When you need new ceiling fan wiring
- You want a fan in a room that has no ceiling light or fixture
- You are replacing recessed can lights with a fan
- The room has only wall outlets controlled by a switch
- You want separate switches for the fan and the light, but there is only one cable in the box
- You are adding a fan on a covered patio, in a garage or in a bonus room
- You have finished a remodel or addition and the fan location was never planned
How we get power to a new fan location
The right method depends on your attic, your ceiling and where the nearest existing circuit is. We choose the least disruptive one.
Tap an existing lighting circuit
If a nearby light fixture or switch has capacity, we can extend from it with a new cable, adding the fan on the same circuit. This is the most common method for a fan in a bedroom or den, because it keeps drywall work to a minimum.
Attic run
In single-story Gilbert homes the attic is often the easiest place to run new cable. We run wire above the ceiling to the fan location and drop it through a small opening, then install a new fan-rated box or brace. In summer, attic temperatures can be dangerously high, so this work is best done early in the day.
Wall run and switch loop
If the switch location is new, we may need to run cable inside a wall from the ceiling to the switch box. That may require small drywall openings that we repair afterward.
New circuit
Adding a fan usually does not need a new circuit. A new circuit may be needed when a panel is full, a circuit is already heavily loaded or a large fan or several fans are added at once. We check the load before connecting.
Adding a fan-rated box in a ceiling that never had one
New wiring always includes the support for the fan, not just the wire. Depending on access, we use:
- Retrofit brace boxes that expand between two ceiling members through a small hole, used when there is no attic access from above
- New-work boxes screwed to the framing when we have attic or open-ceiling access
- Heavy-duty fan boxes for large fans, marked with their maximum load
Roof trusses limit where a box can go, and some houses have trusses spaced 24 inches apart. In that case we use an expandable brace that spans the truss chords. Read more about the box itself on our fan-rated box upgrade page.
Fan and light control options for a new location
Because the wiring is new, you choose how to control it. The most common setups we install are:
- One wall switch for power, with pull chains or a remote for the fan and light
- Two wall switches using a three-conductor cable (one for the fan, one for the light)
- A wall-mounted fan speed control with a separate light dimmer
- A smart switch or hub that works with the fan's app
Details are on our remote and wall control and smart ceiling fan pages.
Permits, code and safety
Like-for-like fan swaps typically do not require a permit, but adding new circuits, new switches or wire runs may. Requirements vary by city, so we tell you what applies to your address. We follow the National Electrical Code for boxes, connections, wire protection and grounding, and any new wiring is grounded and protected as required. Arizona requires electrical contractors to be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and you can verify any contractor's license on the ROC website.
Ceiling and drywall repairs after new wiring
When we need to open the ceiling, we keep the opening small. Small holes are patched and made ready for paint. If the ceiling has a heavy texture such as knockdown or popcorn, blending the repair is often best left to a painter, and we tell you what to expect before we begin.
New wiring cost factors
Attic access, distance from the nearest power source, ceiling type, number of switches and the fan location all affect price. A short attic run with a new fan-rated box is much simpler than a long run through finished walls. Our cost guide shows typical ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a ceiling fan where there is no light?
Yes. We add power, a fan-rated box and a switch so a fan can go where there was nothing overhead.
Will you have to cut into my ceiling?
Sometimes a small opening is needed. Where the attic is accessible, most of the work is done from above and drywall openings are limited.
Can I have separate switches for fan and light?
Yes, when a three-conductor cable runs to the fan location. When we run new wire, we can include it.
Do I need a permit to add a ceiling fan?
It depends on the work and city. We tell you whether your job needs a permit when we quote it.
Can you add a fan to a patio?
Yes, we install patio fans with outdoor-rated boxes, wiring and fans. See our outdoor patio ceiling fan page for details.
New Ceiling Fan Wiring across Gilbert and the East Valley
We provide this service in the neighborhoods and cities below. Call with your address if yours is not listed.
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