How to Install a Ceiling Fan

Question

What is a ceiling fan-rated electrical box?

Accepted Answer

A ceiling fan-rated electrical box is used to house electrical wire connections and properly support heavy fixtures such as your Hunter Fan. Typically marked “Approved for Ceiling Fans” or “Rated for 70lbs”, this round or octagonal-shaped container should be mounted to a ceiling joist, woodblock, or an adjustable brace. If you find your Hunter Fan ceiling bracket is too wide for your electrical box, it’s most likely not a ceiling fan-rated electrical box. We recommend you hire a certified electrician if you need one installed.

How to Install a Ceiling Fan

https://image.hunterfan.com/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/s/files/1/0259/4629/2284/files/how-to-install-02-how-to-install-infographic-Updated.jpg?v=1593726422

About 120 minutes

Necessary Items:

Ladder

Screwdriver

Wire Tester

Electric Drill

Pliers

Wire Strippers

9/64" Drill Bit

Uninstall and remove an existing fixture

Turn off power at the wall light switch and the circuit breaker. For increased safety, place a piece of tape over the wall light switch and circuit breaker to make sure they're not accidentally switched back on while you're installing the fan. Before making contact with any electrical wiring, use a circuit tester to verify the power is off. Disconnect the existing fixture's wires and screws that are mounting the fan to the ceiling. After uninstalling the existing fixture, verify that the electrical box is ceiling fan-rated. The ceiling fan box should be able to support 70 pounds.

Install the ceiling fan mounting bracket for downrod fans

https://image.hunterfan.com/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/s/files/1/0259/4629/2284/files/HowToInstall_InstallingDownrod.jpg

There are two ways you can secure the ceiling fan hanger bracket to the ceiling: by using the machine screws included with your ceiling fan-rated box or by using the wood screws and washers included with your Hunter fan. If using the wood screws to secure the bracket into a structure with an approved electrical box, you’ll need to drill 9/64" pilot holes in the support structure. Back out the pre-installed set screw from the motor adaptor so the setscrew’s threads are still engaged while the shank does not protrude and obstruct the insertion of the downrod. Feed the wires attached to the fan through the downrod, then hand-tighten the downrod. This step will take at least four to five turns. Tighten the setscrew with pliers. Do not hand-tighten. Using wire cutters, cut the wires, leaving 8 inches of wire from the top of the downrod. Using wire strippers, strip 3/8 of an inch from the top of the wires. Slide the canopy over the downrod and wires. Pick the fan up by its downrod or housing and insert the downrod ball into the slot of the ceiling bracket.

Install the ceiling fan mounting bracket for low profile fans

When installing a low profile fan, you can mount the motor and wire it without the use of a downrod or canopy. While keeping the wires out of the way, lift the motor assembly and slide the square hanging ball into the opening in the ceiling bracket. Locate the ground wire that's attached to the top of the motor shaft. Make sure the ground wire is facing out of the large opening of the ceiling bracket. Secure the motor to the ceiling bracket with two locking screws.

Install the ceiling fan mounting bracket for angled ceilings

https://image.hunterfan.com/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto/s/files/1/0259/4629/2284/files/HowToInstall_AngledMounting_002.jpg

To install your ceiling fan on an angled ceiling, you will need to purchase a longer downrod (sold separately) and, depending on the angle of the ceiling and your fan type, you may also need a ceiling fan angled mount adapter. First, make sure your ceiling fan model is compatible with being installed on angled ceilings. Assuming your fan is compatible with angled ceilings, determine the equipment you need for an angle mount ceiling fan. For Original Fans: Angled ceilings up to 45-degree angle will need an Original Angled Ceiling Mount kit, which is available in Black, Chestnut Brown, and White. This angled ceiling mount replaces the canopy. For all other Hunter downrod mount fans: The Angled Ceiling Mount, also known as the SCA-P (Sloped Ceiling Adapter, Paintable), will be needed for ceilings with an angle greater than 34-degrees, but less than 56-degrees. This system is used in conjunction with the hanging system supplied with your ceiling fan. For angled ceilings steeper than 56-degrees, contact an electrician for a customized mounting fixture. An extension downrod is needed when installing your ceiling fan on a sloped ceiling. When choosing your downrod length, keep in mind that your ceiling fan needs to be 30 inches away from the wall and other objects and the fan blades must be 7 feet or more from the floor.

Wiring a fan with a standard pull-chain

Pull chain ceiling fans do not come with a remote receiver of any type. For ceiling fans without a remote receiver, follow these steps to wire your fan. If you have a single wall switch, use the wire nuts to: Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to the white wire from the fan. Connect the black wire (ungrounded) from the ceiling to the black and the blue wires from the fan. Connect the three grounding wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket. If you have a dual wall switch, use the wire nuts to: Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to the white wire from the fan. Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black wire from the fan. Connect the second ungrounded (light) wire from the ceiling to the blue wire from the fan. Connect the three grounding wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket.

Wiring a fan with a pre-installed remote receiver

Hunter ceiling fans with preinstalled remote receivers have the receiver built into the ceiling fan body at the factory. If you have a single wall switch, use a wire nut to: Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to the white wire from the fan. Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black wire from the fan. Connect the three grounding wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket. Cap the blue wire from the fan. You will not need it for single switch wiring. If you have a dual wall switch, the steps for connecting the wires with a wire nut will be similar steps. The only difference is instead of capping the end of the blue wire in step #4, you'll use a wire nut to connect the second ungrounded (light) wire from the ceiling to the blue wire from the fan.

Wiring a fan with a remote receiver

If you're wondering how to wire a ceiling fan with a separate remote receiver, use the wire nuts to: Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black wire from the receiver. Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to both the white wire from the receiver and the white wire from the fan. Connect the yellow wire from the receiver to the black wire from the fan. Connect the blue wire from the receiver to the blue wire from the fan. Connect the three grounding wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket.

Finish installing the canopy or motor housing for downrod fans

Tuck the wires and wire nuts into the junction box. Lift the canopy into place, making sure the triangular openings and screw holes are aligned. Using a screwdriver, insert and securely tighten the canopy screws. A magnetic screwdriver will give you more visibility when securing the canopy.

Finish installing the canopy or motor housing for low profile fans

Tuck the wires and wire nuts into the junction box. Raise the motor housing up until it's correctly positioned over the motor and ceiling brackets. Rotate the motor housing until the screw holes are aligned with the holes on the bracket. The indentation inside the housing should lock into place with the notch inside the ceiling bracket. Hold the motor housing in place. Use a screwdriver to insert and tightly secure the four motor housing screws.

Install the blades for fans with blade irons

Insert the grommets into each hole at the end of the blades. Use the respective screws to attach each blade to the blade irons. Position the blade irons with the motor, making sure all screw holes are properly aligned. Lightly hand-tighten the screws, then use a screwdriver to securely tighten the screws.

Install the blades for fans with mid-body blades

Insert the blades into the openings and align the hole openings in the blades with the blade irons. Attach each blade to a blade iron using the three provided blade washers and blade assembly screws. Make sure the screws are secured tightly.

Install the blades for fans with snap-on blades

Align the three blade holes with the three blade iron posts. Squeeze the blade and the blade iron post together. Note that the flared tops of the blade iron posts will be fully visible above the blade when properly assembled.

Install the lighting

To assemble a fan with a lighting kit, first identify if your fan has a Quick Connect feature by examining the switch housing. Hunter Quick Connect fans have a distinct locking mechanism located on the switch housing. These fans also have a ring that surrounds the switch housing in the middle. Hunter fans without Quick Connect technology do not have either feature.

Installing a multi-arm light kit with quick-connect

Before beginning, remove the cardboard plug guard. Connect the fan and light fixture plugs together. Make sure to align the colored markings on the connectors. Push the connectors and the extra wire into the hole located at the top of the light fixture. Carefully connect the light fixture to the bottom of the fan. Make sure the holes on the mounting ring at the top of the fixture are aligned with the spaces in the mounting bracket on the bottom of the fan. While holding the body of the fan still, turn the light fixture clockwise to engage the locking pin. Listen for a clicking sound to verify that the locking pin is securely in place. Remove the socket rings so you can install the light glass. After installing the glass, reinstall the light rings into the sockets. Use the socket ring glass tool that came with your fan to turn the light rings clockwise until they're tightened. Install the included bulbs into each socket.

Installing a standard (non-quick-connect) multi-arm light kit and pull chains

Choose any two holes in the switch housing mounting plate to screw two of the housing assembly screws halfway. Feed the wire connector through the center of the upper switch housing. Wrap the keyhole slots around the screws then twist counterclockwise. Use a screwdriver to install the third screw then tighten the remaining two screws. Partially install two of the switch housing screws by halfway. Connect the upper and lower switch housing together using the plug connectors, making sure to line up the colored markings. Locate the notches in the sides of the lower switch housing and align them with the screws located on the upper switch housing. Lock the switch housing into place by twisting the lower portion clockwise. Using a screwdriver, install the third housing screw. Tighten all the screws. To install the light shades, first, loosen the thumbscrews. Then, lift each shade to the light fixture and insert and tighten each thumbscrew. Install a light bulb into each socket. Connect the pull chain pendants to the appropriate short chains coming from the switch housing.

Installing a globe light with quick-connect

Connect the fan and light fixture connectors. Make sure you line up the colored markings on the connectors. Secure the connectors by pushing the connectors and extra wire into the hole located at the top of the light fixture. This step will ensure that the fan and light fixture are successfully mounted. Carefully lift the light fixture and position it at the bottom of the fan. Make sure the holes on the mounting ring located on the top of the light fixture are aligned with the spaces in the mounting bracket located on the bottom. While holding the body of the fan still, turn the light fixture clockwise to engage the locking pin. Listen for the clicking sound to verify the connection is secure. Lift the globe and use the provided three thumb screws to attach it to the light fixture. Tighten the thumbscrews by hand. Install the provided bulb into the light socket.

Installing a standard (non-quick-connect) globe light and pull chains

Choose any two holes in the switch housing mounting plate to screw two of the housing assembly screws halfway. Feed the wire connector through the center of the upper switch housing. Wrap the keyhole slots around the screws then twist counterclockwise. Use a screwdriver to install the third screw then tighten the remaining two screws.Partially install two of the switch housing screws by halfway. Connect the upper and lower switch housing together using the plug connectors, making sure to line up the colored markings. Locate the notches in the sides of the lower switch housing and align them with the screws located on the upper switch housing. Lock the switch housing into place by twisting the lower portion clockwise. Using a screwdriver, install the third housing screw. Tighten all the screws. Feed the fan pull chain through the hole at the bottom of the light kit. Install the light bulbs into each of the sockets. Position both the globe and globe keeper against the metal plate, keeping them flush. Feed the light pull chain through the hole located in the center of the finial cap. Then, feed the fan pull chain through the hole located in the side of the cap. Feed only the light pull chain through the finial. Attach the finial to the threaded rod and tighten by hand. Attach the short chains coming from the switch housing to the appropriate pull chain pendants.

Install a fan without a light

Not all fans have the option to be installed without light kit. First, you need to determine if your fan model can be installed without a light kit. Fans with lights integrated into the body of the fan typically cannot be installed without the light, except for a limited number of models. Fans with arm or bowl light kits may be able to have the light kit removed and a no light cap installed. How do I install my fan without the light kit? A no-light cap covers the portion of the fan where a light kit would normally be installed. If you'd rather use a no-light cap instead of a light kit and your fan model is compatible, use these steps to properly install it

Installing a quick-connect fan with a no-light cap

Remove the two screws on the light kit that connect the light kit to the lower switch housing. Disconnect the blue and white wires inside the light kit and lower switch housing. To safely cap off wires not being used, install the dummy terminal included with the light cap. Attach the terminal to the ends of each wire located in the lower switch housing. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to install the switch housing cap with the two switch housing screws you previously removed earlier. Connect the lower and upper switch housing with the connectors. Make sure you align the colored markings on the connectors. Carefully lift the switch housing and position it at the bottom of the fan. Position the holes on the mounting ring located at the top of the switch housing with the spaces in the mounting bracket located on the bottom of the fan. While holding the body of the fan as still as possible, engage the locking pin by turning the light fixture clockwise. Listen for a clicking sound to verify the connection is secure.

Installing a standard fan with a no-light cap

Remove the two screws on the light kit that connect the light kit to the lower switch housing. Disconnect the blue and white wires inside the light kit and lower switch housing. To safely cap off wires not being used, install the dummy terminal included with the light cap. Attach the terminal to the ends of each wire located in the lower switch housing. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to install the switch housing cap with the two switch housing screws you previously removed earlier. Connect the lower and upper switch housing with the connectors. Make sure you align the colored markings on the connectors. Carefully lift the switch housing and position it at the bottom of the fan. Position the holes on the mounting ring located at the top of the switch housing with the spaces in the mounting bracket located on the bottom of the fan. While holding the body of the fan as still as possible, engage the locking pin by turning the light fixture clockwise. Listen for a clicking sound to verify the connection is secure.

Use the Handheld Remote Control

Install the included battery into the back of the remote. To turn the fan on and off, simply press the fan button. Change the fan's speed with the arrow button. To change the direction of the fan, press and hold the fan button. To turn the ceiling fan light on and off, press the light button. Press and hold the arrow buttons to enable the dimmable ceiling fan light options. Hold the light button down to dim the ceiling fan light.

Use the Wall Control

Simply press the fan button to turn the fan on and off. Change the fan's speed with the arrow button. Turn the ceiling fan light on and off by pressing the light button. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the dimmable light.

Install a HunterExpress Ceiling Fan

Prep: Since these fan kits contain a pre-assembled body, you can jump straight to installing the power bracket. Use an electric screwdriver to make the job easier. Then use the included mini screwdriver to attach the wiring to the power bracket. Connect: Attach the fan housing along with the canopy to the power bracket. Plug and play wiring makes connecting the components simple and fast. Then snap the canopy into place. Complete: Install the tool-free blades by clicking them into place. Add the glass cover of the lighting component. NOTE: not all HunterExpress fans are exactly alike, so the instructions for installing the glass cover may vary by model.

Type of Fan	Can my ceiling fan be installed on angled ceiling?	Do I need an Sloped Ceiling Adapter?
Downrod- mount fans (Except Hunter Original)	Yes	You do not need an adapter for ceiling angles up to 34°. For ceiling angles greater than 34°, you will need an adaptor.
Hunter Original fans	Yes	For any ceiling pitch above flat up to 45°, you will need the Original system angle mounting accessory to replace the canopy that comes with your Original fan.
Low Profile (or hugger) fans	No	N/A

How to Install a Ceiling Fan