to black...and if there's a light kit.blue also goes to black. Take no chances.turn off the breaker to that circuit!
Hire an electrician and get it done right. Playing with electrical if you are inexperienced is never a good idea. Plus it 's going to chunk up your ceiling and whereever your wall switch winds up so you will need a good drywaller after the fact and then a good painter. Don't mess with electricity.
you need a new circuit. if there is an outlet with a switch in this room then you can run wire to the center of the ceiling from the switch. the fan will be run by the switch and the outlet will no longer be switched. If you don't have a switched outlet in the room it will be a little more work
if you have no experience at running electrical wires find a pal who can get you started. The wording of your question makes me think you should find some help.
you will likely need to do some plaster and paint work at the end
Unless you have a cathedral ceiling, i would consider not putting in a ceiling fan, in ceilings <10 feet they make a room too busy looking and a small fan can be stored out of sight when not in use.
HERE'S THE ANSWER:
I am reading that you have no fixture on the ceiling and assuming that there is no accessible attic above, because you say you are handy and something that simple would have occurred to a handy guy. From this I am getting that you want to know how to get wiring to that spot and hang a fan without it falling down and killing you.
The answer is surface wiring. They sell all kinds of parts for it at Lowes or Home Depot and basically it just snaps together. The fan itself is going to require a steel box to hold it's weight, and this must be bolted into enough meat to hold it up. Find a ceiling joist and screw through to it. If you're a handy person you won't need all the intricate details of how to assemble the fan... that's what instructions are for anyway. So I will wish you good luck and invite you to email me if you need further info. Always happy to help.
if there is no existing fixture and no wall switch and you haven't done this before----DON'T!!!
hook up with an electrician--an apprentice could do it as a side job for less money especially if you offer to help.. barter also works if the $$ are tite
a pro will do the job with less mess and according to code
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