Residential Electrical Services
Ceiling Fan Installation
in Vancouver, WA
A ceiling fan needs more than just wiring. It needs a fan-rated junction box, proper bracing in the ceiling, and balanced mounting so it doesn't wobble. Newman Electric installs ceiling fans in homes across Vancouver and Clark County. Ryan, the owner, has been doing this work for over a decade and still shows up on jobs himself.
Why It Matters
Ceiling Fans Are Not a DIY Light Fixture Swap
A lot of homeowners think they can hang a ceiling fan the same way they'd swap a light fixture. But fans spin, they vibrate, and they weigh 30 to 50 pounds. The junction box that held your old light probably isn't rated for that.
The Box Has to Be Right
Standard light fixture boxes are rated for 50 lbs of static weight. That sounds like enough, but a ceiling fan puts dynamic force on the box every time it spins. Over time, a non-rated box loosens and the fan starts wobbling. In bad cases it can pull right out of the ceiling.
Newman Electric checks the existing box before installing any ceiling fan. If it's not fan-rated, we swap it out for one that is. If there's no box at all (new location), we install one with proper bracing between the joists.
Wiring for Fan + Light Control
Most ceiling locations have one switch that controls one thing. But if your ceiling fan has a light kit, you might want independent control: fan on one switch, light on another. That means running a second wire from the switch box to the ceiling.
If running a new wire isn't practical, Newman Electric can install a fan-rated remote control or a smart switch that gives you separate fan and light control on the existing wiring. We'll tell you what makes sense for your situation.
The Job
What a Ceiling Fan Installation
Looks Like
A single ceiling fan installation takes about an hour if the box and wiring are already in good shape. If we need to swap the box or run new wire, add another hour or two. Newman Electric handles the whole thing start to finish.
Check the ceiling box
We open it up and look at what's there. Is it fan-rated? Is it braced to the joists? Can it handle the weight? If not, we replace it before anything else happens.
Assemble and mount the fan
We put the fan together, mount the bracket to the box, hang the motor, and attach the blades. Downrod length matters. If your ceiling is 8 feet, you need a flush mount or a very short rod. Vaulted ceilings need an angled mount and a longer downrod.
Wire it and test it
We connect the wiring, set up the switch (or remote), and run the fan on all speeds. If it wobbles, we balance it. If there's a light kit, we test that too. You get a working ceiling fan before we leave.
Code & Safety
Ceiling Fan Code Requirements
in Vancouver, WA
Washington state follows the 2023 NEC, adopted April 2024 under WAC 296-46B. Ceiling fan installation has specific code requirements that Newman Electric follows on every job in the Vancouver, WA area.
- Fan-Rated Outlet Box (NEC 314.27(C))
Every ceiling fan must be supported by an outlet box specifically listed for fan support. A standard fixture box is not enough, even if it's rated for the weight. The box has to be marked as suitable for ceiling fan support.
- Structural Bracing (NEC 422.18)
The fan-rated box must be secured to the building structure. In most homes, that means a brace bar between two ceiling joists. If the joists aren't accessible from above, we use an expandable brace that installs through the existing hole.
- AFCI on Modified Circuits (NEC 210.12)
If the ceiling fan installation involves modifying or extending a branch circuit in a bedroom, living room, or family room, that circuit needs AFCI protection. We install an AFCI breaker if the existing breaker isn't already one.
- Permits for New Wiring
A simple fan swap on existing wiring doesn't need a permit. But if Newman Electric runs new wire for a separate fan/light switch or adds a ceiling fan where there wasn't one before, that work requires a permit from the City of Vancouver or Washington State L&I.
Customer Reviews
What Customers Say About Newman Electric
"Newman Electric came out and gave a honest and fair price for installing a ceiling fan and bringing power to our bakery's ice machine. They had the work done within one week. They even fixed a prior problem we had with some wiring that the original electricians had done when we built out the space."
"Chris and Roman came to do the work, they were fast, polite, and respectful, offering to take their shoes off and being very mindful of their language around my 3 y/o. They showed me how to adjust the settings on the new electrical fixtures and patiently answered my questions."
"GREAT experience all around. From the quote to the work we had done. Ryan and James came out to do the job. Awesome, friendly, knowledgeable, quick scheduling. I highly recommend this company for any electrical needs. We will be returning customers!!"
Common Questions
Ceiling Fan Installation FAQs
A straightforward swap where the box and wiring are already good runs on the lower end. If we need to install a fan-rated box, add bracing, or run new wire for a separate switch, it costs more. Newman Electric gives free estimates so the best way to get a number is to have us come look.
Yes, but the existing box almost certainly needs to be replaced with a fan-rated one. The wiring is usually fine since most light fixtures run on the same circuit a fan needs. Newman Electric will check the box, swap it if needed, and mount the fan.
Yes. We run new wiring from your panel or an existing circuit to the location, install a fan-rated box with joist bracing, cut a new switch location, and mount the fan. It takes longer than a simple swap but we do it all the time in Vancouver WA.
Four common reasons. The blades aren't balanced (one is slightly heavier or bent). The box isn't properly secured to the ceiling joists. The mounting bracket is loose. Or the downrod connection to the motor has play in it. Newman Electric can diagnose and fix all of these.
The light kit on a ceiling fan can go on a dimmer. The fan motor cannot. Standard dimmers will damage a fan motor and create a fire risk. If you want to control fan speed from the wall, you need a fan speed controller, which is a different device. We install both.
Yes. Covered porches and patios are popular spots for ceiling fans in Vancouver WA. The fan has to be rated for damp locations (covered outdoor) or wet locations (exposed). Newman Electric makes sure the box, wiring, and fixture are all rated for outdoor use.
Related Services
Other Work We Do Alongside Ceiling Fans
Lighting Installation
Chandeliers, recessed lights, and fixtures
Dedicated Circuits
Separate circuits for new loads
Electrical Repair
Fix switches, outlets, and wiring issues
Smart Home Wiring
Smart fan switches and automation
Outlet Installation
Add or replace outlets in any room
Electrical Panel Upgrade
More capacity for new circuits
Kitchen Electrical
Fans, lights, and outlets for kitchens
Remodel Electrician
Full electrical for renovation projects
Service Area
Ceiling Fan Installation Across
Vancouver & Clark County
Newman Electric installs ceiling fans in homes all over the Vancouver, WA area. Bedrooms in Salmon Creek, living rooms in Camas, covered patios in Ridgefield, great rooms in Battle Ground. The housing stock across Clark County ranges from 1960s ranches with no ceiling boxes to new construction with pre-wired fan locations. We've worked in all of it.
We also serve Cowlitz County for ceiling fan installation. Longview, Kelso, Woodland, and Kalama. Same crew, same pricing, same free estimate.
Need a Ceiling Fan
Installed or Replaced?
Newman Electric does ceiling fan installation across Vancouver, WA and Clark County every week. We'll check the box, make sure the wiring is right, and get the fan up and running. Call for a free estimate.