One day, you realize that the fan in your house is old or not working properly. If you need some fresh air in the heat of summer, try replacing your fan with a new one. Replacing a ceiling fan may seem like a hassle, but it's not that difficult if you follow the installation instructions on the package of the new fan.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Removing the Old Fan
Step 1. Make sure you have obtained the required permissions
Some cities (especially in the United States) require you to apply for an official permit to replace a ceiling fan. Meanwhile, some only require you to apply for a permit if you intend to change the connection of the ceiling light to the fan. Check local regulations for the necessary permits.
Contact the law office in your city for more information. You can also search for this information online
Step 2. Turn off the power from the fuse box
You should not work with the electricity still on. Turning off the power from the switch is not enough to ensure your safety. Find the fuse box in the house, then turn it off so that no electricity enters the house.
Always turn on the switch on the fan to ensure that the power supply is completely cut off
Step 3. Remove the cable cover on the ceiling
This cover is the part of the ceiling that is used to cover the cables. Usually, you will need to remove a few screws with a screwdriver to open it. However, some models of the cover can be removed by turning. This depends on your old fan model. If it doesn't work, look up more information online for help.
The screws are most likely near the ceiling surface. You may sometimes need to slide the cable cover to find a gap where the screw can be removed
Step 4. Check the mains voltage on the cable
Just in case, you will need to check the wires one more time to make sure no electricity is running. To check, use a remote voltage tester. You just need to hold it close to the cable and the tool will show whether the cable has electricity or not. Check each cable separately.
- Read the instructions for using the voltage tester to find out what the indicator means. Some devices use a green light to indicate that the cable is not electrified and a red light to indicate that the cable is electrified. While some others will make a sound when they detect an electrified cable.
- You can also test the device with a power outlet. Try to bring the voltage tester closer to the electrical outlet at home to make sure it is working properly.
- Remember, this tool only works on plastic-coated wires, not metal-coated wires.
Step 5. Remove the cable cover
You will have to twist the cable cover slightly to remove it. Start with the black wire, then move on to the white one. Finally, remove the cover on the green/transparent cable.
Step 6. Separate the cables
After removing the cover, you will find the wires inside twisted together. Usually, these cables will separate on their own when you remove the cover, but sometimes you may need to separate them yourself. One wire came from the old fan, while the other came from the ceiling. This is the reason you need to separate the two first so that the old fan can be removed.
Step 7. Lower the fan down
Now, you need to remove the fan from the housing. Usually, fans are equipped with a ball-shaped joint that can be easily removed from the holder. However, sometimes you need to shake it up a bit. It's a good idea to ask someone to help hold the fan you want to remove from the holder.
Step 8. Remove the fan holder
The new fan is certainly equipped with a retaining frame that is the right size for the fan. So you also need to remove the old fan retaining frame. However, keep the ceiling fan mount in place. The new retaining frame will still fit in the stand.
Step 9. Check the cables and mounts
Now, you need to check the health of the cables. You can also check the condition of the ceiling fan mount/holder to make sure it's still solid. The object must not sway and must be screwed to the ceiling. Also, see the cable outlet section. The hole in that section should have a plastic connector so that the end of the cable is directly facing the end of the fan mount (the fan mount is made of metal).
If any of the above seems problematic, you will need to replace the cable holder. To do this, enlist the help of an expert
Part 2 of 4: Assembling the Fan Holder and Attaching the Cables
Step 1. Glue the decorative ornaments with glue
This step is not necessary for some types of fans. Therefore, make sure your fan has decorative ornaments first. Apply PU glue to the back of the ornament. Pull the cable in the ceiling through the middle. When the ornament is right in the middle, push it up until it's stuck to the ceiling.
To hold it in place, use four 6D nails and cover the ends with caulk or solder paste
Step 2. Install the holder
The holder enclosed by the fan body will hold the fan in place. Pull the cable through the center of the holder. Align the holder with the support bolt on it. Next, you need to clamp or slide the retainer onto the bolt.
Make sure you have read the installation instructions. Sometimes, you will need to use screws to attach the fan holder
Step 3. Run the cable through the fan frame
Locate the wires on the fan motor. Insert the cable through the cover of the fan frame that will be used to cover the cable. After that, insert the cable into the connecting pipe.
Step 4. Screw the catch pipe in place
This pipe is usually screwed into the top of the fan. You may need to tighten the locking screw which is usually on the side of the pipe near the fan motor. Use a wrench to strengthen these screws. Make sure the locking screw is firmly attached. Otherwise, the fan may rock.
- You may also need to install a ball mount, although this part may already be installed on your fan. Attach this holder to the connecting pipe and secure it with pins.
- Some people install the propeller when the fan has not been raised. However, this is up to you. If you want to speed up the ceiling mount process, install it while the fan is still down. However, installing the vanes below will make the fan difficult to lift due to the weight.
Part 3 of 4: Connecting the Fan to the Cables
Step 1. Lift the fan up
Get someone to help hold it from the bottom. Lift the fan to the ceiling holder. The ball at the top should fit snugly against the attached holder. If you don't know how to insert it, check the fan installation instructions.
Hang the edges of the fan cover to attach the cables
Step 2. Cut the cable and use a cable clamp to peel the skin off
The cable to be connected to the fan must be quite long, so you will need to strip it. Peel the skin of the cable until it is 15 to 20 cm longer than the connecting pipe and fits into the length of the cable hanging from the ceiling. Remove the plastic cover that is on the end of the cable so that it can be connected with the same cable.
Step 3. Connect the cables
Use the wire nut to connect the two green wires with the stripped wire. Hold the two ends together, then twist to connect them. Also connect the two white wires and the two black wires in the same way.
When you're done, thread the cable into the clamp that's above it
Part 4 of 4: Installing the Propellers and Lights
Step 1. Secure the fan cover
Press the cover up until it is flush with the ceiling. You will most likely need to screw it in, although there are some fan models that will allow you to install it directly without screws. The screws must be firmly fixed near the ceiling.
Step 2. Attach each vane to its holder
Each fan blade must fit to be installed in the holder which also fits to be installed on the fan. Insert the propeller into the holder, then attach it using screws to secure it. You may need more than one screw. Just follow the installation instructions.
Step 3. Attach each holder to the fan with screws
Each fan holder must have a place to screw the propeller holder to the fan motor. To make your job easier, place the screw in the fan holder, then use a screwdriver to hold it in place. Lift the blades and fan holder, then attach the screws to the fan motor.
Tighten the screws, as loose holders can cause the fan to wobble
Step 4. Add lights
Plug the cable into the lamp holder that serves to connect the electricity, then install the lamp kit according to the installation instructions. Add light bulbs and decorations on top. This part sometimes also needs to be fixed with screws.
You may also need to install a pull chain on the fan
Step 5. Restart the electricity in the house
Once you're sure that everything is properly connected, you can turn on the house fuse. Test the fan by turning on the light switch to make sure it is working properly.