Answer: Yes, you can change just the light fixture on a ceiling fan. Most of the ceiling fan comes with a mounting collar flange under the fan motor. That mounting flange will help you to change the light fixture.
How do I add a light to my Ceiling Fan?
Visit a home improvement store to find the appropriate ceiling fan light kit.
- Some companies sell universal ceiling fan lighting kits that fit a variety of their models. ...
- If you cannot find the right lighting assembly at a home improvement store try elsewhere. ...
- Ceiling fan lighting assemblies come in a variety of styles. ...
Can you add a light to an existing ceiling fan?
Many ceiling fans are sold without a light attached to them but that doesn't always fit the needs you may have in a room. If you already have a ceiling fan but it doesn't have a light, it doesn't mean you can't have a light unless you totally replace the fan. You may be able to add one to your existing fan by following these simple directions.
How do you replace a ceiling fan with light fixture?
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- New light kit
- voltage tester to test for "hot" wires
How to connect ceiling fan with light?
- Connect the white wires (neutral wires) from your fan and ceiling together.
- Connect the green wire to your household ground wire (copper/bare wire).
- Connect the black wires together.
- Connect the blue wires together or the blue wire to the black wire for lights. ...
- Tuck the wires back into the box.
- Turn the power back on and test the fan.
Can you convert a ceiling light to a ceiling fan?
There's really no problem in replacing an existing light fixture with a ceiling fan in terms of the electrical needs. But what you really have to be careful of is to make sure the electrical box that the light fixture is attached to will support the extra weight of the ceiling fan.
How do you tell if a light fixture can support a ceiling fan?
The National Electric Code requires that all fans 35 pounds and over must be supported with an outlet box or outlet box system that is listed for ceiling fan support. The manufacturer must have marked the outlet box system to indicate that it is acceptable for ceiling fan installations.
Can you install a ceiling fan with only one light switch?
Most new ceiling fans can be wired to either a single switch or a double switch. With single-switch wiring, power to the fan is controlled by a standard single-pole wall switch, like a regular light switch.
How do you replace a chandelier with a ceiling fan?
0:073:51How to Install a Chandelier Over a Ceiling Fan Site - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow each mounting bracket is different because they design it for that light fixture. So they're notMoreNow each mounting bracket is different because they design it for that light fixture. So they're not usually interchangeable. So you want to make sure that you're using the right one.
Do you need a special box for a ceiling fan?
Most building codes require ceiling fans to be mounted on special fan-rated boxes, which are made of metal or strong plastic and have deep-threaded holes for the mounting screws. The box must be mounted firmly, either by attaching it directly to a framing member or by using a fan-rated brace.
How can you tell if an electrical box is rated for ceiling fan?
If the box was installed recently in accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC), the box should be labeled if it's rated to support a ceiling fan. 314.27 Outlet Boxes.
Can you wire a fan to a light switch?
Wiring a bathroom fan to a light switch is very straightforward. If the bathroom fan and light are separate fixtures, you'll need a short wire to connect the two. Turn the power off, connect the white wires, connect the black wires, ensure it's grounded, turn the power back on, and you're good to go.
Can a fan and light be on the same switch?
People frequently wire a ceiling fan with a light to two light switches. That way they can control the fan with one switch and the light with the other. But what if the room has only one switch and you have to wire a ceiling fan with light to one switch? You can still do it.
How do you separate a light switch and a fan switch?
4:3315:47The Easy Way to Put Light and Fan on Separate Switches (With Some Luck)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis you have a sufficient number of wires to run the light and the fan on separate switches. So i'mMoreThis you have a sufficient number of wires to run the light and the fan on separate switches. So i'm going to take this. Off. Okay so that's the wago lever nut just came right off.
Are ceiling fans outdated?
Are ceiling fans out of style? Far from it. According to our most recent Top Agent Insights Report, 34% of real estate agents say that ceiling fans are a feature that modern buyers love to see in a home, placing it in the top five energy-efficient upgrades you can make.
How much does it cost to get a ceiling fan installed?
National Average: $248 A straightforward ceiling fan installation can range from $144 to $360, with the national average at $248. If the installation is complex or the area is difficult to access, the fan installation cost can jump as high as $600.
Can ceiling fans convert?
This handy light adapter makes it a snap for anyone to install can light conversions. You can modify can lights to hang a ceiling fan, ceiling light, light canopy, swag light, pendant light or just about any other type of light fixture in minutes - can conversion has never been so easy!
How much weight can a light fixture hold?
tl;dr. This box should have no trouble supporting a normal light fixture, up to about 50 pounds. It should not be used to support a ceiling fan.
How heavy can light fixtures be?
Heavy Fixtures Require Strong Boxes The National Electrical Code (NEC) allows you to hang up to 50 lbs. from any electrical box that is threaded to accept No.
Can a chandelier be too heavy for ceiling?
Most chandeliers are heavier than other light fixtures, and chandeliers with crystals can be particularly heavy. If the chandelier you want weighs more than 15 pounds, you'll need to install a special electrical box, just as you would if you were going to install a ceiling fan. In fact, it's the same box.
Can a plastic electrical box hold a ceiling fan?
Electricians use both metal and plastic boxes, and the latter are preferred in some cases because they are inexpensive, easy to use and naturally insulated. They aren't made for supporting much weight, however, and shouldn't be used to support a ceiling fan.
How much does it cost to install a ceiling fan?
Depending on the hourly rates of electricians in your area, it can range from $60 to $250 to install a ceiling fan including installing the ceiling fan box and the fan itself. If you consider yourself handy, installing a ceiling fan where a light fixture exists is easy.
Why do we need a ceiling fan?
Ceiling fans are a fashionable and functional way to update a room. There are various stylish ceiling fan designs, and they can help provide energy savings in the summer as well as winter. Installing a ceiling fan where a light fixture exists is an easy option for updating your home’s decor while also increasing its energy efficiency.
How much weight can a ceiling fan support?
You need to make sure the ceiling fan box you get can support 70 pounds. If you’re not comfortable installing the ceiling fan box yourself, hire a licensed, professional electrician.
Community Q&A
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD. Christopher Osborne has been a wikiHow Content Creator since 2015. He is also a historian who holds a PhD from The University of Notre Dame and has taught at universities in and around Pittsburgh, PA.
How long does it take to replace a ceiling fan?
It can also help reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs. To replace a light fixture with a fan, all you’ll need is about two hours and some basic supplies. Here’s what you’ll need for this intermediate-level project:
How to hold a fixture in place?
Fixtures are typically held in place with screws and a mounting strap. Loosen the screws, twist the base and then pull the base over the hole. Test each wire with a non-contact circuit tester to avoid dangerous shocks.
How many holes does a fan blade have?
Each blade typically features three holes to attach it to the fan or blade irons. Attachment methods vary, so be sure to check manufacturer instructions before you begin. Attach each blade to the bottom of the motor with the screws provided, making sure each is tight.
What color is the ground wire on a fan motor?
The fan motor’s grounding wire is typically green, bare or sometimes covered in a color noted by the manufacturer. There may also be a grounding wire attached to the hanger. Use a wire connector to secure them to the ground wire from the power cable.
Can you replace a light fixture box with a fan?
Conventional light fixture boxes aren’t strong enough to support a fan, so you’ll need to replace it with one that’s fan rated. If your current fixture box is screwed to a ceiling joist, simply remove the screws. If it’s nailed to a joist accessible from an attic, use a hammer or pry bar to remove the box and nails.
Do you need a fan brace for an attic?
If you have an attic that enables access from above, you can use a box that attaches to the joist. Without attic access, you’ll need a fan brace that can be installed from below. Fan braces are typically sold as a kit that includes a brace, box and bracket or U-bolt.
How to tighten wire nuts?
With the wires properly paired up with one another, all that is left to do with them is cover them and tuck them away. Screw a wire nut over each of the twisted wire bare ends. You want to tighten the wire nuts until they feel tight but be careful to not overtighten.
What is the canopy on a ceiling fan?
The canopy is the part of the ceiling fan that covers the electrical box and sits flush against the ceiling. Remove the screws that hold the light to the electrical box. Even if you have turned the breaker off, this next part is important. With a voltage tester handy, touch the wires to the blade of the voltage test.
How much weight can a ceiling fan support?
The National Electric Code requires that any fan over 35 pounds be supported with the use of an outlet box or outlet box system that has been listed for ceiling fan support.
Why do we need ceiling fans?
Ceiling fans can be a great way to provide both light and air circulation to a given room. But older homes can have outdated ceiling fans that stand in stark, negative contrast to the rest of a particular design aesthetic. Moreover, they can collect tons of dust and be difficult to keep clean on a regular basis.
Why do people do DIY projects?
The number one reason that people take on DIY projects is due to cost . Aside from the cost of parts, there are no other fees required. Depending on the project at hand, taking on a project yourself can mean major savings. With something like a ceiling fan installation, you may be better off paying a pro.
Do you have to cut off the power to a breaker?
As is the case with any appliance or fixture that has an electrical current, you will need to cut the power off to the room. It’s not quite as simple as dealing with an electrical appliance where the appliance can simply be unplugged. In order to turn off the power to the breaker, you will have to go to the breaker.
Can you remove a ceiling fan canopy?
This step depends entirely on the weight of the ceiling fan that you are dealing with. Some ceiling fans, particularly older ones, may be too heavy for you to remove the canopy in one simple step. You run the risk of the entire fixture coming down when there is too much weight.
