Home Garden

How to Install a Ceiling Fan With a Saddle Box

A ceiling fan typically is installed using an existing fixture. If you need a more secure method to mount a ceiling fan, however, a ceiling fan saddle box can be used. The saddle box is shaped to fit over a ceiling joist to provide a secure connection for the ceiling fan mount. Installing a ceiling fan with a saddle box assures that the fan will not be in danger of falling.

Things You'll Need

  • Stud finder
  • Pencil
  • Ceiling saddle box
  • Drywall saw
  • Power drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Mounting bracket
  • Wire covers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off the power to the room where you want to install the ceiling fan. Turn off the circuit for the room at the circuit panel.

    • 2

      Locate the stud for a ceiling joist using the stud finder. Mark the location of the stud with the pencil.

    • 3

      Place the ceiling fan saddle box so that it is centered on the pencil mark. Then draw an outline around it with the pencil.

    • 4

      Cut around the outline with the drywall saw and then remove the cut pieces of drywall.

    • 5

      Pull the electrical wiring for the fan through the hole and run it through the ceiling fan saddle box.

    • 6

      Insert the saddle box onto the ceiling joist and secure it by tightening the mounting screws. Use a power drill or a screwdriver to tighten the mounting screw.

    • 7

      Set the mounting bracket for the fan on the ceiling fan saddle box and attach it with the screws that are provided with the ceiling fan.

    • 8

      Connect the green ground wire to the ground screw on the saddle box.

    • 9

      Twist together the white neutral wires and twist on a wire cover. Repeat this step for the black hot wires.

    • 10

      Set the fan assembly up to the mounting bracket and secure it with screws. Insert the screws into the holes on the mounting bracket and tighten them with the screwdriver.

    • 11

      Turn on the power and then test the fan.