Installing an Oscillating Ceiling Fan / Fishing Wires

$160.00
2 Hours
Advanced
Our son's room is a den of tween, man-cave awesomeness. It's his fortress against the world, or at least against the constant onslaught of a pestering little sister. He spends a lot of time in there. To maximize space we'd gotten him a loft bed from IKEA, with a built in desk.
Problem: the blades of his ceiling fan spun right through the sleeping area. I told him to scoot over against the wall and not roll around much, but Sweetie convinced me Child Protective Services would have an issue with my solution. So, I removed the fan and installed a simple light fixture. Unfortunately, during the hottest summer nights, it's been warm for him, up by the ceiling. A floor fan just doesn't cut it.
We saw an oscillating ceiling fan on display at Home Depot and decided it would be perfect for him. We'd direct it at his bed and get him some much needed air flow. What a cool idea! I've installed plenty of ceiling fans over the years, this was an odd one, but it shouldn't take more than a few minutes,...right? (Remember Murphy's Law?)
Read the whole (It's hot up here) story on the blog!
Before, A Nerf sword damaged fixture.
I was this far in the install when I realized I didn't have enough wires from the switch. What a chucklehead.
It was up to the attic on a fishing expedition. It was ridiculously hot up there.
A splice in the attic.
The new fan blowing.
John @ AZ DIY Guy
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  • Brenda Kingston Brenda Kingston on Dec 14, 2013
    If the lights were to get pinched for example in the ladder, it could eventually cause a break in the outer cord and cause an electrical shock. I would maybe tape the light cord so it doesn't get pinched. Love the oscillating fan. I need one.
  • Christophe Carlier Christophe Carlier on Feb 19, 2015
    Thank you for sharing, this article has definitely helped me out. I really would like to install a few ceiling fans in my house and I am just not sure if I would be able to do it all my by myself. I think it would be a great idea to look for an electrician who can help me out with this project. I wanted to know what qualities I should consider as I search for a good electrician who I can trust. I am excited to see what the final product looks like. Thanks again. -Chris | http://www.drelectricco.net
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