![wiring a ceiling fan with light and only two wires wiring a ceiling fan with light and only two wires](https://i.stack.imgur.com/2gPzo.jpg)
In the summer, fans should turn clockwise, creating a simple breeze. Instead of flipping a coin, just remember to watch your clock. Most of us know that ceiling fans should spin opposite ways in winter versus summer, distributing the low-laying air in a manner that increases heating and cooling efficiency.
Wiring a ceiling fan with light and only two wires install#
This is the time to install the ceiling fan in pieces, which takes more time but reduces the odds of tipping over. The problem gets worse when you’re trying to attach a heavy ceiling fan above your head, which makes the whole ladder assembly – including yourself – top-heavy. For the rest of us, however, working up high isn’t much fun. If you’re one of those lucky people who’ve never fallen off a ladder or roof, this might not seem like a big deal. The fan may need a down rod extension to give the blades enough room to spin. This means you’ll need to build a box that fits into that inverted point and has a flat base. The most obvious is the old square-peg-in-a-round-hole problem: ceiling fan bases are flat, and cathedral ceilings end in an inverted point. If you want to see a truly beautiful sight, however, take a look at the carpenter’s and electrician’s faces when they finally climb off the scaffolding when the job is done.Ĭathedral ceilings present numerous logistical problems for adding ceiling fans. There’s no doubt cathedral ceilings look wonderful, adding character and space to the often less-than grand dimensions of the family cabin. The Sadistic, Awful, but Beautiful Cathedral Ceiling This means you can circulate more air at a lower speed, which keeps the vibration to a minimum and also extends the electrical motor’s lifespan. To further reduce wobble, consider an oversized fan. You might need to substitute longer screws while securing the fan motor to the fixture box, since you’ve extended the depth by 1/2 to 3/4 inches. The square will have to be 24 inches wide to hit two trusses, with a cut-out to accommodate the fan wiring. Either access the fixture from the attic and add bracing from above, or consider buying or building a decorative square out of plywood (with trim), then fastening the plate directly to the ceiling.
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For remodeling work, you have two choices. Install bracing between truss sections (either a standard 2x4 or sliding metal bracing works fine) and then mount a ceiling fan-approved electrical box directly to the bracing. On new construction this shouldn’t be a problem. If a heavy fan (more than 35 pounds) is mounted improperly, there’s a good possibility your air circulation could come to a crashing halt. If you only have 12-2 wire available, consider installing a ceiling fan with remote control dimmer/ fan speed, which only requires standard 12-2 wire.Ĭeiling fans have an inherent amount of wobble.
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The main obstacle to installing an adjustable switch is the electrical run: Standard lighting or fans require 12-2 wire, and adjustable switches require 12-3 wire (14-gauge wire can also be used).
![wiring a ceiling fan with light and only two wires wiring a ceiling fan with light and only two wires](https://i.stack.imgur.com/3Bcft.jpg)
If you’re installing a ceiling fan in a new construction setting, consider using an adjustable dimmer and fan speed wall switch. The old fashioned fans with pull chains to adjust speed and light settings have no place in standard ceilings, much less cathedral or hard-to-access ceilings. Here are some tips for getting the most out of that great whirlybird in the sky. Routine ceiling fan installation can be fairly simple, but there are some common oversights that plague even experienced DIYers. They can also be a godsend for circulating the stale air that can accumulate at the cabin during long absences … or for dissipating the unique air quality issues that can arise while frying up a big batch of bacon for a cabin-full of Sunday morning guests. Installed and wired properly, ceiling fans increase heating and cooling efficiency while adding a touch of character to nondescript ceilings.