How to install your fan
ceiling fan installation guide
Although installing or replacing a ceiling fan may seem complicated, installing a ceiling fan is a relatively straightforward process. With a few basic tools and materials, you can learn how to hang a ceiling fan in just a few steps. Please note that this ceiling fan installation guide is a supplement to the manual for your specific ceiling fan model; use the manual that came with your ceiling fan for detailed installation instructions.
How to install a ceiling fan?
The following Hunter Fan ceiling fan installation guide should help you navigate the process of how to install a ceiling fan with step-by-step instructions for removing an existing fixture, ensuring proper ceiling fan wiring, and more. When looking at our ceiling fan installation guide, keep the following in mind:
- The videos and instructions included in the guide generally apply to the installation of most Hunter fans; however, the instructions for your specific fan model may differ slightly.
- This guide should only be used as supplementary material to the model-specific fan manual included with the purchase of a Hunter ceiling fan.
- Always consult your manual for the most precise instructions for installing your fan.
If your manual has been misplaced, you can easily find and download the model-specific manual for your Hunter fan. - As an alternative to DIY ceiling fan installation, you can hire a professional to install your fan. Through Hunter's partnership with HomeAdvisor, the largest home improvement network service in the US, you can find a qualified professional who has been evaluated by HomeAdvisor to install your new fan.
Project Details
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
The time it takes to install your fan can depend on several factors, including your skill/experience level and whether you're working alone or with a helper. Typically, a Hunter ceiling fan will take approximately one to two hours to install, although the specific fan model you have may affect installation time.
Skill Level: DIY Friendly
While you don't need a lot of experience to install a ceiling fan, every situation is unique, so some installation projects may require more skill than others. If your project requires additional wiring or you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the installation process, please contact a licensed professional electrician.
Cost: Ranks
The amount of money you spend on this project will vary depending on the cost of the fan and whether you already own or need to purchase/rent the tools needed for the project. For more pricing information, read about the costs of a standard replacement and installation of a new ceiling fan.
Starting
Before beginning your Hunter ceiling fan installation project, please follow these steps to ensure a smooth and safe process:
01. Make sure to keep the fan at a safe distance from other walls and the floor. Keep a distance of 7 feet or more between the floor and the fan blades.
02. The tips of the fan blades must be cleared 30 inches from the nearest wall or obstruction.
03. If you are installing your ceiling fan on an angled ceiling, you will need to purchase an additional downrod. When installing on an angled ceiling, measure the angle of the ceiling. If the measurement is greater than 34 degrees, you'll also need to purchase an angled ceiling mount kit.
04. Turn off power at both the wall switch and circuit breaker.
Before beginning a ceiling fan installation project, be sure to practice these general safety rules to avoid the risk of personal injury and property damage:
- Turn off power at the load center before beginning the project. Power must be left on until fan installation is complete.
- Follow all manufacturer's instructions for additional safety information, precautions, and warnings.
- Verify that the installation site has a properly installed, approved ceiling fan box that is rated for the weight of your fan, or confirm that you can hang your fan from the building structure.
- All wiring must be in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70 national and local electrical codes.
- Make sure there are no obstructions at the installation site of the ceiling fan.
- Always check which wires are hot/active with a digital multimeter.
If you are uncomfortable completing the ceiling fan wiring step or handling any other part of the installation process, hire a licensed professional electrician.
- To avoid damage to the fan, ALWAYS lift by supporting the fan housing or downrod.
- To avoid serious injury or death, make sure all screws are tightened to secure the fixture.
- To avoid serious injury or death, make sure the light lens is securely attached.
- To avoid serious injury or death, ALWAYS tighten the set screw with pliers and NOT by hand. CHECK that the set screw is tightened with pliers each time you change the direction of the ceiling fan.
- To reduce the risk of personal injury, do not bend the blade brackets when installing the blade brackets, balancing the blades, or cleaning the fan. Do not insert foreign objects between the rotating fan blades.
If you ever need to replace a part on a Hunter ceiling fan, be sure to use only Hunter replacement parts. If you need to change bulbs, use bulbs of the same wattage.
Before you begin your ceiling fan installation project, have the proper set of tools on hand for safe work and a timely finish. Although the specific tools you'll need for your fan may vary depending on its make and model, here are some tools to keep on hand:
Ladder
Screwdriver
circuit tester
Electric drill
Tweezers
wire stripper
9/64” drill bit
Step 1
Uninstall and remove an existing device
Installing a new ceiling fan versus replacing an existing device requires different methods. Learn how to replace a ceiling fan with these easy steps:
01. Turn off power at wall light switch and load center.
02. For added security, place a piece of masking tape over the wall light switch and load center to ensure they do not accidentally turn back on while installing the fan.
03. Before making contact with any electrical wiring, use a circuit tester to verify that power is off.
04. Disconnect the wires and screws from the existing fixture that are mounting the fan to the ceiling.
05. After uninstalling the existing fixture, verify that the electrical box is rated for a ceiling fan. The ceiling fan box must be able to support 70 pounds.
Step 2.
Install the ceiling mount
To ensure that your ceiling fan is securely attached to the frame, you must use the Hunter bracket that came with your fan. The bracket must be installed in a box that hangs between the joists or inserted into a brace that is placed between the joists, depending on where you are installing the ceiling fan.
For fans with extension tube
There are two ways to secure the ceiling bracket to the ceiling: using the machine screws included with your ceiling fan box or using the wood screws and washers included with your Hunter fan. If you are using wood screws to secure the bracket to a frame with an approved electrical box, you will need to drill 9/64" pilot holes in the bracket frame.
01. Remove the pre-installed set screw from the motor adapter and set it aside. You'll need the set screw later, so make sure you don't lose it.
02. Pass the wires connected to the fan through the downrod, then hand-tighten the downrod. This step will take at least four to five turns.
03. Reinstall the set screw and use pliers to tighten it. To avoid injury, do not hand-tighten the set screw.
04. Using wire cutters, cut the wires, leaving 8 inches of wire from the top of the rod.
05. Using wire strippers, strip the top 3/8-inch of the wires.
06. Slide the canopy over the rod and cables.
07. Lift the fan by its downrod or casing and insert the ball on the downrod into the slot in the ceiling bracket.
For low profile fans
By installing a low profile fan, you can mount the motor and wire it without the use of a downrod or canopy. A low profile fan bracket looks different compared to a downrod fan bracket, but uses the same two ways to secure it to the ceiling: using the machine screws included with the ceiling fan box or using the Wood screws and washers included with your Hunter fan. To secure the bracket with wood screws to a frame with an approved electrical box, drill 9/64-inch pilot holes in the bracket frame.
01. While keeping the wires out of the way, lift the motor assembly up and slide the hanging square ball into the opening in the ceiling mount.
02. Locate the ground wire that is connected to the top of the motor shaft. Make sure the ground wire is facing out of the large opening in the ceiling mount.
03. Secure the motor to the ceiling mount with two locking screws
Step 3.
Plug in ceiling fan
Let's start with the basics of how to wire your ceiling fan: bring the bare metal ends of the wires together and connect them with a wire nut. Turn the wire nut clockwise until it is tight. Pull lightly on the cable to make sure none of the cables are loose.
WARNING: All wiring must be in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 70 national and local electrical codes.
If you are not comfortable wiring the fan, consult a licensed professional electrician.
Wiring a fan with a standard pull chain
Pull chain ceiling fans do not come with a remote receiver of any kind. For ceiling fans without a remote receiver, follow these steps to connect your fan.
If you have a single wall switch, use the wire nuts to:
01. Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to the white wire from the fan.
02. Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black and blue wire from the fan.
03. Connect the three ground wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket.
If you have a double wall switch, use the wire nuts to:
01. Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to the white wire from the fan.
02. Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black wire from the fan.
03. Connect the second ungrounded wire (light) from the ceiling to the blue wire from the fan.
04. Connect the three ground wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket.
Wiring a fan with a pre-installed remote receiver
Hunter ceiling fans with pre-installed remote receivers have the receiver built into the ceiling fan body at the factory. Our engineers innovated this technology to help simplify ceiling fan wiring. Remote control bases can be fixed to the wall. You can snap the remotes into the bases to use as a wall switch or remove the controls from the base and use them as handheld remotes. The light switch that powers the ceiling fan will likely be a single or double wall switch.
If you have a single wall switch, use a wire nut to:
01. Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to the white wire from the fan.
02. Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black wire from the fan.
03. Connect the three ground wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket.
04. Cap the blue wire from the fan. You won't need it for wiring a single switch.
If you have a double wall switch, the steps to connect the wires with a wire nut will be similar to the steps above. The only difference is that instead of capping the end of the blue wire in step 4, you'll use a wire nut to connect the second ungrounded wire (light) from the ceiling to the blue wire from the fan.
Wiring a fan with a remote receiver
Most Hunter ceiling fans come equipped with a pre-installed or separate remote receiver. If you're wondering how to connect a ceiling fan with a separate remote receiver, use the wire nuts to:
01. Connect the black (ungrounded) wire from the ceiling to the black wire from the receiver.
02. Connect the white (grounded) wire from the ceiling to both the white wire from the receiver and the white wire from the fan.
03. Connect the yellow wire from the receiver to the black wire from the fan.
04. Connect the blue wire from the receiver to the blue wire from the fan.
05. Connect the three ground wires (green, green/yellow stripe, or bare copper) coming from the ceiling, downrod, and hanging bracket.
Step 4.
Finish installing the hood or motor housing
If you are installing a ceiling fan that requires a downrod, you will need to finish installing the canopy. If you are installing a low profile ceiling fan, you will need to finish installing the motor housing.
Fans with extension tube
To install the canopy for a down rod fan:
01. Tuck the wires and wire nuts into the junction box.
02. Lift the canopy into place, making sure the triangular openings and screw holes line up.
03. Using a screwdriver, insert and firmly tighten the cover screws. A magnetic screwdriver will give you more visibility when securing the top.
Low Profile Ceiling Fan
To install the motor housing for a low profile ceiling fan:
01. Tuck the wires and wire nuts into the junction box.
02. Raise the motor casing until it is positioned correctly over the motor and roof mounts.
03. Rotate the motor housing until the screw holes are aligned with the holes in the bracket. The notch inside the housing should snap into place with the notch inside the roof mount.
04. Hold the motor housing in place. Use a screwdriver to insert and firmly secure the four motor housing screws.
Step 5.
install the blades
Your Hunter fan comes with the necessary parts you will need to install the blades. There are three common blade installation methods for Hunter ceiling fans:
fans with iron blades
01. Insert the washers into each hole at the end of the blades.
02. Use the respective screws to fasten each blade to the blade irons.
03. Attach the blade irons to the motor, making sure all the screw holes are lined up correctly. Lightly tighten the screws by hand, and then use a screwdriver to tighten them firmly.
Half body blades
01. Insert the blades into the openings and align the hole openings in the blades with the blade irons.
02. Attach each blade to a sheet iron with the three blade washers and blade mounting screws provided. Make sure the screws are secure.
pressure blades
01. Align the three holes on the blade with the three iron posts on the blade.
02. Tighten the blade and the iron post of the blade together. Please note that the flared top of the sash iron posts will be fully visible above the sash when properly assembled.
Step 6.
install lighting
Quick Connect vs. Non-Quick Connect Fans
To assemble a fan with a light kit, first identify if your fan has a quick connect feature by examining the switch housing. Hunter Quick Connect fans have a distinctive locking mechanism located in the switch housing. These fans also have a ring that goes around the switch box in the middle. Hunter fans without Quick Connect technology have none of the features.
fans with lights
01. Before you start, remove the protection from the cardboard stopper.
02. Connect the plugs of the fan and light fixture together. Be sure to line up the colored markings on the connectors.
03. Push the connectors and extra wire into the hole located at the top of the lamp.
04. Carefully connect the lamp to the bottom of the fan. Make sure the holes in the mounting ring at the top of the fixture line up with the spaces in the mounting bracket at the bottom of the fan.
05. While holding the fan body still, turn the fixture clockwise to engage the locking pin. Listen for a clicking sound to verify that the locking pin is securely in place.
06. Remove the socket rings so you can install the light glass.
07. After installing the glass, reinstall the light rings on the sockets.
08. Use the socket ring glass tool that came with your fan to turn the light rings clockwise until tight.
09. Install the included bulbs in each socket.
01. Choose any two holes in the switch housing mounting plate to drive two of the housing assembly screws halfway through.
02. Thread the wire connector through the center of the upper switch housing.
03. Wrap the keyhole slots around the screws, then turn them counterclockwise.
04. Use a screwdriver to install the third screw, and then tighten the remaining two screws.
05. Partially install two of the half switch housing screws.
06. Connect the upper and lower switch housing together using the plug connectors, making sure to line up the colored markings.
07. Locate the notches on the sides of the lower switch housing and align them with the screws located on the upper switch housing.
08. Lock the switch box in place by turning the bottom clockwise.
09. Using a screwdriver, install the third housing screw. Tighten all the screws.
10. To install the light curtains, first loosen the thumb screws. Then, lift each shade up towards the lamp and insert and tighten each thumb screw.
11. Install a bulb in each socket.
12. Connect the pull chain pendants to the appropriate short chains coming from the switch box.
01. Connect the fan and lamp connectors. Be sure to line up the colored markings on the connectors.
02. Secure the connectors by pushing the connectors and extra wire into the hole located at the top of the fixture. This step will ensure that the fan and light are assembled correctly.
03. Carefully lift the lamp and place it on the bottom of the fan. Make sure the holes in the mounting ring at the top of the light fixture line up with the holes in the mounting bracket at the bottom.
04. While holding the fan body still, turn the fixture clockwise to engage the locking pin. Listen for the clicking sound to verify that the connection is secure.
05. Pick up the globe and use the three thumb screws provided to attach it to the lamp. Tighten the thumb screws by hand.
06. Install the supplied bulb in the socket.
01. Choose any two holes in the switch housing mounting plate to drive two of the housing assembly screws halfway through.
02. Thread the wire connector through the center of the upper switch housing.
03. Wrap the keyhole slots around the screws, then turn them counterclockwise.
04. Use a screwdriver to install the third screw, and then tighten the remaining two screws.
05. Partially install two of the half switch housing screws.
06. Connect the upper and lower switch housing together using the plug connectors, making sure to line up the colored markings.
07. Locate the notches on the sides of the lower switch housing and align them with the screws located on the upper switch housing.
08. Lock the switch box in place by turning the bottom clockwise.
09. Using a screwdriver, install the third housing screw. Tighten all the screws.
10. Thread the fan pull chain through the hole in the bottom of the light kit.
11. Install light bulbs in each of the sockets.
12. Place both the balloon and the balloon keeper against the metal plate, keeping them flush.
13. Thread the light pull chain through the hole located in the center of the finial cap. Then, thread the fan pull chain through the hole in the side of the cover.
14. Pass only the light pull chain through the finial. Attach finial to threaded rod and hand tighten.
15. Attach the short chains coming from the switch box to the corresponding pull chain pendants.
Fans with covers without light
A non-lighted cap covers the part of the fan where a light kit would normally be installed. If you prefer to use a non-lighted top instead of a light kit, follow these steps to install it correctly.
01. Remove the two light kit screws that connect the light kit to the lower switch housing.
02. Disconnect the blue and white wires inside the light kit and bottom switch box.
03. To securely cover unused wires, install the dummy terminal provided with the light cover. Connect the terminal to the ends of each wire located in the bottom housing of the switch.
04. Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the switch housing cover with the two switch housing screws you removed earlier.
05. Connect the upper and lower switch housing with the connectors. Be sure to line up the colored markings on the connectors.
06. Carefully lift the switch box and place it on the bottom of the fan.
07. Position the holes in the mounting ring located on the top of the switch housing with the gaps in the mounting bracket located on the bottom of the fan.
08. While holding the fan body as still as possible, engage the locking pin by turning the light fixture clockwise. Listen for a clicking sound to verify that the connection is secure.
01. Remove the two light kit screws that connect the light kit to the lower switch housing.
02. Disconnect the blue and white wires inside the light kit and bottom switch box.
03. To securely cover unused wires, install the dummy terminal provided with the light cover. Connect the terminal to the ends of each wire located in the bottom housing of the switch.
04. Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the switch housing cover with the two switch housing screws you removed earlier.
05. Connect the upper and lower switch housing with the connectors. Be sure to line up the colored markings on the connectors.
06. Carefully lift the switch box and place it on the bottom of the fan.
07. Position the holes in the mounting ring located on the top of the switch housing with the gaps in the mounting bracket located on the bottom of the fan.
08. While holding the fan body as still as possible, engage the locking pin by turning the light fixture clockwise. Listen for a clicking sound to verify that the connection is secure.
Step 7.
Use the remote controls
Hunter offers a variety of ceiling fan controls that make it easy to control the fan and light. Most portable and in-wall remotes come paired with the ceiling fan.
handheld remotes
Portable remote controls allow you to conveniently control the functions of your fan. Follow these steps to use your portable ceiling fan remote:
01. Install the included battery on the back of the remote control.
02. To turn the fan on and off, simply press the fan button.
03. Change the fan speed with the arrow button.
04. To change the direction of the fan, press and hold the fan button.
05. To turn the ceiling fan light on and off, press the light button.
06. Press and hold the arrow buttons to enable the ceiling fan dimmable light options. Press and hold the light button to dim the ceiling fan light.
wall controls
Wall controls are mounted to the wall switch, making it easy to remember where your ceiling fan control is located. Follow these steps to use your wall control.
01. Just press the button on the fan to turn it on and off.
02. Change the fan speed with the arrow button.
03. Turn the ceiling fan light on and off by pressing the light button.
04. Use the arrow buttons to adjust the dimmable light.
Smart fan controls
Smart fan controls allow you to use your smartphone or smart home devices to control your ceiling fan. Our SIMPLEconnect® collection of Wi-Fi enabled ceiling fans are controlled by our SIMPLEconnect app on your smartphone and watches. You can also control them with smart home devices like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and the Google Assistant.
If you've been wondering how to install a ceiling fan, hopefully this Hunter ceiling fan installation guide will successfully guide you through the process. Remember that hiring a certified professional electrician is always an option if you are uncomfortable with any of the steps mentioned above.
After installing your new Hunter ceiling fan, you may need to perform regular ceiling fan maintenance from time to time. Use our easy ceiling fan installation tips to keep your Hunter fan running in top condition.
