How To Install A Ceiling Fan In A Drop Ceiling

A ceiling fan installation is a simple job, but when it comes to installing a ceiling fan in a drop ceiling, it's not as simple as a regular ceiling. You need some extra steps than a traditional ceiling fan mounting.

Drop ceilings are also known as suspended ceilings. If you know which components are required for this installation and all the processes, it will not be challenging for you. This article provides you with complete guidelines on how to mount a fan in a suspended ceiling. Follow our step-by-step guidelines.

Step 1: Turn off the power.

For installing a fan, you need to work with electricity during wiring. So, before going to contact with electricity, make sure the power is off.

Step 2: Select position.

First, you have to select an ideal position at the center of a tile and make sure there is something for supporting the grid brace using a chain. To hang a heavy fan, you need strong support.

Step 3: Purchase a Saf-T-Grid Brace.

The grid brace is engineered to support ceiling fans and light fixtures weighing up to 70 pounds for the fan and 150 pounds for the lighting fixture. The grid brace comes fully assembled with a four-inch round by two and 1/8 inch deep ceiling fan rated box.

If your fan will be installed in a suspended ceiling, purchase a fan Saf-T-Grid Brace from your local electrical store and use it.

Step 4: Cut the hole.

The first step to installing the grid brace is to cut a 4 and ¼ inch diameter hole in the ceiling tile. Next is to select which knockout you want the wire to run through and remove this knockout. Now check to make sure the screws on either end of the brace are tightened enough.

The brace is preset for the 2 and 1/8 inch deep box, but by removing the end screws, it can be repositioned for a one-and-a-half-inch deep box.

Step 5: Install the grid brace.

The grid brace includes spacers that are used to provide a flush finish with nearly any ceiling tile. Mix and match the spacers to suit and position them between the brace and the box. They can be discarded if flat ceiling tile is to be used.

With the ceiling tile in place, locate the brace and box. We desired and position end clips, so the long legs are on the outside of the grid and snap short legs on the inside of the grid. Repeat for the other end.

Now Center the box in the opening and secure it by tightening the two screws in the back of the box.

Step 6: Support the brace using the chain.

The next step is to support the brace from a solid structural member. Typically this will be a framing member deck or some other solid means of support. Support the grid brace using the chain and turnbuckle that is included. Adjust turnbuckle to remove slack and chain, lock in place by tightening locknuts.

The grid brace also includes an optional yoke that can be used with a 3/8 inch or threaded rod to support the grid brace to the building structure. To use this option, remove the turnbuckle by removing the nut and bolt. Reassemble bolt including spacer. Assemble yoke to bolt, keeping spacer in the center, and tighten bolt and nut. Tighten nuts on either side of the yoke to secure the brace.

Finally, complete the wiring using a UL-listing connector for the wiring type selected. You are now ready to install the fan or fixture.

Step 7: Secured the cable.

Feed the cable through the box. Raise the box to the ceiling. Thread the ceiling fan wiring through the central hole in the ceiling fan box. To keep all the wires in place, push it over until it sits on the face of the fan box, then tighten the cable clamp screws.

Step 8: Mount the fan.

Now you can mount your ceiling fan. First, you need to assemble your new purchases ceiling fan. Insert the canopy into the downrod and place it on the fan body and then thread it to secure with the body. Before attaching the downrod, make sure you pull the cable into the downrod hole.

Attach the blades of the fan. Lift fan blades one by one on the fan motor to attach. Set them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and use the provided screws to secure them with the fan body.

And finally, finish wiring and turn on the switch and test your ceiling fan.

Final Verdict.

Ceiling fans circulate air in an area, keeping the room cool and saving money on energy costs, and keeping your living space comfortable. If you buy a grid brace, ceiling fan installation will be easy in suspended/drop ceilings.