Can I install a ceiling fan in my Home or facility?

Ceiling Fan Installation:

Ceiling fans can add both functionality plus a decor aspect to your property. What you may not realise is ceiling fans will reduce energy costs and improve comfort.

 

1. Most ceiling fans are reversible, this means you can set them either to push the air down for summer operation, or suck the air up for winter conditions. The down pressure air movement makes it cooler for warm conditions creating a breeze and the updraft functions mixes the air and creates a not so direct air flow for warming efficiency. Also a great way to add efficiency for the HVAC system in the property.

 

1. 1. As a result your room comfort will improve and the heating or cooling thermostat will remain constant, thus reducing energy costs.
   2. If you purchase a fan with a lighting option you get the best bang for your buck, improved light levels, decor appeal and functionality.
   3. Both high and normal height ceilings can accommodate a ceiling fan although 8 foot ceilings are about the lowest height ceiling that a ceiling fan should be mounted on.

Benefits of installing a ceiling fan.

1. Improved personal comfort.
2. Reduced energy costs.
3. Cost efficient way to improve lighting levels.
4. Adds character and decor to a room.
5. Ceiling fans can be installed in every room of the house as long as the ceiling heights accommodate.
6. Bedrooms can also be a favourite location for a fan. At night when you close your door the air flow is not as good as when it is open, so adding a fan can improve your environment and sleep experience.
7. When you have larger social gatherings / parties, Living rooms, Dining rooms can heat up so a ceiling fan can assist with keeping these areas cool when HVAC systems can’t keep up.

Fan styles vary dramatically and can be purchased in euro, modern, and classic designs. Ceiling fan – light fixture combo’s combine both aesthetics, improve light levels and ambience.

Critical Installation requirements.

If you are considering a ceiling fan installation, there are several components that require consideration and investigation.

Safety First

1. Does the room ceiling height provide appropriate clearances? What are the clearances from the centre of the box to the nearest wall? Will the fan blades clear?
2. Can the existing structure or electrical box support the new fan/fixture weight.
3. Will the fan operation impact the smoke detector safety functions?
4. Do you have adequate power?
5. Switching control for both fan and lights.

Our qualified electricians will inspect and verify your new installation requirements to insure your long term enjoyment, satisfaction and safety.

Power Supply

Power Supply is a very important part of a ceiling fan installation.

In many cases there is a central light in the centre of the ceiling, but in some older homes there is no light at all.

If there is an existing light fixture installed there are several more steps for our PTX Electrician to complete. Our Electrician will find the most cost efficient way to bring power to the fan and if knows there is a light fixture component he will recommend you install a 3 wire instead of a 2 wire circuit. This will make it possible to control both the light and fan components independently.

Note please ensure that the new ceiling fan is not powered on the smoke detector circuit as it is illegal and may cause your Smoke Detector to malfunction.

Ceiling fan Control options.

Remote control and wireless switching is also an option so make sure you ask all the questions when purchasing at your local supplier. PTX offers several different ways to control the electrical devices in your home or business.

Our new wireless switches and controls can be installed easily.

With WIFI wireless control it allows you to control light fixtures or any appliance in your home or business from anywhere in the world, (Real cool.)

Electrical Safety

If a new circuit is required it may be necessary to obtain an Electrical Permit. Based on the installation type, your local electrical safety authority may require that we obtain the permit and the owner will pay directly or we can handle that for you.

PTX Electric will complete a standard inspection of the panel and circuit breaker components to ensure there is adequate space and power to add a new circuit breaker and load to the system.

Conclusion

Please make sure you contact PTX Electric Ltd. for a technical estimate, as we guarantee quality and safety first. 604-700-3142

Technical Installation Advise (Step by Step)

Ceiling fans provide an energy-efficient solution for cooling your home and distributing airflow. Installing it in preparation for the summer makes sense – the cool breeze means you don’t need to overwork your air conditioning system.

Most homeowners don’t realise that ceiling fans help circulate the heated air in the winter, thereby keeping the living space warm.

The big basics guide for Ceiling Fan Dummies

• Many models of ceiling fans have lights installed. When determining the height of the fan itself, expect the light kit to add more additional inches and include those in your calculation. You may need to measure the height of the fan itself.
• If the ceiling has an angle of 34 to 56 degrees, it will need a slope mount or angle mount ceiling fan.
• Make sure you mount the fan to an area of the ceiling that will support its weight.
• Make sure there are no obstacles on the ceiling that could impede the blades.
• 42-inch fan sweep in rooms up to 149 square feet.
• 44-inch fan sweep in rooms from 150 to 230 square feet.
• 52-inch fan sweep in rooms from 220 to 410 square feet.
• Larger rooms may need more than one fan for best efficiency.

It’s a straightforward process, whether you’re replacing an old ceiling fan or installing a new one. You’re lucky if the space directly above the installation site is accessible through the attic; if not, there’s still a convenient way to get around the added challenge.

First things first, hanging a ceiling fan from the existing electrical box is not an option.

The added weight and vibration of the new fixture would simply be too much for it to support. For those with limited access to the ceiling, there are a few options. You can either use a specially rated tower and box mount between joists or screw-in fan-rated “pancake” directly to one of the joists on your ceiling for easy installation.

The size of the room you are looking to cool determines the type of fan to purchase.

For spaces smaller than 75 square feet, blades that are less than 36 inches in length are ideal because they produce enough air movement without taking up too much space. If your living area or bedroom is bigger than 240 square feet, fans with 54-inch blades work best. The cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) is an essential factor when deciding on which one to buy because it determines the comfort level in the living space. Also, avoid hanging your ceiling fan too close to any lighting fixture or smoke detector because the rotating blades under the bulb cause the lights to flicker or alarm to malfunction.

Step-By-Step to replace a ceiling light with a ceiling fan.

Step 1 – The first step always involves the removal of the existing light fixture.

Ensure the power to the circuit breaker is shut off and carefully remove any glass or metal shades from the old light fixture. To remove a ceiling fixture, unscrew the retaining nut or screws that hold it to the ceiling. To disconnect the wires, twist off the plastic connectors from each end of the wire.

Step 2 – Remove the old electrical box so that you can cut a new hole.

Grab a flat bar to unscrew the box if it’s nailed to the joist. If there’s no access to the screws on the joists, the only option is to take off a metal plate over the bar and pull it out. Trace a 1/2-inch-thick pancake box against the ceiling, centred on an interior joist. Next, use a drywall saw to cut along the line – be mindful of the dust.

Step 3 – You can now attach the new electrical box; in doing so, see to it that you feed the power cable coming from above through the hole punched out in the pancake box.This is assuming that there’s already a connector to this hole on its end.

Lift the box onto the cut-out in the ceiling, and then press it tight against the bottom of the joist.

Attach the box to the joist with screws. Use a drill equipped with a driver with an appropriately sized head. Ground the wire end by wrapping it around the grounding screw in the box.

Step 4 – Use a urethane-based adhesive on the back of the ceiling medallion.

Be sure to thread the wire through the medallion before setting it into place. Situate the medallion on the pancake box and press it to fit. Use finishing nails to drive it into the joist. Once they’re set, fill in nail heads with caulk or spackle.

Step 5 – The next step involves the proper mounting of the ceiling plate.

Attach the wires to the pancake box by pushing them through the hole in its centre\ before holding up a metal ceiling plate. Attach the ceiling plate to your box with appropriately sized machine screws if you plan on painting it. Place the medallion over top of this before applying white paint.

Step 6 – Once you’re over with the fan’s ceiling plate, it’s time to assemble the rest of the components.

Thread the wires coming from the motor to the canopy’s centre point. Next, place the canopy on top of it and tighten screws securely. Ensure that the wires pass through the down-rod. Thread the down-rod through the top of the motor and adjust with a wrench. You’re better off leaving the coating on the pipe threads as it prevents the likelihood of unscrewing.

Step 7 – After setting up the rest of the components, you focus on the wire connections. Attach one of the canopy’s hooks to the ceiling plate. Connect the two green wires to the bare copper wire from the cable with the help of a twist-on wire connector. Connect the right pair of wires based on their colour. Suspend the fan against the medallion and be sure to secure it using canopy screws.

Step 8 – At this point, shift your attention to the lights and blades. Screw each blade onto the blade iron.

If you’re unfamiliar with it, the iron is the bracket holding the blade to the fan. Use the provided screws to fasten the blade irons to the motor.

The light fixture housing on the ceiling fan must be plugged into the wire that hangs from the motor’s underside.

Don’t forget to install the bulbs and shades, too. If the ceiling fan comes with a remote control, then it usually has a plastic holder, too. Screw this holder to a convenient location on the wall.

Replacing or installing a ceiling fan is no straightforward affair, but it’s doable without anyone’s help. The added comfort and substantial energy savings are enough reasons to give it a try.

Final Thoughts

If you have trouble installing your fan, please give PTX Electric a call and we would be happy to help. We are experts in smaller electrical service calls.  PTX is built on integrity which means we give you the straight goods, no gouging, and no mumbo jumbo. Try out PTX today and see how we are different from other electrical contractors.