A ceiling fan’s downrod is used to connect the ceiling fan motor housing to the electrical box in the ceiling. It provides support for the weight of the ceiling fan. It also determines the distance between the blades of the fan and the floor. It is available in different sizes; you have to choose the right size according to your ceiling height for example, for a 9ft ceiling you’ll need a 6-inch downrod. In addition to downrod’s length, there is another important factor which is the diameter of the downrod. The larger the diameter, the more support it will provide for the fan. When you install your fan with a correct length downrod with the correct diameter, it will work fine. So, you have to take care of both factors when purchasing a fan.
Usually, Harbor Breeze ceiling fans come with a 1/2-inch downrod diameter. But they sell separately a 3/4-inch Downrod Conversion kit so that you can buy and change the diameter of your fan from Harbor Breeze if you need to do so. Here, we’ll talk about the 3/4-inch downrod conversion kit. Here is a see-through list of what you’ll get in this article:
- Benefits of converting downrod’s diameter from 1/2 to 3/4 inch
- Why and when do we need to change the downrod’s diameter from 1/2 to 3/4 inch?
- How to carry out the conversion process?
- Original download conversion kit installation manual
So, there you’ve seen what we’ll discuss, keep reading!
Benefits of Converting Downrod’s Diameter From 1/2 to 3/4 Inch
There are some significant benefits of changing the downrod’s diameter from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch. These benefits are:
Increased Weight support
It can support more weight. A 3/4-inch downrod can typically support 75 pounds, whereas a 1/2-inch downrod supports 50 pounds. If your ceiling fan is heavy itself, or if it has a heavy light kit and pull chains attached to the fan then changing the diameter downrod is a good option.
Durability
As a 3/4-inch downrod is thicker than a 1/2-inch downrod, it will not bend or break.
Performance
The 3/4-inch downrod is more stable than the 1/2 one, so the fan will not shake or wobble. And also it will operate quietly. So, a 3/4-inch downrod is best for high-traffic areas (such as a hallway or a living room).
When You Need to Change the Downrod’s Diameter From 1/2 to 3/4 Inch?
Changing the diameter of the ceiling fan’s downrod from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch is beneficial in some situations. But it’s important to understand when and why you need to make this change. There are a few situations when you need to change it:
Ceiling Height
If your place has the standard ceiling size that is 8-9 feet, then a 1/2-inch diameter downrod is fine. However, if your ceiling is taller than 9 feet, then you should consider a thicker 3/4-inch downrod. It will increase the fan’s stability.
Fan Size and Weight
The larger and heavier ceiling fans need a strong downrod to support them properly. If your fan is heavy somehow then I would recommend you consider the downrod with a 3/4-inch diameter. So that it can provide better support to the fan and also reduce the risk of wobbling.
Vibration and Noise
A thicker downrod will reduce vibrations and noise generated by the fan. If you notice excessive wobbling or noise when the fan is operating, it’s time to upgrade the 1/2-inch to a 3/4-inch diameter downrod.
Aesthetic Considerations
Sometimes the choice of downrod diameter is based on aesthetics. If you prefer the look of a thicker downrod then you can go ahead to make the changes.
So, these are certain cases when you can make changes to your fan downrod’s diameter.
How to Install this Harbor Breeze Downrod Conversion Kit?
Installing this Harbor Breeze Downrod Conversion Kit seems difficult, but I’m providing here an easy stepwise how-to guide. So you’ll be able to do it yourself easily but it’s always better to have a professional to carry out this process. Please, read and understand the complete process first then go ahead to installation.
The contents of this conversion kit are a downrod converter, ball, ground wire, ball screw, cotter pin, downrod pin, and steel pin.
Tools you’ll need: Screwdriver, Wire Cutters (maybe you need will it)
However, here are the instructions:
Prepare for Installation
- Turn off both the circuit breaker and the fan using the wall switch or remote.
- Make sure it is getting no power. It is necessary to avoid electrical shocks.
- Inspect the newly bought Harbor Breeze downrod conversion kit to see if it has all contents(take a look at the picture I’ve posted above to compare).
Remove the Existing Downrod
- Unscrew the set screws on the existing 1/2-inch downrod and remove it.
- Save the downrod pin and cotter pin as they will be used in the next step.
Install the New Downrod
- Screw the new 3/4 inch downrod into the downrod converter.
- Secure the downrod by tightening the set screws on the downrod converter.
- Insert the downrod pin through holes and secure it with the cotter pin.
Thread Wiring through Downrod
- Thread the fan’s wiring through the downrod converter starting from the threaded end.
- Be sure the wires come out at the top of the downrod.
Attach Downrod Converter to Fan
- Insert the threaded end of the downrod converter into the motor housing yoke on the fan and then align the holes.
- Insert the downrod pin into the aligned holes and secure it with the cotter pin.
- Now, tighten the set screws on the motor yoke to secure the downrod converter.
Attach Canopy and Hanging Ball
- Slide the existing canopy and hanging ball down over the downrod and the wiring.
- Make sure the rounded part of the hanging ball faces the motor housing.
- Unwrap the ground wire and attach it to the top of the downrod using the metal ring.
Secure Hanging Ball
- Slide the solid steel pin through the holes at the top of the downrod.
- Raise the hanging ball to the top of the downrod, and align the holes with the ball screw hole.
- Insert the ball screw and securely tighten it to secure the hanging ball.
Complete Installation
- Reinstall the ball in the mounting bracket and reattach the canopy as it was installed before or refer the fan manual to see the installation process.
Here the instructions for installing this kit are finished. I’m posting here the original manual that is from Harbor Breeze as it contains the pictures and labels as well. So, it will help you more.
Can You Put A Downrod On Flush Mount Ceiling Fan?
Yes, you can install a hugger or flush-mount ceiling fan by using a downrod if you want to extend the fan’s hanging length. But it’s only recommended if your fan has the tri-mount option. This means it is specified in the manual that you can install this fan in all three possible ways which are angle mount, flush mount, and downrod mount. So before deciding and buying a downrod for your fan, check your fan’s manual to see if it is down rod mount capable.
If it is not specified in the manual then never try to attempt changing the mounting option. It will damage the ceiling fan and you’ve to pay additional costs for buying a new fan or to repair the old one, etc. And if the fan has multi-installation options, then make sure that the ceiling has enough higher that you can add a downrod. If your room’s ceiling is 7 or 8 feet then you can’t install a fan with downrod. Also, choose the length of the downrod wisely to avoid hazards.
Wrapping Up
Changing the downrod’s diameter is best if your fan is heavy and it has to be installed in a high-traffic area like a living room. Also, the 3/4 inch diameter downrod is best when the ceiling is too high. This will ensure the stability and work performance of your fan. A 3/4 inch diameter is recommended instead of 1/2- inch as the ceiling fan works much better and doesn’t wobble, and make noise. So, Here I’ve proposed the easy instructions to install the downrod conversion kit to change the diameter of the downrod from 1/2 to 3/4 diameter. Also, I’ve added the manual so you can also check it for further information.
