Installing a ceiling fan in a mobile home?

Question

We have a 2005 Mobile Home (so it's pretty much brand new home, I only mention this because I know mobile homes & concrete are TOTALLY different), and we have a light fixture in our bedroom which we NEVER use. We rather have the bed side lights on. Anyway, We decided to replace the light with a fan. So we went out and just bought this one...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=47683-1811-PLM52ABZ5&detail=cr&lpage=none

Problem is, my fiance, somebody who is REALLY big into "rigging" things if they don't work is DETERMINED to install it himself without any help. I have all the faith in the world (i'm lying through my teeth, lol) that he can do it. He has installed a couple new light fixtures for us, but NEVER a ceiling fan. Is it basically the same thing? And in a mobile home, is there any extra reinforcement you need to do to keep it sturdy, and make sure it doesn't fall? Or is it all already set up for that?

Answer 1

SOME manufacturers make the bedroom fixture so that it can have a ceiling fan put right on it.  The difference between a standard light fixture and one made for a ceiling fan, is that the fan fixture is attached to one or more rafter joists.  (The light fixture may just be in the drywall).

If this is a double-whide mobile home, the fan can be attached to marriage line fairly easily, and no extra re-inforcement is needed.

If this is going in a single-wide, or other location, then the electrical box you are using needs to be cross braced to the ceiling trusses on either side of it.  This can be as simple as replacing the box itself with one that is made for ceiling fans - like one of these -

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr...

Either of those can be installed right thru the existing hole, no need to tear up any of the ceiling, or crawl into the attic.

So, he needs to take down the existing light fixture, and check the mounting box.  If it is screwed securely to a ceiling joist, or cross brace, the fan can go right up.  If it isnt, he needs to take the box out, and install one of those linked to above.  Should take about 15 to 20 minutes  ;)

By the way... most ceiling fans can have light kits attached to them, should you decide you need a little more light later on.

Wiring goes black to black, white to white, and green to box.

He may see two white or two black....if so, then power was run to the ceiling fixture first, then to the switch.  A meter will be needed to verify which is hot.  Naturally, you want the circuit breaker turned OFF before starting to work on this, hehehe.

Have Fun