How to Install a Ceiling Fan and Light (page 3 of 3)

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How to Install a Ceiling Fan and Light-Installation

New Electronic Controls Save You From Running Additional Wiring
Since most fan installations are retrofits into existing electrical boxes, there’s usually a single electrical cable connecting the fixture to a single wall switch. You can leave the switch and use it to turn the fan on and off, then use the pull chains on the fan to control fan speed and lights. A second option is to install electronic controls. Higher-quality fans give you the option of adding a radio receiver kit for about $75. The receiver accepts signals from a special wall switch (included in the kit) to control the fan and light separately without additional wiring. The receiver also accepts signals from a handheld remote, so you can operate multiple fans and fine-tune fan speed and light intensity from your La-Z-Boy. Electronic switches are matched to fans by flipping code toggles in the controls and the fan, just like with your garage door opener. Installing an electronic switch is a snap. The receiver drops right into the fan housing and plugs into the bottom of the motor.

If the old light is fed by two threeway switches instead of a single switch, the control options are a little more complicated. You have three choices:

Leave the existing switches in place and turn one of them on. Then use a remote to control the fan and lights.
Use the existing switches and control the fan and lights independently with pull chains.
Disable one of the three-way switches and rewire the other one to receive a wall-mounted electronic control. Sorting out all the wires is complex. You’ll need an electrician’s help for this.

BUYER’S GUIDE

HAMPTON BAY FAN AND LIGHTING CO., Dept. TFH, 2455 Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta, GA 30339; (770) 433-8211. www.homedepot.com
HUNTER FAN CO., Dept. TFH, 2500 Frisco Ave., Memphis, TN 38114; (800) 448-6837. www.hunterfan.com
REGENCY CEILING FANS, www.regencyfan.com

Minimum downrod length (in inches) for angled ceilings Ceiling Slope

Blade Dia.	3/12	4/12	5/12	6/12	8/12*	10/12*	12/12*
27 in.	6	6	6	12	18	24	36
36 in.	6	6	6	12	18	24	36
44 in.	6	6	12	12	24	30	42
52 in.	6	12	18	18	24	30	42
56 in.	12	12	18	24	30	36	48

Fan Height Requirements
Manufacturers generally require that fan blades be at least 7 ft. above the floor. Since most fan and motor assemblies are less than 12 in. high, they’ll fit under a standard 8-ft. ceiling with the proper clearance.

Angled ceilings require that you install “downrods” (also called extension tubes or downtubes) that will lower the motor and fan blades so they’ll clear a sloped ceiling surface. The more space between the ceiling and the fan, the better. The fan will have more air to draw from, and you’ll feel more air movement because the blades are closer to you.

Most fans come with a short downrod designed for mounting on 8-ft. ceilings. If your ceiling’s less than 8 ft., you’ll need to remove the rod provided and flush-mount the fan. But if you have a higher or sloped ceiling, purchase a longer downrod.