installing ceiling fan in a condo

[quickstang87]

Hi. I'm trying to figure out how to install a ceiling fan in the living room of my condo. Physically mounting the fan shouldn't be a big deal, but the electrical looks like a problem. I cut a hole in the ceiling and started peeking around and found a metal conduit about a foot from my hole. What is the best way to tap into this and bring power over to where I need it? Is there a good way to cut the conduit open without disturbing the wiring so I can test it? I have no access above the ceiling and don't want to patch drywall so I have to be careful. Thanks

[kactuskid]

You can't just tap into this circuit without knowing what it provides power to first. It could be switched power or it could be power to a kitchen or bathroom and in that case you are not allowed to tap it. And if it is a circuit that you can tap you won't be able to do it through the little hole in the ceiling.

You put the cart before the horse cause you should of thought of how you were gonna bring power to this fan BEFORE making your hole. If you don't have access above this ceiling then you're gonna have to bring power up there via a different method, like from a wall receptacle in this room. To do this you'll have to make a hole in the joint where the wall/ceiling meets and drill a hole through the top plate to run a cable from your receptacle. You'll also need to install a switchbox to control this fan unless you buy a remote controlled fan. This link will help in showing you how to run the circuit:
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...ges/h00070.asp

You'll need to install a fan brace between the ceiling joist like what's on this link:
http://www.westinghouseceilingfans.com/ac_fanbrace.html
This will allow you to install it through the hole you've made. And, if you live in the Chicagoland area where only conduit is allowed then you'll need to install individual wires in conduit. Make sure the wire gauge matches the existing circuits wire gauge that you tap into.

You can also run wiremold up the wall, across the ceiling and to the fan and your cable is installed inside the wiremold. This is sold at Home Depot and can be painted to match the walls.

[quickstang87]

The wiring in the conduit is not for the kitchen or bathroom. Looking at how it runs it is most logical that it either powers a wall in the living room, or the bedroom. That being the case, it is going to be constant power. It looks like I can cut another piece of drywall out right below the conduit, and assuming that I can use the wiring I will have to put a junction box up in the ceiling, and tap into the wiring to run a new piece over to the fan location.

I don't think I can run wiring from a known location (like an outlet or a switch) because of the way the ceiling joists are. It's just not going to be possible without a ton of work and expense.

I don't think I put the cart before the horse. I knew I wanted to put a ceiling fan up, so cutting a hole was a sure way to make sure I'll get the project done!

Thanks for the help, and any additional comments. I'll try to keep this updated as I do the work

[HayZee518]

If the house is in Chicago and is wired in conduit EMT and flex [greenfield] then in my opinion the wiring is installed point to point with screw couplings between the lengths. Where the conduit comes down the wall from above there's a field bent 90 and then straight into the box. Then to continue the run goes back up the wall to another field bent 90 and on to the next box. According to the NEC a junction box cannot just be cut into a wallspace made up and covered over. It needs to be accessible by means of a blank cover. I also doubt there'll be enough slack in the conductors for you to install a splice box.
I wish you luck.

[quickstang87]

Allright, I got everything done after spending all day working on it! I ended up running a new wire across the inside of the ceiling, and cutting into a wall and running the wire across the wall about 3 feet and dropping down to an existing switch. I didn't think it was possible but I managed to do it. I also took out the single switch and box and put a second switch and dual box in to control the lights on the fan. I wired the fan part to come on only with the pull chain on the fan itself. I also put a dimmer switch in for the fan lights, and it seems to work out well. The only drywall cutting will be covered when we put up crown moulding. overall I am very happy with the outcome. Thanks for the help!

[kactuskid]

That's great, much better than trying to tap into that conduit. Thanks for the feedback.