Just bought a new home and one of the rooms downstairs has no light fixture, fan, etc on the ceiling. The current light switch runs to a couple outlets along the wall. Is there any chance of installing a ceiling fan and somehow running the wiring up there or is it more trouble than it's worth?
Posted Sep 26, 2020, 3:41 PM UTC
You can fish a wire up from one of the switched outlets to the light, it probably won't be easy and will require a few holes and some patching.
This. You’ll need to make a couple of holes to fish the wire, likely. Patching is always the worst part
Probably some pretty large holes for drilling through joists right? I've patched enough little square cutouts but I'm worried about the size I'd need to get through the joist.
If you're lucky, you can find power about the middle of the room, in the direction of the joists, then it's up, from the wall to the ceiling, and a straight shot to the new fixture. Depending on how it's built and if there's blocking above the wall, you could conceivably get away with a hole at the top of the wall, one nearby in the ceiling, and the new junction box hole.
A really long or possibly flex bit will be your friend drilling through through the top plate and any joists you might need to drill, a long spade bit (12-18") will allow you to get the business end in a fairly small hole and keep the drill far enough out that it's not rubbing the wall/ceiling.
Depending on your comfort level, you'll need to need to open up the drywall / ceiling to run the power up, then you'll need to install a junction box and install the fan there. It isn't too bad imho, but again, it all depends on your comfort level. I cut small squares to move around.
I recently installed recessed lights in the basement. It didn't even have the switch so i have to find power so it was more work.
Did you have to navigate over any joists in the ceiling? I'm concerned about the size of those holes.
of course. I don't remember the exact size, but i pick the drill bit that closely match to the romex size. I used the 14/2 to run the wire. Just cut a hole before each joist and drill across.
The quick and easy way is to secure it into a ceiling joist, and run the electrical like a swag lamp:
https://lightingandceilingfans.com/ceiling-fan-swag-kit-ideas.html
This does look quick and easy. However, I think the wife is going to be looking for something a little cleaner.