

Ceiling fans need a stronger box

A fan weighs more than most lights, and it wobbles as it spins. The box in the ceiling has to be rated for a fan, and a plain light box often isn't. When we hang a fan where a light used to be, we check the box and change it to a fan-rated one, braced to the framing, before the fan goes up. If you want the light and the fan on separate switches, we'll tell you whether the wiring is already there or needs to be added.

… He even figured out why my fan/light wasn't getting lights. …
Heavy fixtures and tall ceilings
Chandeliers and big pendants also need support that matches their weight, and vaulted ceilings need the fixture hung at the right height for the room. We read the fixture's instructions before the visit so we arrive with the right parts. For a dining table or a kitchen island, we center the light on the table or island.
Porch and outdoor fixtures
Lights outside the door, on the garage, or under a covered patio need fixtures rated for damp or wet locations, and the box behind them has to be sealed against rain. When an older porch light has rusted or the box has filled with water, we replace both so the new light lasts through the Oregon winters.
Repairs and replacements
Lights that flicker, a fan kit that stopped working, or an old porch light that's rusted through are common repair calls. Logan fixed a fan kit for Jess M., and replaced a set of old porch lights for Sara J.:
Cleanly and quickly repaired the defective fan kit. Thanks, Logan. …
… Needed some very old porch light fixtures replaced and Logan was able to get in and make short work of the project. …
For new lighting in a room with no fixtures at all, see recessed and LED lighting, and for porch, path, and patio lights, see outdoor lighting.

