How to Prepare the Ceiling Fan Wire

When installing a new ceiling fan in your home, you may be working with old wires that are decades old and in need of some minor repair. After removing the old fan or fixture and before installing the new one, take a minute to check the wires and make sure they are in good shape to avoid shorting out your new fan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the plastic jacket around all of the wires that come down through the ceiling. If the wires are old, the jackets may have gotten brittle and need to be stripped.

2. Repair cracks in the wire with black electrical tape. Wrap the wire in electrical tape to cover any problem areas.

3. Cover the ends of the wires in electrical tape to keep the ends of the jackets from deteriorating. Make sure to leave the tips of the wires exposed and just wrap tape around the plastic jackets.

4. Straighten out the wires and remove any kinks or bends to keep the wires neat as you install them in the new device.

5. Make sure that all the wires have a direct path to the fan bracket and are not getting caught on any hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember to shut off the electrical breakers before beginning work on any wiring or installing new electrical appliances or outlets. Also post a visible sign on the breakers to inform others that you are working with electricity and keep them from switching the power back on.