How To Replace Light Fixture with Ceiling Fan

Replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan is a great way to cool down a room and lower your electric bill this summer. However, installing ceiling fans in existing construction can sometimes be a challenge. Ceiling fans require a special heavy duty ceiling fan junction box to support their heavy weight.

Before you start any electrical project make sure you shut off the electricity to the circuit you’re working on. Then make sure you test the circuit to make sure it’s in fact de-energized. Next you’ll want to remove the existing light fixture and existing electrical junction box. Most light fixtures will not be installed in a proper fan junction box. If you’re not sure then remove and get rid of the existing junction box. Typically a normal light fixture box will be mounted to the side of a ceiling joist. Once you remove the existing junction box you’ll be able to verify that.

If the existing junction box was attached to the side of the ceiling joist then you’ll want to buy a pancake shallow ceiling fan junction box (see photo). Place the pancake box on the ceiling centered over the ceiling joist (you should be able to do this by looking into the hole left from the previous box) and trace the circular shape with a pencil. Now cut out the drywall or plaster in the circular shape to expose the joist (or strapping if present). Now you can screw the pancake box directly to the ceiling joist (I’d use at least two 3″ long screws) and pull the existing wires into the new box.

Next you’ll need to patch the hole left from the previous junction box (I’ll assume for now that you can figure this step out or read about patching drywall elsewhere). Once the ceiling is patched and painted you can install the ceiling fan according to the manufactures directions. Most likely in this scenario you’ll only have a single feed to you’ll have to switch the light and fan on with the switch and control the functions with pull chains.

The most important thing to remember here is that you should not install a ceiling fan in an existing electrical junction box that’s not rated for a fan. You can cause serious damage or injury to yourself or family if you do. Also make sure you understand and follow all electrical codes.

If you enjoyed this post and you’d like to read about why fans make the Green Grade over air conditioners then check out my post over at Today’s Green Construction.