How to Remove the Old Ceiling Fan Base

After removing a ceiling fan's globes, lighting kit, blades and fan motor canopy, all that remains is the old ceiling fan base. You must remove this base before you can install a new, more attractive ceiling fan. Here are a few easy steps to follow to remove an old ceiling fan base.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pliers
• Screwdriver

1. Take a pair of pliers and unscrew the bolts that hold the ceiling fan base into the ceiling. Most ceiling fans mount to the ceiling using either a hook and bolts or a ball and a bracket. The hook should keep the ceiling fan hanging from the ceiling even after you remove the bolts, but you should still exercise caution to keep the base from hitting you in the head.

2. Allow the ceiling fan base to hang from the ceiling while you pull the black and white wires out of the recessed opening in the ceiling. Unscrew the wire nuts and separate the twisted wires from each other. Detach the ground wire from the grounding source (usually a green screw). Set the ceiling fan motor aside or throw it away.

3. Remove the bracket from the ceiling. Most brackets have two screws holding them in; take these out with a screwdriver. Be careful—as soon as the screws loosen completely, the bracket will fall from the ceiling.

4. Dispose of all the old ceiling fan base parts appropriately according to local waste disposal and recycling laws.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure to turn off the fuse box or circuit breaker for the room before attempting any lighting, wiring repairs or removal of old ceiling fan bases.