How to Install a Ceiling Fan

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. FAN-RATED 1/2-INCH-DEEP PANCAKE BOX

2. MEDALLION
made of rigid foam, not plaster, which may crack

3. FAN BLADES

4. FAN MOTOR

5. LIGHT-FIXTURE HOUSING

6. LAMP SHADES

7. DOWN ROD, CANOPY, AND CEILING PLATE
all included in fan kit

8. REMOTE-CONTROL TRANSMITTER WITH 9V BATTERY

9. TWIST-ON WIRE CONNECTORS

10. CAULK OR SPACKLING COMPOUND
for filling nail holes in medallion

11. 6D FINISH NAILS
for attaching medallion to ceiling

12. LATEX PAINT OR ACRYLIC SPRAY PAINT
to paint medallion; optional

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Wire strippers
- Nailsets
- Hammer
- Drill
- Drywall saw
- Screwdriver
- Caulk gun
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Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
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attaching the blades and lights to a ceiling fan

Photo: Shaffer Smith Photography

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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8. Attach the blades and lights

Attach each fan blade to a blade iron (the bracket that holds the blade to the fan). Then, fasten the blade irons to the motor with the screws provided.

Plug the fan's light-fixture housing into the wire hanging from the underside of the fan's motor.

Install the shades and lightbulbs.

Screw the plastic holder for the remote control to the wall beside the wall switch.