How to Add Light Fixtures to Ceiling Fans

Nearly two-thirds of American households have at least one ceiling fan. They lower energy bills by providing a cooling breeze during the warm months, and by circulating warm air during cooler weather. Since ceiling fans replace a room's ceiling light fixture, it's not surprising that one of the first improvements made to fan design was the addition of a light kit. Light fixtures are available for almost all ceiling fans, with designs that complement any style of fan or room decor. Follow these steps to install a light fixture to a ceiling fan.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ceiling fan light kit
• Stepladder or stool
• Screwdriver
• Wire nuts

1. Select a light kit that will fit your ceiling fan. Universal fit kits are available, but the safest bet for a good fit is to buy one from the same manufacturer as your fan.

2. Turn off the power to the ceiling fan at the circuit box. Stand on a stepladder or stable stool to comfortably reach the bottom of the fan.

3. 
   Nimbus Fan With Light From The Modern Fan Company

   Remove the screws attaching the bottom cover plate to the cylindrical switch housing at the base of the fan. Take off the cover plate and locate the white wire and black wire that power the light kit.

4. Twist together the bare ends of the black wire from the lighting kit and the black wire from the fan, then twist on a wire nut to secure the connection. Connect the white wires together in the same manner, and tuck the wires into the switch housing. If your kit uses plug attachments instead of wires, plug the pairs of wires together.

5. Align the base of the light kit with the switch housing and attach them using the cover plate screws. Install the style and wattage of bulbs recommended in your product literature, and then install the lamp globe if your light kit has one. Adjust and tighten spot lights or lamp shades.

6. Restore the power from the circuit breaker. Turn on the light with the pull cord, toggle switch or remote control.

Tips & Warnings

• Save energy by using compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs, or choose a light kit with halogen bulbs.

References

• Ceiling Fan Wiring From Ask The Electrician

Resources

• Ceiling Fan Lighting Information From Ceiling Fans 'N' More