Don’t Change That Ceiling Fan, Call an Electrician

• The Fan Can Come Crashing Down

There’s a lot that goes into ensuring a ceiling fan is securely mounted. The junction box itself must be sturdy, and the ceiling joist has to provide strong support. If you’re not a qualified electrician, you may not be able to determine the reliability of all the hardware needed to ensure a proper and secure ceiling fan replacement.

An improper installation means it’s only a matter of time before the ceiling fan comes crashing down. In most cases, this unit won’t give you advance warning of an impending failure. Ceiling fans weigh between 20 and 40 pounds, with some models reaching 50 pounds or more. You can imagine the kind of injury such a heavy unit can cause to your loved ones or the occupants of your house. This is a risk you simply cannot afford to take. Let a trusted electrical service help you replace your ceiling fans.

• Fire and Electrical Risk

There are several safety protocols electricians follow to ensure a ceiling fan operates safely. As a DIYer, you’re more likely to miss crucial steps that could lead to dangerous situations. For example, you may forget to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before beginning work, exposing yourself to the risk of electrical shock. Even if you believe the power is off, a professional always verifies this with a voltage tester.

Another critical factor do-it-yourselfers may overlook is whether the wiring gauge can handle the electrical load of the ceiling fan. Using an undersized wire can lead to overheating, insulation damage, and even electrical fires. Things can get even more complicated for ceiling fans that double up as lighting fixtures. 

• You Could Fall Off The Ladder

Ceiling fan replacement involves working at heights, sometimes as high as 10 feet or more. Unless you’re accustomed to working with ladders, you could slip off the ladder and come crashing down. Moreover, ceilings are heavy fixtures typically weighing 20 to 40 pounds on average. Handling such weight while maintaining balance on a ladder increases the risk of injury. A sudden shift in weight, a misstep, or a moment of instability can lead to a fall, potentially causing broken bones, sprains, or head injuries. Hiring an electrical service to replace a ceiling fan may cost you a bit more upfront, but it’s a wise investment in your safety and longevity of your investment.

• You Could Make Costly Mistakes

Installing a ceiling fan entails more than just mounting the device to the junction box. You have to consider the optimal ceiling fan height for purposes of safety, efficiency, and comfort. The minimum height from the floor to the lowest point of the fan blades should be at least seven feet. In addition to floor clearance, the optimal distance from the ceiling should range from 8 to 10 inches to ensure efficient airflow and prevent wobbling. As a DIYer, you may not be conversant with these requirements, so you’re likely to make mistakes that could lead to safety hazards and inefficient operation. A professional electrician will consider all these factors to ensure the fixture works properly.

Trust the Team at Mr. Electric for Electrical Repair and Ceiling Fan Installation

If you need ceiling fan replacement in your home or business, trust the electricians at Mr. Electric. Our electricians are highly trained and have installed various models and brands of ceiling fans for years. Do not take matters into your own hands—let us help you out.