Split Air Conditioning Systems in Houston – Can I Install a Ceiling Fan?

There was a time when it was nearly impossible to install a ceiling fan solo. One person was required to hold the fan while another connected the wiring from the ceiling. Now fans are made to support themselves while these connections are made, making it easy for just about anyone to install a ceiling fan, assuming the ceiling is pre-wired.

What is a Split AC System in Houston? Ceiling Fan.

Ceilings that have been pre-wired will be fit with a metal support (called a junction box) at the fixture site. If the support in the ceiling is made from plastic, it was only designed to hold a light and will need to be replaced with a metal box to support the significant weight of a ceiling fan. Metal junction boxes are rated to hold 35 pounds (15.87 kg). If the fan weighs more, its support bracket will have to be attached to a ceiling joist or beam.

Split Air Conditioning in Houston – Circuit Breaker.

In the center of the junction box is a hole where the building’s internal wires exit. Before touching any wiring in the ceiling be sure to turn off the circuit breaker that sends power to that location. Working with live wires can lead to electrical shock and serious injury.

Split Air Conditioner in Houston – Wiring.

There should be four wires if the ceiling has been pre-wired for a ceiling fan. A green wire for ground, black for power to the fan, red or blue for power to the light, and a common white wire. When the wires are unattached to a fixture, the ends should be sealed with electrical tape or capped with plastic terminators to avoid making contact with one another.