Friday, December 18, 2009

Attach A Ceiling Fan To A Downrod In A Drop Ceiling

Installation of a ceiling fan through a drop ceiling offers many advantages.


A fresh ceiling fan installation using a drop ceiling actually has advantages over a new install through drywall. Simple removal of the ceiling tile gains access to the joists above, allowing the installation of a support beam. Completing this resolves most safety issues. Installation of a downrod may be necessary to extend the mount, but this is considered in the construction of nearly all ceiling fans.


Instructions


1. Turn off the power supplying the fan at the breaker box.


2. Locate the ideal spot for the fan. Remember to consider ceiling clearance for anyone who may pass under or near the fan. Remove the drop ceiling tile by pushing up carefully. Set it aside adjacent to the opening.


3. Insert the 16 inch two-by-four plank in between the joists directly above the installation point. Screw these in using the drill, Phillips bit attachment, and at least4 wood screws.


4. Screw the metal junction box to the support two-by-four, using at least 2 screws. Route the 110v wire through the side knockout. Strip 2 inches of insulation from the 110v wire, and 1 inch from each of the three individual conductors inside.








5. Screw the support bracket to the junction box, using two flat head machine screws and the flat head screwdriver.


6. Push the fan connection wires through the extension post. Lift the entire assembly up. Screw in the extension post's mounting bracket to the bracket attached to the junction box. Connect black to black, white to white, and green to green wires together using the wire nuts. Place the bare wires together and twist the nuts clockwise until secure.


7. Mount the fan to the extension post using the supplied hardware and appropriate screwdriver.


8. Measure the location of the extension post and fan in relation to the ceiling tile. Cut a hole of sufficient size in the tile at this point. From the hole, cut a straight line to the shortest edge with the drywall saw.


9. Carefully push the tile over the extension post. Lift the tile into its resting place on the drop ceiling grid. Push the trim collar up against the ceiling tile, securing with the supplied set screws and Phillips screwdriver.


10. Turn the power back on at the breaker box and test the fan to ensure proper operation.

Tags: extension post, ceiling tile, drop ceiling, 110v wire, extension post Lift, flat head, post Lift