--- title: "How to Install a Ceiling Fan Where a Ceiling Light Fixture Used to Be" description: "Want to swap out your ceiling light fixture for a fan? The project is a breeze for most DIYers, and can be completed in an afternoon." date: "2012-06-18" modified: "2026-04-07" authors: - name: "Chris Gardner" job_title: "Guest Contributor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/chris-gardner/" - name: "Theresa Clement" job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/theresa-clement/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2479-how-to-install-a-ceiling-fan/" categories: - "Building & Installing" - "DIY" - "Interior" - "Lighting & Electrical" tags: - "ceilings" - "DIY" - "electrical" - "How To" - "how-to" - "installation" - "News" --- # How to Install a Ceiling Fan Where a Ceiling Light Fixture Used to Be ![]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* A ceiling fan can cut your energy costs year round: It circulates cool air in the warm summer months; in the winter months, if you set the [fan blades to circulate in the opposite direction](), the fan will push heated air down from the ceiling in the winter, making the room feel warmer. Installing a ceiling fan is an achievable weekend project; most DIYers can accomplish the task in a few hours and enjoy the fruits of their labor right away. This guide outlines safety guidelines and steps to follow for replacing a ceiling light fixture with a ceiling fan, as well as tools and materials you’ll need for the job. If additional wiring is necessary for installation, consult an electrician, as all wiring must follow local codes. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Voltage tester]() - [Screwdriver]() - [Keyhole saw]() - [Needlenose pliers]() - [Ladder]() - [Safety glasses]() - [Dust mask]() - [Ceiling fan kit]() - [Ceiling outlet box (approved for ceiling fan)]() - [Expandable brace bar (if no access from above) or 2×8 framing lumber and screws]() - [Wire connectors (if not included with the ceiling fan kit)]() - [Electrical tape]() ## Safety Considerations When electricity and ladders are involved in a project, safety should be top of mind. To limit risks and prevent injury when replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, be sure to follow these ceiling fan wiring safety precautions. - Always turn off the power source at the breaker box before starting any project that involves home wiring. Then, confirm that all wall light switches are in the “off” position. Do not rely on just a wall switch for turning off the power as it presents some degree of risk. - Always double-check that the wires are not live. While the electrical power to a switch or outlet can be turned off at the breaker box, it’s important to then use a voltage tester to make sure the breaker box was labeled correctly. - When working on a ladder, make sure it is placed away from door openings and is placed on a secure and level surface. - Keep your hips centered within the ladder frame when on a ladder, and climb down to move the ladder if something is beyond your reach. - ## How to Replace a Ceiling Light With a Ceiling Fan ### Step 1: Select a ceiling fan that suits the size of the room. When choosing a fan, note the size of your room. The blades need to be at least 18 to 24 inches away from all walls, a minimum of 7 feet from the floor, and 10 inches from the ceiling. Use the following figures as a guide to selecting the right size ceiling fan for your space: - 36-inch fan if the room is 144 square feet or smaller - 42-inch fan if the room is between 144 and 225 square feet - 52-inch fan if the room is 225 square feet or larger After choosing a [quality ceiling fan](), select a ceiling box that’s approved for fans. Boxes for overhead lights are not strong enough to support the weight of a fan; your best bet is to choose a metal box that can support a fan’s weight. If you have overhead access from an attic or have open ceiling framing, you can add framing between joists to attach the box. If not, use a brace bar. A brace bar can be screwed into the joists, and the ceiling box and fan will hang from the newly added support. ### Step 2: Remove the old unit and cut a new hole. Make sure that the electricity at the breaker box is turned off, and then use a [voltage meter]() to check that the wires are not live. Before beginning to remove the old light fixture, decide where the old fixture will be placed. If it is a large or heavy fixture, you may need the help of a friend to hold the fixture while you detach it from the ceiling. Carefully remove the light fixture, and then detach the wires connecting the old fixture to the wires in the ceiling. Next, remove the old light fixture’s ceiling box with a [screwdriver](). Make sure the wiring is in good condition, and consult an electrician to evaluate it or replace it if necessary. Check the ceiling hole to determine if it is the right size for the new ceiling box and fan by tracing the outline of the ceiling box onto the ceiling. Next, cut out the shape needed using a keyhole saw. The hole cut is usually about 5 inches in diameter. ### Step 3: Mount the ceiling fan brace bar. Insert the ceiling fan brace bar into the ceiling hole. Position the ceiling brace box so it is centered above the hole and perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Next, twist the outer bar until it locks into the foot. Continue turning until the foot is fastened. Next, turn the inner bar to secure the other foot. If you are renovating the room and have open framing, you have the option to use lumber and a ceiling fan box instead of a brace bar with an attached box. Measure the distance between the ceiling joists, and then cut a 2-inch-by-8-inch piece of framing lumber to span the distance. Secure the wood block with [three 3-inch deck screws]() to each joist, and secure the ceiling fan box to the block using the recommended fasteners from the ceiling box manufacturer. ### Step 4: Connect the ceiling fan wires. Carefully pull the wires through the knockout hole in the receptacle box. A handy pair of [needle-nose pliers]() can help. Then, attach the fan’s mounting bracket with the hardware included. Attach the fan’s down rod with the ball end toward the ceiling, and secure (usually with an included cotter pin). Next, connect the fan’s wires to the circuit wires: white to white, black to black, and the grounding wire to the green lead wire of the fan or a grounding screw. Secure all connections with wire connectors, and tuck them into the ceiling box. ### Step 5: Hang the ceiling fan. The next step involves hanging the new ceiling fan. Depending on the size and weight of the fan, it may be easier to ask someone to help with this step. Attach the canopy or medallion using the screws included. Install the blades using the supplied hardware. Make sure all screws are tightened securely to the blade irons to [prevent the ceiling fan from wobbling](). Manually rotate the blades to check that they are secure. ### Step 6: Follow the instructions for the light kit. - ![Woman screws shades on ceiling fan lights.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* - ![Woman screws light bulbs in ceiling fan light fixtures.]() *Photo: Tom Fenenga for BobVila.com* [][][] If your fan has a lighting kit, there will be a blue wire for the light. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for wiring the lighting kit: white to white, and blue to black. Secure the wires with connectors or electrical tape and tuck the wires into the switch housing. Attach the lighting kit to the fan using the screws supplied. Install any shades and bulbs. ### Step 7: Ensure everything is secure, then test the fan. Do a final check to make certain everything is secure before turning the power back on at the breaker. Turn on the wall switch, and then test out the fan at its lowest speed to make sure it operates properly. ## Final Thoughts Replacing a ceiling light with a new ceiling fan is a fairly easy DIY project. After selecting the new ceiling fan based on the room’s size and design preferences, and then gathering all of the needed supplies and tools, it’s an interior design update that can typically be completed in an afternoon. ## FAQ ## Author Chris Gardner is an artist, writer, and sawdust-maker living and making messes in Portland, Oregon. He's the editor-in-chief of the DIY home decor community [Curbly.com](), and the founder of [ManMadeDIY.com](), a craft, art, and design site for guys. ### Author social links [Twitter]()