Installing a large ceiling fan in a great room or patio

What you’ll need

• Fan-rated ceiling box
• A helper
• Ladder
• Screwdrivers and voltage tester

Step by step

1. 1

   Confirm the box is fan-rated

   A standard lighting box will not safely carry a large fan's weight and vibration. Fan-rated boxes are clearly marked.

2. 2

   Check clearances

   Aim for blades at least 7 feet above the floor and about 18 inches clear of the nearest wall.

3. 3

   Pick the downrod length

   On high ceilings a longer downrod brings the blades into the occupied zone where you actually feel the air.

4. 4

   Verify the outdoor rating

   Only damp- or wet-rated fans belong on a patio. Indoor fans corrode and unbalance quickly outdoors.

5. 5

   Assemble on the ground, lift as a unit

   Attach blades and light kit before lifting, kill power at the breaker, then hang and wire with a helper supporting the motor.

Energy-saving tips

• A large fan on low speed moves more air, more quietly, than a small fan on high.
• Use the reverse mode in winter at low speed to reclaim warm air from the ceiling.
• Balance the blades with the included kit if you notice wobble — wobble means wear.