Wire A Ceiling Fan So It Can Be Plugged In

Turn your ceiling fan into a swag lighting fixture

Wiring a ceiling fan so it plugs into an electrical outlet is an application used when limited ceiling access does not allow the wiring of the ceiling fan through a ceiling junction box. Obtain a swag kit at a local hardware store or lighting supply. It will include the swag cord with the plug and switch already attached, as well as the swag chain. The chain will not be necessary to hold the ceiling fan to the ceiling but is used for decoration to cover the cord.

Instructions

1. Assemble your ceiling fan according to the manufacturer's directions.

2. Wire a swag kit to the ceiling fan. Thread the swag kit cord through the swag chain. Feel the swag cord. One wire is smooth, and the other is ribbed. Connect the ribbed wire to the white wire from the ceiling fan using an orange wire connector and connect the smooth wire to the remaining two wires from the ceiling fan using a red wire connector.

3. Install the ceiling fan bracket to the ceiling joist. Use a stud finder to find the joist in the area you want to install your ceiling fan. Use 3-inch wood screws and attach the ceiling fan hanging bracket to the ceiling joists.

4. Hang the ceiling fan on the bracket and cover the bracket with a ceiling fan canopy. Make sure you leave some swag chain inside the canopy before you attach the canopy to the ceiling fan bracket. This will keep the chain and the cord from pulling from the ceiling fan.

5. Install a swag hook, if necessary, to hang your swag chain where the wall and ceiling meet. Install the hook above the electrical receptacle or as close as possible to conveniently plug in your ceiling fan.

6. Drill a pilot hole using a 3/16-inch wood drill bit and screw the swag hook into the pilot hole. Twist the hook clockwise until fully installed. If no joist is available install a toggle bolt swag hook, drill a hole in the ceiling drywall using a drill that corresponds to the size of the closed toggle. Slide the toggle bolt into the hole and hand tighten.

Tags: swag chain, your ceiling, ceiling bracket, from ceiling, swag cord, swag hook