Some people are physically capable of installing a ceiling fan on their own and the process doesn’t require a lot of special tools. However, if you are not familiar with the basics of home wiring, call an electrician!
So, how does ceiling fan installation work and is it worth it to call in an electrician?
Ceiling fan installation should generally be done by people with some experience in wiring and electrical work. If your desired location does not already have the wiring, you will need an even higher level of expertise.
Here are some of the considerations when deciding whether to hire a local electrician or attempt a DIY ceiling fan installation:
- Have you ever performed electrical work before?
- Are you comfortable attaching wires?
- Do you have a few hours to spare, or longer in case the task proves more difficult?
- Are you comfortable with drilling into your ceiling and doing the necessary work to make the final product be esthetically pleasing?
- Will you have a second person available? You’ll likely want help holding the blades and other parts as you go.
The ceiling fan installation process
Understanding the process can help you decide whether you can handle ceiling fan installation yourself. If any of these steps sound difficult or you would have to learn everything from scratch before beginning, you probably should go ahead and call a local electrician to perform the job.
The process can be very different depending on your ceiling, the wiring, and the fan you’ve purchased. However, here’s a general overview of ceiling fan installation:
- Shut off the electricity. Before beginning, you need to switch off the breakers that control the area of the work. Be sure to test using the proper tools to see to it that the power is actually off.
- Install mounting brackets. If you aren’t replacing an existing fan, or if the new one weighs significantly more than the old one, you need to install a proper support system.
- Get the wiring ready. If you need new wiring, call an electrician unless you happen to be very experienced with wiring. If the wires are there, you’ll need someone to help hold the ceiling fan while you connect the wires using wire nuts.
- Attach the fan motor. Connect the wires using wire nuts, usually with like-color wires being attached to each other. If you are unsure, call Spyrka Electric. When wires are attached, screw the motor unit onto the mounting bracket.
- Assemble the blades and parts according to instructions. The blades may snap in, or they may need to be screwed in. This may come earlier in the ceiling fan installation, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Complete with light bulbs and light cover. At the end, these details will depend on the ceiling fan you’ve chosen.
Hiring a local electrician for ceiling fan installation
For the majority of homeowners, there are many benefits to having an electrician perform your ceiling fan installation, including:
- Safety first—you could conceivably be shocked, or you might injure yourself with tools or going up and down a ladder.
- Your property needs to be protected. An electrician can be trusted to not damage your ceiling or leave behind a mess, and pro installation ensures that the ceiling can support the weight of the fan.
- A pro can install a fan in a couple hours or even less than an hour. you might lose a weekend on it.
- Instructions are not always very easy and the manufacturer cannot predict what ceiling you will be working with. Electricians have handled it all.
- Professional installation can ensure precision, the quietest performance.
Ceiling fan installation can potentially be a rewarding experience for the DIY crowd. For those of you without experience, call the electrician and relax while ensuring a smooth, professional installation.
