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-   -   Hang a ceiling fan... high! (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=537830)

  • Dec 26, 2010, 05:00 PM
    meltrol
    Hang a ceiling fan... high!
    My daughter's new home will soon be finished. When it's done I need to hang a ceiling fan in the family room for her. The builder installed the electrical box and pre-wired it. The ceiling is 18' high. Does anyone have any innovated ideas to get me up there to hang it? I really don't want to buy a tall (expensive) stepladder just to use once or go out and rent scaffolding. It will take a whole lot more time and effort to get, erect and return the scaffolding than it will to actually hang the fan. Geeze! Anybody have any experience?
  • Dec 26, 2010, 05:11 PM
    chefpierce
    Unfortunately, those two things are the safest ways to do that.
  • Dec 26, 2010, 08:31 PM
    ma0641
    You may want to try an A frame extension ladder. They are 10 ft or so with a 10-12 ft. center extension. Easier to use than an A frame to get the same height. Did the builder use 2 switches?
  • Dec 27, 2010, 07:52 AM
    meltrol
    Comment on ma0641's post
    Went on line and found Werner makes a 17' extension ladder costing $169 at Lowe's. Maybe I'll just break-down and buy one... I'll also look into a rental.
  • Dec 27, 2010, 07:55 AM
    meltrol
    Comment on ma0641's post
    A-frame extension ladder sounds scary! Only time I ever climbed a vertical ladder was on the side of a ship... and I was scared! Hanging on with both hands would only leave my teeth and eyelids to use to actually hang the fan!
  • Jan 15, 2011, 07:04 AM
    G_Borders
    Like ChefPierce said, there are only a few options available, the ladder, scaffolding, or an aerial lift. None are cheap.

    Adding a ceiling fan to an 18' ceiling means that you will need to be right up to the ceiling to reach the box and make the connections. I wouldn't use anything that would not allow for secure footing at or around 14' as a minimum.

    You will also need to be certain that the mounting box is rated to support eh weight and movement of a fan and not just a light fixture.

    18' is pretty high and can be a little nerve wracking. We use an adjustable A-frame ladder that will adjust from about 12' tall to 21' tall allowing for about a 24' reach.

    Always consider safety first when working on a project like this. Be sure the equipment is of high quality and in good condition.
  • Mar 18, 2011, 11:59 PM
    SkyRoller

    If the fan has lights, then you'll need that ladder to change the bulbs in the future. I've also seen a pulley system used to lower the fixture down so it can be serviced. I was all set to set up a ladder to change out bulbs on a very high fixture, when I noticed a small strange door on one of the walls in the room. I opened the door and there was a rope inside wound up in a dog mechanism. I undid the rope and walla , the fixture came down to a comfortable height for servicing.

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