How to Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Electrical Wiring Method for a Outdoor Ceiling Fan: I am installing an outdoor ceiling fan that is UL rated for wet location on an open patio cover.

Wiring an Outdoor Ceiling Fan
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am installing an outdoor ceiling fan that is UL rated for wet location on an open patio cover made of 2×4’s.

• I want to run power overhead from a GFI circuit in the adjacent garage.
• The control switch will be inside the garage. I bought an outdoor electrical box which I will screw to a spot where two 2×4’s cross to mount the fan.
• What is the best way to run power from the garage to the box?
• Can I use bare outdoor 14-2 wire or should I run the wire in flexible conduit or hard PVC conduit?

This electrical question came from: Rob, a Handyman from Houston, Texas.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Rob.

Installing a Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Application: Installing an Outdoor Ceiling Fan.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the ceiling fan.
Precaution: Identify the ceiling fan circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Electrical Wiring Method for a Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Example

• When installing an outdoor ceiling fan the electrical wiring and the components must be rated for outdoor use and wet locations just as the outdoor ceiling fan rating.
• Type NM wiring may not be used for this application.
• Electrical conduits such as EMT or PVC with water proof fittings is a good choice.
• The junction box must be also rated for wet locations and must be rated to support the weight of the ceiling fan that will be installed.

More about Wiring Ceiling Fans
Wiring Ceiling Fans

• Take the mystery out of ceiling fan wiring. Ceiling Fans are a great way to lower your energy bill and brighten up one of your favorite rooms.

• How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring

• Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
• Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1
  Ceiling Fan Installation #1

Home Electrical Junction Boxes

• Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring

• Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance.
• One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

• GFCI Wiring
• This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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