Replacing A Ceiling Fan

Replacing a ceiling fan is the same procedure as installing a new one, just a few less steps. Changing a ceiling fan is easy to do and this step by step guide will get you through it. You can learn by a video or reading the steps below, enjoy!

Pre-Installing

Before you can replace a ceiling fan, make sure you have the right size fan when compared to the size of the room. For a room where the longest wall is 12 feet or less, a 36 inch fan or smaller is best. A room that is 12 to 15 feet wide should have a ceiling fan between 42 and 48 inches. If the rooms longest wall is more than 15 feet, then 52 inches or larger will be recommended.

Before beginning any project, always read the manufactures instructions. A permit may be needed for some local building codes. If at anytime you don’t feel comfortable working with electricity, then contact a licensed electrician.

• Metal Electric Ceiling Box or Expandable Bracket (optional, may not be needed)
• Wire Strippers (optional, may not be needed)
• Wire Connectors
• Electrical Tape
• Circuit Tester
• Screw Driver
• Drill with Driver and Bit
• Pliers
• Ladder
• Safety Glasses

For instructions on installing an expandable mounting bracket click here.

Looking for info on installing a new ceiling fan?

Installation Process

Step 1

Turn off the power to the existing ceiling fan at the breaker box. Check to be sure the power is off.

Step 2

Begin disassemble the ceiling fan by removing the blades. Remove any screws that is holding the canopy and pull it back to get to the wiring.

You may need to take some notes of the wiring before you disconnect them.

Remove the wire nuts and disconnect the wires. Unhook the downrod holding up the fan and remove the assembly. Unscrew any brackets used for the old fan.

Step 3 (optional)

Only if the exsisting electrical box isn’t strong enough or braced properly, then replace with the proper metal electrical box or you may have to use a expandable mounting bracket. The next step is to secure the ceiling fan’s bracket to the metal electrical box in the ceiling, with mounting screws and lock washers.

There is two basic types the standard ceiling installation using the downrod with ball and socket mounting and the close-to-ceiling (flush mount). The “close-to-ceiling” installation is recommended in rooms with less than 8-feet ceilings or in areas where additional space is desired from the floor to the fan blades. When you flush mount a ceiling fan, you leave out the rod and directly attach the motor assembly to the mounting bracket instead.

Step 4

Assemble the ceiling fan. It is easier to do this if done on the ground. Pull the wires through the down rod canopy or trim. Secure the down rod (if using one)to the housing with the connector pin an cotton pin. Tighten all set screws (may be more then one).

At this stage, don’t attach the fan blades. It will be easier to install.

Step 5

Lift the assembled unit to the mounting bracket.

You may need a second person to help you lift the fan.

Step 6

Wire the same color wires together. Attach the white neutral and green ground wires together. If the ceiling fan comes with lights, attach both remaining wires to the hot (black) wire in the box. Tuck the wires inside the electrical box. and seat the canopy with the included screws.

Use wire nuts to securely attach the wires together. Then wrap them with electrical tape.

Step 7

Now you can attach the fan blades with the supplied screws and washers. Follow the manufactures instructions to install the light.

Turn the power back on and enjoy.