How to Choose an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Whether you're allured by its beauty or you just want to keep cool in the summer, an outdoor ceiling fan is a wonderful addition to any porch or patio.

Like indoor fans, outdoor ceiling fans create a downdraft to keep you cool. If staying cool in the summer isn't enough reason to purchase a Hunter Outdoor, Casablanca Outdoor, or Emerson Outdoor, take note that that same downdraft is very difficult for bugs to fly through. So not only will your outdoor ceiling fan be great for keeping you cool, but it will also keep away those nasty summer pests.

Never attempt to use an indoor ceiling fan outdoors. Outdoor ceiling fans must be made stronger than indoor ceiling fans to battle the harsh conditions of nature. Only outdoor ceiling fans can handle the sun, wind, rain, humidity, heat, and cold. Think about the metal pieces inside an indoor fan that could rust if placed in the harsh elements of nature. For no reason should an indoor fan ever be kept outdoors.

A Unique Style

Among the most popular outdoor ceiling fans are the tropical ceiling fans. Meant for the outdoors, these fans come with wider blades to create a larger downdraft, which can be important when using an outdoor fan. It is also common for tropical fans to have blades that are shaped like plants or palm fronds. This style is exceptionally popular in areas located near the beach. To see some wonderful example of tropical ceiling fans, check out the Hunter Caribbean Breeze Ceiling fan, Casablanca Heritage Ceiling Fan, and Fanimation Windpointe V Ceiling Fan!

How to Install Your Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Items Needed:

• Rubber-Handled Screwdriver
• Heavy Duty Electrical Tape

Directions:

1) Turn off all power!
2) If possible, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder; avoid metal ladders for extra-precautionary safety when dealing with electricity.
3) Using the rubber-handled screwdriver, loosen any screws that are keep the light fixture in place.
4) Take down the old light fixture.

Note: It is possible that your current electrical box is only designed to hold light-weight fans. If your fan is heavier than what your electrical box can hold, you will need to replace it with a heavy-duty electrical box to support the extra weight.

How to Install a Bracket System

Items Needed

• Bracket System
• Mounting Bracket
• Electrical Box
• Heavy Duty Bar

Directions:

1) Install a heavy-duty bracket system to the inside of the ceiling using the hole in the ceiling.
2) As you will be working below the ceiling, be sure to have the heavy-duty bar aligned directly over the hole.
3) After the lock nuts are installed on the bracket, you will need to put the electrical box through the ceiling hole.
4) Attach the electrical box to the long bolts of the bracket piece.
5) Finally, attach the fan's mounting bracket to the new electrical box.

Now that your bracket system and electrical box are prepared, read on to...

How to Assemble Your Fan

Items Needed

• Fan Motor
• Top Bracket Cover
• Metal Extension Pipe & Connector
• Rubber Boot

Directions:

1) Be sure to check if your ceiling fan motor requires any assembly before it can be hung on the bracket.
2) Once hung, your ceiling fan should hang roughly 12 inches below the ceiling to provide optimum air flow.
3) If needed, run wires through the extension piece and secure it to the fan motor using a cotter pin. This allows the fan to push down air while still being completely secure.
4) Install the rubber boot as a moisture barrier. This will prevent condensation from leaking into the motor.
5) Attach the top bracket cover to hide the wires and bracket.
6) Attach a connector to the end of the pipe. This allows the fan to hang from the bracket. The connector should be held in place with a set screw so that you can slip the ball into the bracket and hang the fan assembly in its place.

Now you're ready to proceed with...

How to Wire a Ceiling Fan

Items Needed

• Colored Wires
• Electrical Box
• Canopy

Directions:

1) Cut your wires to the desired length.
2) Strip the end of the wires insulation.
3) Twist the two wires together.
4) Cover the twisted wires with a wire nut.
5) When all wires have been connected and covered, tuck them back into the box.
6) Slide the canopy into place.
7) Tighten the canopy with screws.

Note:The general rule of wiring fans is to connect all wires of the same color together.

Congratulations! You're almost done.

How to Attach Fan Blades

Items Needed

• Fan Blades
• Motor Assembly

Directions:

Each blade should be attached to the bottom of the motor assembly by using screws.