the house was built in CA in the 40's, the original light fixture is off center and i want the fan in the center of the room
2006-09-30 04:31:04 · 8 answers · asked by cndmrrll 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Your project is going to involve a lot of applications.
Part of your project will require a section of ceiling to be opened up to properly install a mount that will support the weight of the ceiling fan.
Wiring will have to be run from existing fixture to new location.
The hole where the old fixture is will have to be patched. The hole for installing the fan mount will have to be pached.
I would do these two applications first. Then repaint the ceiling.
The fan installation would be the last thing done.
This project could easily span a number of days if done correctly.
Ceiling mounts from the 40's will not properly support a ceiling fan.
Hope this helps.
2006-09-30 04:52:47 · answer #1 · answered by echiasso 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, mark the center of the ceiling. (that's the easy part).
If the ceilng is sheet rock it will be easier.
If the ceiling is plaster it will be quite ticklish.
1- Make a small hole in the center of the mark very carefully, you have to fish way up inside to see if there is a cross beam close by. If there is, you will need to know how close to the hole where you are going to mount the fan box. If you are lucky, the beam will be either dead center of the hole (never happened to me) or partly across the hole (most likely). You can shift the hole 2 or 3 inches around the center point and after the fan is up, that difference won't be visibly noticeable.
2- You will need to cut a 4" round hole for the electric box.
3- Now you can stick your hand up into the hole to locate the beam. (Flashlight & mirror) is better.
4- Next, you have to get the electric wire to where the fan will go.
[Also if it is the newer wiring such as romex, it's easier]
BX, (metal clad), you better make a splice in the existing box and run new romex to the fan.
5- Here a couple more if's - Lucky #1, the beam is in or near the center, mount a 4" pancake box directly to the beam (with the wire in it) the box must be for "Fan Duty" using 1/4" lag bolts (2).
6- In the other case get a fan brace with box, follow instructions on the box and you're good to go.
(it has a support bar, electric box (fan duty) and fits between 2 beams. The home center can explain that part.
Hopefully this is all you need. It does take time and you may need to put a cover on the old box (fixture) because it is probably nailed to the beam where it is installed and it might even be an old 3" box and the new 4" covers won't fit.
Good Luck! !
2006-09-30 05:10:39 · answer #2 · answered by norman8012003 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok you already have a great answer. but if you want to do it an easier way. buy a cover for your old electrical box connect the new wires inside the box useing wire nuts then run the wire across your ceiling to the area find a joist(board) in the ceiling nearby unless you are totally all about being right in the center odds are there will be a joist with in 12" as they are probably spaced attach a metal electircal box (one that is rated for holding fans is important). ok it is easier to hang with two people but in the last year i have installed 5 or 6 by myself. then they sell some very cool stuff to cover the wire it is C shaped and i believe it is called wire channel they sell it at home depot and lowes by the molding that is used for window trim. have fun with the fan and make sure to follow the instructions on how to get rid of the wobble
2006-09-30 12:25:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do it your self; but you will need a assistant. Just follow the instructions. The only thing that you need to worry about is the weight. Go to Lowes or Home Depot and get this unit It's a bar that can be adjusted so that it will set tightly between two beams. It will fit through the outlet hole in the ceiling. The good thing about this unit is that you don't have to tear any ceiling out to set in in place.
This unit will allow you to attach the fan to it, and no more weight problem.
2006-09-30 05:23:00 · answer #4 · answered by tinker46139 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putting up the fan is easy but you will need an electrician to move the box and then someone to repair the ceiling. It must be done right or the weight of the fan could pull the box down.
2006-09-30 04:41:59 · answer #5 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Refer to the instructions that come with the fan but don`t try to do it alone. Ceiling fans definitely take two people to install.
2006-09-30 04:35:21 · answer #6 · answered by Hamish 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read the directions in the fan box. If you don't know what you are doing after that, better get someone that does know. Especially with electricity.
2006-09-30 06:38:26 · answer #7 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i really don't know because i don't do all of that i just do what i know what 2 do!!!!!!! go find somebody who knows how.....
2006-09-30 04:34:45 · answer #8 · answered by pretty baby gurl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋