How to Use Fitters & Glass Shades With Ceiling Fans

The harp is inverted on a ceiling fan fixture.

Fitters are the metal support pieces that are used in lamps to hold the shade away from the light bulb. Glass shades are the type of shade used on most chandeliers and fixed lights in most homes. Some lamps also use glass shades. The trick to using fitters and glass shades with ceiling fans is selecting fitters and glass shades designed for ceiling fans and chandeliers. These fitters are designed for the weight of glass shades and for the construction designs and sizes of arm-style light fixtures.

Things You'll Need

• Electrical stripper
• Wire nuts
• Screwdriver
• Ceiling fan fitter
• Glass shade

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker to the room with the ceiling fan.

2. Remove the bottom center decorative plate on the fan. Follow the manufacturer's directions when possible. Usually, there are several recessed screws along the face or side of the cap that can be unscrewed to remove the cover. Most fans are pre-wired for a lighting kit.

3. Pull the wires out of the top of the ceiling fan fitter. They are usually bundled in the top of the fitter. Strip off 3/4 inch of the insulation on each wire using wire strippers. Twist the small copper wires in your fingers.

4. Pull down the electrical wires that are capped off inside the cover. Remove the electrical nut cover. Match your wire colors. For example, twist the white with to the white wire. Bend the copper strands around each other. Screw on the wire nut. Repeat for the second wire. Some fans have a single wire with a plug that plugs into the top of the fitter.

5. Attach the fitter to the underside of the ceiling fan motor. Follow the mounting directions for your fitter. Most fans have screw holes that allow you to screw the fitter to the bottom of the motor. These may be the same holes used to hold on the cover.

6. Insert the glass shades into the armatures of the fitter. Unscrew the set screws on three sides of the fitter. Insert the glass. The glass shade will have a lip designed to receive the screws.

7. Tighten the screws, first with your fingers. Tighten each screw the same distance or evenly. Screw tight enough for good contact but not enough to put stress on the glass. Repeat for each glass shade.

Tips & Warnings

• Some fixtures will be more complicated with remote control wiring, hanging pull chains or other features.

• Be aware that you are adding weight to the fan. Usually, the original installation will have accounted for this weight. If you are uneasy, remove the fan and check the joists, framing and blocking to be sure the ceiling is well supported and that the weight of the fan is installed correctly.

• It is easier to attach fitters with the fan on the floor.

References

• This Old House: How To Install A Ceiling Fan