Replacing your ceiling light fixture with a ceiling fan involves a little more work than simply disconnecting the old light and putting the fan in its place. Ceiling fans weigh much more than your standard light fixture, so they will definitely need more support than what the typical ceiling-mounted electrical box can provide. Special ceiling fan electrical box kits are currently made that allow you to change out the box to a fan-approved one with little disruption to the existing drywall.
Instructions
1. Reach up into the existing electrical box hole from your old light fixture and feel for obstructions between each ceiling joist. These might include plumbing pipes or other electrical wiring. If encountered, you will need to plan on installing the fan at a different location that doesn't conflict with anything in the ceiling space.
2. Hold the ceiling box that came with the fan brace up to the existing hole and trace its outline with a pencil. Cut the drywall out on this line with your drywall saw.
3. Slide the fan brace into the hole and spread it until it contacts each joist. Ensure it is centered in the hole. Tighten the fan brace with your crescent wrench by turning it clockwise. This allows the brace to dig into the ceiling joists.
4. Position the U-bolt bracket over top of the fan brace and center in the ceiling opening. Pull the electrical wiring down and into the electrical box. Align the U-bolts with the electrical box and slowly slide it into the hole.
5. Screw the nuts that came with the kit on to each U-bolt and tighten with a socket wrench. Push up on the electrical box and wiggle it from side to side. It should firmly remain in place.
Tags: light fixture, brace into, came with, , existing electrical