Can lights are modern and cool but, like all trends, they aren’t quite as popular as they were 30 years ago. Some homeowners prefer cozier lighting while others rather have the breeze of a ceiling fan in the space of a can light in the middle of the room.
Can you put a ceiling fan where a can light is? In simple terms, yes you can put a ceiling fan where a can light now sits. The problem with making the switch isn’t in terms of electrical current or wiring. It’s weight. You must be certain the electrical box now attached to the light will support all the weight of a ceiling fan.
Read further to find out all you need to know about how to switch out a can light for a ceiling fan.
The Basics of Replacing a Can Light with a Ceiling Fan
This is a DIY project that most people can do if they do some research and have the right tools. Even if you hire a professional, it’s still good to understand the process of installing a ceiling fan in place of a light or a can light.
The first thing to do is to isolate the fan from all the other electrical currents. Those who have an isolator on it should use it. Otherwise cut the power by turning off the circuit at the circuit breaker box.
One of the challenges of making the switch is the hole size of the can light. You can take the can light out easily enough but that will leave a hole too large for the fan. A medallion or some ceiling patching will take care of that.
Another challenge could be the wires available, as most lights have two wires in the wall. However, some fan models have separate light and fan motor controls from the wall utilizing only two wires so be sure to ask before you buy.
Remove the can light by either finding screws inside the can or unscrewing them to release them from the bracket holding it. There could be tabs if there are no screws.
Creating More Support
Most ceiling fans weigh between 17 and 21 pounds. You should install a bracket rated to hold the weight of a ceiling fan.
A better solution is to get a fan ceiling junction box since no can light is made to hold the fan’s weight.
One way to handle the problem of providing extra support is to use a 2×4 or a 2×6 and nail it between the two ceiling joists in the attic. Attach the electrical box to the wooden brace with a bolt or screw that will support the fan.
Look to see how the fan junction box is fastened and make sure it will work in your ceiling. Some are attached to the joist with a bold and have a metal brace that attaches to two joists. These kits make bracing the new ceiling fan easy because it has the braces and the electrical box. All you have to do is nail or bolt it in between the joists.
The Wiring
You will run the wire from the light to the fan’s junction box before you patch the hole. The junction box may have instructions on exactly where the can light cable goes. Patch the spot so you can hang the fan.
Patching the Hole
Properly patching the larger hole so the ceiling fan will hang correctly is a bit of a challenge. Professionals don’t use drywall or traditional materials for this but use special products that are easier to use.
One is a spread joint compound used with mesh tape to patch the area. DAP Dryex is another product that can be used for many different types of ceiling and wall repair projects. A self-adhesive repair fabric is another alternative as it is strong enough for large repairs and is easy to work with.
An easy way to remedy the problem is to install a medallion around the fan. It’s a nice decorative touch and easily adheres to drywall.
Is It Better To Use a Professional?
Some people wonder if it would be easier to hire a professional to do the job. It would take about two hours to do the job including adding the extra support and the fan junction box. The biggest factor is the cost.
Most professionals will charge $250 or more to hang a ceiling fan in place of a can light. A job that turns out to be more complex or is in a hard-to-reach area will leave you with a $600 price tag.
Some people rather do it themselves and save money, especially since it doesn’t require any special tools to perform the task.
FAQs
Can one person install a ceiling fan?
Many times, one person can handle the job by himself. The person needs to have the strength to lift the fan on the hook though. However, it’s fairly simple beyond that as most fans today have a built-in installation hanging hook in the ceiling mounting.
How do I know if the light fixture box can support a ceiling fan?
You can look at the attic joists and see where the junction box is mounted. However, electricians will tell you that a can light will never have a fixture box that can support a ceiling fan.
There should be a metal bracket or a wood piece between the two joists in the attic that hold the junction box to know for sure that it will hold your ceiling fan.
How is a fan-rated junction box different?
Fan-rated boxes are made of either strong, durable plastic or metal. They have deep holes for mounting screws and are mounted to a joist or by a brace attached to a joist. It is required by most building codes to mount ceiling fans on fan-rated boxes.
How do you know if a ceiling box is fan-rated?
It will say on the box that it’s fan-rated. It will be attached to a joist or a brace, secured with mounts and screws.
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