Preparing a New Fan Site
To prepare the fan site follow four steps:
•
Cutting the Ceiling Hole
•
Installing the Support Brace (if necessary)
•
Installing the Outlet Box
•
Preparing the Wiring
Cutting the Ceiling Hole:
1.
Locate the site for the hole directly below the joist or support brace that will hold the outlet box and fan.
2.
Cut a 4” diameter hole through the drywall or plaster of the ceiling as shown in Figure 6. You will use the hole to install the
support brace and outlet box.
Figure 6 – Cutting the Ceiling Hole
Installing the Support Brace:
If there is a ceiling joist directly above the hole which will allow the outlet box to be recessed a minimum of 1/16” in the ceiling, go to
Installing the Outlet Box
section.
If there is not adequate ceiling joist available, do the following:
1.
Attach a 2” x 4” support brace between two joists. The support brace must allow the bottom of the outlet box to be recessed a
minimum of 1/16” into the ceiling. See Figure 7.
2.
Check the support brace to ensure it will support the full weight of the fan and light kit.
Installing the Outlet Box
1.
Obtain a UL-approved octagonal 4” x 1-1/2” outlet box, plus two #8 x 1-1/2” wood screws and washers, available from any
hardware store or electrical supply house.
2.
Orient the outlet box so that both the inner and outer holes in the box align with the joist or support brace.
3.
Drill pilot holes no larger than the minor diameter of the wood screws (5/64”) through the inner holes of the outlet box.
4.
Attach the outlet box directly to the support brace or joist with two #8 x 1-1/2” wood screws and washers. The bottom of the
outlet box must be recessed a minimum of 1/16” into the ceiling as show in Figure 7.
Figure 7 – Installing the Outlet Box
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