Want 2 replace ceiling fans in apt...scared--Don't wanna burn the place down?

Question

I don't have renter's insurance yet (just moved in) and I need 2 replace 4 ceiling fans in my apt.

I don't want 2 burn the place down by my ineptitude. I also don't want 2 spend $300 on something I can potentially do myself.

I want 2 make sure I'm not asking 4 trouble by biting off more than I can chew and causing damage to the apt.

What should I do? My super has already given me permission 2 make the repairs, but I'm scared. Do I need more than a Phillips screwdriver, stepladder, and electrical tape?

Any and all help with this issue is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

This is not rocket science.  If you want to do it, for whatever reason, it's not a hard task.  First, TURN OFF THE BREAKER or fuse.  Next, loosen and remove the cup shaped cover at the ceiling.  Now note the way the wires are connected.  It could be only two wires (white and black) or it could be three (white, black, bare for ground) or four (white, black, blue, ground).  Whichever, note how they work.  The wires should be connected with "wire nuts" which are little plastic s***w on connectors.  Since the power is OFF simply unscrew the connectors.  The fan may now be lifted from it's cradle or other hanging device and set on the floor.  Assemble the new fan per the directions in the package.  Note you may have to replace whatever the old fan was hanging from with a device from the new one's packaging.  Hoist the fan and hang from the cradle, etc.  Now, examine the wiring on the new fan.  There are usually four wires, red or black, blue, white, and green for ground.  Connect green to ground and white to white.  If there is a light on the new fan and a separate switch for it on the wall, connect blue to the proper black wire in the ceiling.  Then connect the red or black to the black wire in the ceiling.  If there is a light with no separate wall switch, connect both the red or black, whichever, and the blue wires to the black wire in the ceiling.  Make sure the wire nuts are tight.  If you're worried about it, wrap the wire nuts with electrician's tape.  Now, turn on the power and test your work.  If it all works ok, cover up the exposed parts.  If not, you'll have to figure out which wire is not connected.  If you can't follow these directions, please have your landlord or an electrician/handyman do the job.  Hope this helps.  I have one other safety tip for you.  If one of these fans is in a bathroom, set the fan for the speed you want and remove any chains from the fan.  Many people have been shocked or killed reaching for a ceiling fan while in a bathtub or standing on a wet bathroom floor.

Answer 2

when you remove the old make a diagram on paper ,which wire goes where and reverse to install,a picture is worth a thousand words...........tom

Answer 3

First of all, why are YOU repairing and/or replacing the fans and not the landlord??   You aren't mentioning what repairs are needed - is it more than burned out lightbulbs?  You have no idea how these are wired, or if they were even wired properly in the first place.  Insist on the landlord doing this work or on him hiring someone to do it - this is not  your responsibility unless you are replacing them because you don't like the current ones.  If that is the case, then follow the directions to the letter in the instructions and if you don't understand them, don't do it.  There's got to be someone you know that knows enough about electricity to give you a hand.

Answer 4

Check with your landlord first! They may not allow the ceiling fans to be replaced or the may have their maintenance person or contractor do it for you.

Although it is relatively simple to do, apartments owners generally prohibit the tenants from doing their own work for insurance purposes.