I have installed ceilings fans several times before but always flashmount. I will be installing in a room with a sloped ceiling and have used a downrod length calculator that uses the ceiling, height, rise and run. The calculator recommends a 36 inch downrod but the fan we're buying comes with a 12" and a 54". I know I can buy aftermarket rods but I also know that they're not guaranteed to be universal. Does anyone know if the rods that come with the fans from the manufacturer can generally be cut down to size and used?
The ones I've done, yes...you would just cut the tube to length and drill a new hole for the pin...but I'm sure there's a lot of different designs out there too...
The ones I've installed have a threaded end and a pin through end. I can't 100% remember which end connects to what, but that doesn't mater. You can shorten them no problem with simple tools (hacksaw, drill). You may need to extend the wires, which isn't a big deal. Just get some butt splice connectors and some white, black, and blue 18g wire...or a pre-made extension kit.
Is the ceiling high enough to just use the 54" and have 8' clearance ?? I believe the calculator is just the minimum length needed to clear the ceiling, if not cut and drill to 36" or somewhere in between.
Also check the slope of the ceiling the fan can handle, I have a 5/12 pitch on my house, and it was 2-3 degrees more than the fan could handle, had to get an extra "Steep Slope" kit or something to accommodate.
