how to install a ceiling fan with light

Safety First!

• READ the instructions all the way through. This is the most common installation mistake. Read and follow step by step to ensure a safe and proper installation. If you have questions beforehand it’s best to call the ceiling fan manufacturer or Lightopia at 877-559-7516 for clarification.
• Turn the electrical power OFF at the breaker panel or light switch. *Leave a note on breaker or switch so that this does not get accidentally turned and power is restore while installing.
• Test! Using a volt detector test the electrical wire of the current installed fixture and/or test the wires inside the electrical junction box. *We recommend testing your tester! Test your volt detector in a receptacle you know works, make sure the detector is turned on. As these take batteries you always want to hear a beep or see a light to indicate your tester is working on a known live wire before using it to test for your safety.
• Understand the weight of the ceiling fan from the instructions and make sure your junction box is rated for ceiling fan use. A typical junction box is attached to a joist and can support the weight of a ceiling fan. If you are adding a junction box to an existing ceiling make sure to use a ceiling fan junction box.
• Use the buddy system. Grab a friend, spouse, or neighbor. It’s always good to get a helping hand and another viewpoint for installation height, etc.

Steps for Hanging a Ceiling Fan

1. Read the instructions from the manufacturer from start to finish to determine whether or not you have the appropriate tools, skill, help, and knowledge to complete the installation. If not, you should hire a local electrician.

2. Determine the height at which you would like the ceiling fan installed. This will depend on your ceiling height and possibly the pitch of your ceiling. If your ceiling is flat please reference the ceiling fan downrod drop lengths in our guide. Ceiling fans require space between the blade and the ceiling in order to have good airflow, this is crucial to performance. Thus, make sure you have at least 5” of clearance between the blade and the ceiling. If your ceiling is vaulted, confirm that the 5” clearance is met. Confirm that you have the correct downrod length to install, if your fan is flush mounted confirm you have a close to ceiling adaptor.

3. Turn off the power at the breaker or switch. The breaker is preferred, however the switch can be used to turn off the power as long as you test before installing. Post a note so that the electricity does not get switched on while installing.

4. TEST using a Volt Detector for safety. Turn off the light switch/breaker. Test your tester to confirm it is operating correctly. Then test the existing fixture or electrical wires to confirm that the electricity is turned OFF.

5. Begin by threading the electrical wires in your junction box through the ceiling fan mounting bracket.

6. Slide the mounting bracket up to the ceiling and secure the bracket to the junction box using #8 screws.

7. If your ceiling fan requires a downrod then fish the ceiling fan wires through the downrod and pull out the other end.

8. Install the downrod onto the ceiling fan base by screwing it on. Then insert the clevis and counter pins so that it connects to the fan base.

9. Run the wires through the hanger ball and attach the hanger ball to the top of the downrod using the clevis and pin and screw down using a philips screw.

10. Leave about 12 inches of wire at the top and cut off any extra long wires that may not fit in the junction box.

11. Attach the hangar ball at the top of the downrod to the mounting bracket on the ceiling. Pro-Tip: The hangar ball will have an arrow that will need to drop into place to lock in. Rotate the hangar ball until it drops into place. Your fan is now fully supported.

12. Wiring: Start making connections by safely connecting your new fan to the wiring coming from the electrical junction box. There are two options for wiring depending on whether or not you are installing a fan receiver for remote control or wifi use or not.

Installing without a remote or wifi receiver

• If you have questions or are unsure with the amount of wires consult with a qualified electrician
• Green Ground Wire connects to the copper wire
• The Black wire connects to the house voltage Black
• White wire connects to the white or neutral
• If you have a LIGHT KIT, you will have an additional blue or striped wire, connect this to the house black wire

Installing with a remote or wifi receiver

• If you have questions or are unsure with the amount of wires consult with a qualified electrician
• Connect all corresponding wires from the fan to the corresponding color wires on the remote or wifi receiver
• The fan receiver then gets connected to the house voltage. Green = copper wire, black to black wire, and white to white

13. Once wires are connected push them all safely into the junction box.

PRO TIP: Make sure all wires are loose, not pinched or in the way of getting the canopy screwed onto wires. Check to see the best you can that all wire nuts have not dislodged.

14. Push up the canopy cover onto the mounting bracket and tire the screws.

15. Now you are ready to install the ceiling fan blades! Follow the instructions for your fan but this typically involves pushing the fans onto the pedal or space where they go and using three screws to mount. Make sure to not over tighten. It’s best to use a hand screwdriver instead of a power tool.

16. You can now move onto the lighting assembly. For your particular fan this may include quick connect wires or a wiring assembly and harness. Tighten the screws and add the shades or cap for cover.

17. You are now ready to start testing your fan. Begin by reading your fans instructions for remote control programming if applicable.

18. Begin by turning the power back on at the breaker.

19. Test accordingly.

Your ceiling fan installation should be a breeze! If you have any questions or issues once the fan has started reference your fans troubleshooting guide. You can also call Lightopia at 877-559-7516 or the manufacturers tech support. Make sure to have the fan model number information readily available.