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So you've decided on the exact type of ceiling fan you want, you've picked one the right size and style for your room, and got it home from the store. What next? If you're a do-it-yourself enthusiast with a little know how, then these tips should help you install the fan without the help of an expensive professional.
Usually a fan will be located in the center of the room, so that the air flow reaches the whole room smoothly. Your regular light fitting is usually in this spot too, so replacing it with a fan with lights is a much more straightforward task. Check that your electrical system won't be overloaded with the fan and lights but a fan doesn't use much more power than lights on their own, so if you're replacing the central light bulb then you should be fine. If not, you'll have to install a new circuit breaker seek professional help if you're not experienced with electricity.
This is a vital step for your safety. Before you start, make sure you turn off the electric circuit at the mains, or remove the fuse. This ensures that you won't electrocute yourself. Then you can remove the old light fitting and start the task of wiring up the new fan.
The next step is to install your junction box. This should be metal, to take the weight of the fan. You'll either need to slip it into the existing fitting, or make a hole in the ceiling. If you need a new hole, then the junction box will need to be drilled into either a ceiling joist, or a header attached to the joists either side.
Always assemble the fan before hanging it, as it prevents complications. Follow the maker's instructions to ensure you assemble it fully. Usually you will install the hanger pipe to the motor, and then attach the blades.
Attach the bracket from which the fan will hang to the junction box. You should be supplied with the necessary washers with the fan. Next, wire the unit, making sure that the wires are correctly attached black to black, and white to white. The fan will then need to be grounded wirenut the ground wires from the box, the fan and the mains power supply together.
Turn the electricity back on, and test the fan. If it wobbles, then try interchanging two of the blades, or pushing the fan gently until it hangs straight. Expensive fans may come with small weights you can add to the fan blades to correct a wobble, while you can improvise with cheaper fans and add small pieces of modelling clay or such to the blades until they hang well.
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