Mounting a ceiling fan in room w/ no ceiling light

twinkiedooter · Apr 9, 2009, 02:48 PM

I've successfully added ceiling fans to any ceiling that does not have a light fixture in the ceiling. Very simple. Get a butterfly anchor large enough to hold your fan. Drill a hole in the ceiling. Push butterfly anchor into ceiling. Hang ceiling fan on the butterfly anchor. You will have to get a ceiling fan that has some sort of hanging bracket to do this type of installation. Then I use a long extension cord that has the end cut off it and a decorative chain. I can buy the chain and cord combo together at a fix it yourself store like Lowe's for about $10. Use wire caps to wire up to the fan. Install a ceiling hook about 3' away from the fan and then another ceiling hook at the corner of the ceiling and the wall and drop the cord down to the nearest outlet and plug in. I've done this for about 9 ceiling fans I've installed over the years when I don't have a ceiling fixture to work with. Just make sure the butterfly anchor is large enough to hold the fan properly as the fan will come crashing down if it's not big enough.

ceilingfanrepair · Apr 9, 2009, 03:02 PM

A butterly anchor can NOT support a ceiling fan this is NOT safe.

You will need to use a studfinder and woodscrews and bolt the fan directly to a ceiling joist. Or you can cut a hole between joists and use a fan brace.

For the wiring, you can use a swag kit (decribed above, cord with chain) or wiremold if you don't want to fish the wire through the ceiling/walls.

ceilingfanrepair · Apr 9, 2009, 08:54 PM

I sincerely hope yours don't fall. But it's NOT safe and would suggest you change them immediately.

NO ONE ELSE EVER TRY THIS.

creahands · Apr 10, 2009, 05:07 AM

Hi Twinkiedooter

What size butterfly anchor did you use and how many?

I agree with CFR

The fan,when on, causes torque on the anchor and will work it's way through ceiling.

Good luck

Chuck

twinkiedooter · Apr 10, 2009, 08:19 AM

I've successfully used larger butterfly anchors on fans with light kits. Some of my fans were/are 42"ers as well. They have successfully held my fans in my present home for OVER 6 years with no problems at all. And no, the torque has not made them come through the ceiling! I only used one anchor per fan. Several ceiling fans in my home right now are attached to cathedral ceilings and are at an angle and have NOT come through the ceiling. The reason I used the butterfly anchors is because there were no ceiling fixtures where I wanted to have the fan placed and also no studs in that area. In my livingroom I have a chandelier using the ceiling fixture outlet and I needed the fan placed elsewhere in the room. I was not going to give up my chandelier for a stupid ceiling fan.

And no, all my fans do not wobble either as they were installed correctly and leveled correctly. And no, I have no intention of changing how they are attached to the ceiling.

ballengerb1 · Apr 10, 2009, 08:44 AM

I would have to agree, a butterfly is not a safe option for this type of installation. I say this in light of many other safer options. If this room has a finished ceiling you can cut a hole and install a fan mounting box on a stretcher system that will expand and anchor to the ceiling rafters. However, what are you thoughts about getting power over to the site. Please give more details about the ceiling.

Ardmore414 · Apr 10, 2009, 02:20 PM

Thanks for all the advice. It was a big help.

ceilingfanrepair · Apr 10, 2009, 10:10 PM

I hope you found the answer to your question amist all the discussion of anchors.

ohb0b · Apr 12, 2009, 10:49 PM

The hardest part of this will be the carpentry. Unless you go with a "swag" mount, or wiremold, you will have to figure a way to fish wire through the studs and joists.

You may be able to take off a piece of siding and fish through the joists, and just use the switches on the fan to control it.

I agree DO NOT USE A "BUTTERFLY" ANCHOR. The only thing holding up the fan will be the drywall. The box must be rated for ceiling fan application.

Mounting a ceiling fan in room w/ no ceiling light

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