How to Mount the Ceiling Fan Base

Mounting the base of a ceiling fan is one of the most important steps in installing a new fan because the bracket you are mounting is what actually holds the fan to the ceiling. Improper installation of the mounting bracket can make the fan wobbly or noisy, but proper installation is easy to do with the right attention to detail.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine what type of bracket you will use to mount the fan. Your new ceiling fan may come with a mounting bracket, which will either be a j-hook bracket or a half-circle bracket.

2. Place the bracket so that the screw holes align with the existing holes in the fan box. You do not need to drill new holes for the fan-mounting bracket.

3. Orient a j-hook bracket so that the hook is directed towards the floor so that the hook can support the motor wiring during installation.

4. Use mounting screws of sufficient length and lock washers to secure the bracket to the fan box.

5. Thread the wires through the center hole of the bracket so that they are directed in a straight line from the ceiling.

6. Screw the bracket in snugly so that the bracket is secure and will not move, but don't over tighten the screws because if the screw threads are stripped, you will have to replace the fan box to fix them.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure that the mounting screws are sufficiently long to reach through the bracket and the fan box so that they will hold the bracket securely in place. Mounting screws that are not long enough or not screwed in tightly enough can be dangerous if the fan starts to shake and is at risk of falling