How to Install a Ceiling Fan in an Old House

An old home can be enhanced by the addition of ceiling fans, and you can perform the installation yourself if you're willing to follow certain steps. These include basic fan installation, as well as ensuring that the old home's fixtures will support the added weight.

Things You'll Need

• Ceiling fan kit Outlet box that is approved for ceiling or paddle fan installation Wire nuts Light bulbs for fans with light fixtures Ceiling fan outlet box Step ladder that allows you to reach the ceiling Philips screwdriver Slotted screwdriver Wire cutters Electrical tester Adjustable wrench Pliers

Instructions

1. Choose the light fixture that you will use in order to install the ceiling fan, and turn off the electricity to that fixture at the main panel. Use a circuit tester on the fixture to make sure that there is no power.

2. Remove the existing light fixture from the ceiling, unscrew the old electrical box, and pull it out of the ceiling. Before the removal, make sure to take out the light bulbs and take apart the fixture to reduce any chance of breakage.

3. Check the electrical box to see if it is rated to support a fan. In many old homes, it will not be. Other factors in older homes that can affect the ability of a box to support a fan include prior water damage or damage to the framing. If the box cannot support a fan, get a box that will be able to do so. An appropriate electrical box should be marked on its packaging as being rated for fan support.

4. Install plastic anti-short bushing onto the ends of the armored cable, then attach clamps onto the cables. Use lock nuts to secure the fan box to the attached cable clamps.

5. Screw the fan box securely to the ceiling joist, then attach the fan bracket to the mounted box. Make sure that it is attached tightly because a loose installation can allow the fan to wobble. This causes annoying noise and accelerates wear and tear.

6. Assemble fan by putting the blades into the blade irons.

7. Hang the fan motor from the bracket and connect the wires with plastic twist-on connectors.

8. Install the fan's canopy, then attach the blades to the motor and attach the light fixture to the fan's underside.

9. If the fan has a light fixture, attach it in the proper spot on the underside, then install the light bulbs and shades.

10. Turn on the electricity at the main panel, then turn on the fan to test its operation. Make sure that the motor is working properly, and if the fan has lights, make sure that all of the fixtures are working.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are installing a large fan or a more expensive model, it may come with a balancing kit. You can use the small weights to eliminate any wobbling by evening out the rotation.

• When you install a ceiling fan, and especially when you are working in an old house, you may encounter dust and particles. You should wear a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from falling debris and a dust mask to protect yourself from inhaling the dust.

Resources

• Video on How to Install a Ceiling Fan
• Detailed Instructions from Lowes