There are two things to keep in mind as you hang a paddle fan. Support and wiring safety.
Paddle fans 35 pounds (or less) can be supported independently of the box, meaning with lag bolts or large screws ran directly into the truss or by an approved box. An approved box is one that is designed for supporting paddle fans.
If the paddle fan weighs more than 35 pounds, it must be supported independently of the box. This means the supporting screws or lag bolts will simply go through the box into the truss or 2x4 for support. The way I always visulize the supporting means is after installing the fan, if I don't think the fan would support the weight of me hanging on it, it gets remounted!
Just be sure the fan support is solid beyond any doubt. You never want the paddle fan to fall on someone!
The next thing to consider is wiring to the fan. NEVER use rubber cord or zipcord (regular lamp cord) to run to a paddle fan or any other permanently installed fan or fixture! The insulation is not designed for this. If the wire is fished down a wall or ran in the attic, it will be forgotten about and the insulation will become brittle and then an electrical short will happen. Also the wire is not designed to carry the current required to blow the fuse or trip the breaker. A fire is a GREAT possibility!
If you are getting a feed for the paddle fan from an existing outlet or switch, check to see what size wire is at the outlet or switch. If it's 14 guage, you can run 14 guage romex from there to the paddle fan. If it is 12 guage wire in the outlet or switch, you must run 12 guage wire to the fan.
Be sure to use connectors where entering both boxes. The Paddle fan box as well as the box where you're getting the feed. Support the wire every 4 feet, but do not drive the staples in so far that they cut into the wire!
Another thing to consider, wirenuts! They MUST be tight! Before installing wirenuts make sure you have a GOOD mechanical connection at the splice!
Call a Licensed Electrician!
