Basic question

I'm a new homeowner and still learning alot.
I want to install a ceiling fan, but there is not
a light fixture already present on the ceiling.
I do know there is an electrical light circuit
running to the attic. How do I tie the new celing
fan wiring into the attic-light circuit properly?

Thanks!

 

BEfore anyone can answer this question, first you have to know what the circuit in the attic that you are referring to is powering.

Once you know that, it can be determined if you can connect to that circuit.

Beyond that, you will need to mount an electrical box that is designed to support the weight of a ceiling fan.

 

The current wiring supports a basic light-bulb fixture
for the attic. I think I know how to house and hang
the ceiling fan. I just want to make sure I do not screw up
the electrical part.

 

If that is the only thing on that circuit (turn off the breaker and make sure nothing else in the house stops working), then you should be able to proceed.

Take note of the size of the breaker for that circuit, as you will need to get wire based on the ampacity of the breaker. If the breaker is 15 Amps you can use 14/2 wire. If it is 20 Amps you must use at least 12/2 wire.

If the attic is occupied space (it doesn't sound like it, but you can never tell from across the 'net), you will need to use some sort of conduit to house the wire, if not you can use "romex" non-metallic sheathed wire.

Is the light switched with a wall switch somewhere or does it have a simple pull chain?

If it's just a pull-chain, you can connect your new wires to the wires in the box that the light is mounted on, pigtailing them properly (don't attach both sets of wires to the screws on the light fixture), and run that wire to the box you install for the ceiling fan. Then you can attach the fan according to the instructions that should come with it.

Of course you should always check with your local electrical code to make sure that there aren't special limitations (such as a requirement for an air-tight enclosure), and even for something this simple, a permit is generally required.

 

Before tapping power from any cable in the attic, it is important to determine exactly where that cable comes from and goes to.

• If it comes from the panel or an unswitched receptacle, and goes to a switch or receptacle or light, then it is an acceptable power source. You must of course make sure that the circuit isn't restricted. Circuits serving bathrooms, laundry areas, kitchens and dining rooms are usually restricted.
• If it goes between a single-pole switch and the light it controls, then you must figure out whether a switch loop is involved (i.e., is there a white wire attached to the switch?). If the answer is yes, then the cable is not suitable. If the answer is no, then you can use it if you want your new load controlled by this switch.
• If it is between two 3-way switches, or a 3-way and a 4-way, or two 4-ways, then it is not suitable.
• If it is a 240-volt cable, then of course it is not suitable.
• If it is on a circuit nearing overload, then of course it is not suitable.