Installing a ceiling fan

Installing a ceiling fan is simple, inexpensive and requires no special tools. Available models come with a number of features, including variable speeds, reverse, light dimmer, etc.

Colours to choose from are also unlimited, from plain white to a wood finish. In addition, there are models with different blade lengths, depending on the size of the room.
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Security tips
1. Making the right choice
2. Verifying location
3. Installing the mounting bracket
4. Using a J-hook
5. Adding the upper fitting bracket and lock washers
6. Reconnecting the wires
7. Setting the ceiling canopy
8. Assembling the blades

Security tips

Important: before starting, be sure to shut off the power by switching the breaker in the electrical box to the “off” position (if you have breakers) or removing the fuse. Finally, if electrical work is required, please consult a qualified electrician.

1. Making the right choice

Your choice will depend on the size of each room in your house. The information below will help you make the right choice.

  • For bathrooms and hallways measuring up to 4.7 sq. m (50 sq. ft.); suggested ceiling fan size: 74 cm (29 in.);
  • For lunch room & laundry room measuring up to 7.0 sq. m (75 sq. ft.); suggested ceiling fan size: 90 cm (36 in.);
  • For small bed room & kitchenette measuring Up to 9.3 sq. m (100 sq. ft.); suggested ceiling fan size: 107 cm (42 in.);
  • For standard bedroom & living room measuring Up to 37 sq. m (400 sq. ft.); suggested ceiling fan size: 127 cm or 132 cm (50 or 52 in.);
  • For any large room measuring more than 37 sq. m (400 sq. ft.); suggested ceiling fan size: 137 cm (54 in.).

2. Verifying location

Before installing the fan, make sure that the blade clearance is at least 2.1 m (7 feet) between the blades and the floor, and at least one foot (30 cm) between the blades and the ceiling. Certain fans may require a clearance of 0.4 to 0.6m (18 to 24 in).

Note: The Canadian Electric Code forbids installing a ceiling fan to the ordinary mounting brackets of a octagon/fixture box.

2.1 

If the desired location does not allow you to securely install your ceiling fan, then you should first install an adjustable support.

3. Installing the mounting bracket

Firmly screw the mounting bracket to the joist, cross-beam or to an adjustable support. Then attach the wiring box to the mounting bracket, with the use of the bolts and nuts provided for this purpose.

4. Using a J-hook

If your ceiling fan requires the use of a J-hook, screw one through the wiring box, make sure it is solid, and be sure not to damage any of the electrical wires.

Note: In order to prevent any possible injuries, make sure to first hang the ceiling fan onto the temporary hook, attach the safety cable, and then suspend the fan by the safety cable from the J-hook.

5. Adding the upper fitting bracket and lock washers

Add the rubber washers and fitting bracket to the wiring box of the fan.

6. Reconnecting the wires

Pass the wires from your ceiling fan through the central stem and connect them to the wires from the ceiling outlet box.

6.1 

Next, hang the ceiling fan onto the temporary hook, and then attach the safety cable.

6.2 

Reconnect the wires (green, black, white, and red or blue) from the ceiling fan to the wires from the junction box. First connect the green wire, the ground, from the wiring box to the green wire from the fan. Next connect the black wire from the junction box to the black wire from the fan, and then connect the white wire from your junction box to the white wire from the fan. Do not forget to replace the connection caps (MarrettesMD). If your ventilator is equipped with a lighting fixture, then connect the red wire (or blue wire) from the wiring box to the red or blue wire from your fan.

7. Setting the ceiling canopy

Once the wires are all connected, attach the ceiling canopy from the fan to the base of the fan according to the manufacturer’s directions.

8. Assembling the blades

Take special care when assembling the blades of your ceiling fan, so that they are balanced. Since models vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, please consult the instructions that came with your fan.
Ceiling fans refresh the look and feel of a room, as well as increasing comfort at home. They provide a cooling effect during the hot days of summer, and circulation of warm air during those cold winter nights. Regardless of your choice of model, it will become a natural addition to your decor and your comfort.
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