Ceiling Fan Dimmer Switch Wiring

How to Fix a Dimmer Switch Wiring Problem: I tried to replace a ceiling fan dimmer switch but now it trips the circuit breaker. © By: Dave Rongey

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Dimmer Switch Wiring and Ceiling Fans
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I tried to replace a ceiling fan dimmer switch but now it trips the circuit breaker.

• I removed a ceiling fan and replaced with a new light fixture.
• During the event I removed a dual pole switch and dimmer switch which were attached to the original fan thinking I could replace that with a dimmer switch only.
• One other problem is there is a second switch on an opposite wall.
• I hooked this up as I thought it was originally but now when I turn on power the light is on but one switch does nothing and the second blows the breaker.
• I am sure I have messed this up but could sure use some help.

This electrical wiring question came from: Robert, a Homeowner from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Robert.

How to Fix a Dimmer Switch Wiring Problem

Application: Wiring a Ceiling Fan or Light Fixture Dimmer Switch.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools and electrical wiring.
Precaution: Identify the ceiling fan power source or circuit at the panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the switch wiring.
Materials: Make sure the switches are fully compatible with the ceiling fan you have and the size of the lamps that will be installed in the fixture.

Wiring a Replacement Dimmer Switch

Important

• If a rewired switch is causing a circuit breaker to trip there is most likely a dead short between a neutral and hot wire, a dead short on the wire to the light fixture, or two separate circuits are wired to the same light switch.

Example

• When rewiring a switch box where there are more than one light switch there may be more than one circuit that supplies power to one or more of the light switches.

Solution

• Identify all of the circuits preferably before removing the existing light switches.
• Use a voltage tester to identify the circuits supplying power to the light switches.

Note

• When replacing light switches do not disturb other wiring groups that are spliced together, especially white neutral wires.
• You may notice white wires that are connected to a switch, however these are not neutral wires, but rather white wires that are being used for the switch configuration.
• Please see the wiring diagrams as listed below for a visual understanding.

More about wiring a ceiling fan and dimmer switch

• Wiring a Dimmer Switch

• 3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
• Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

Wiring a Ceiling Fan

• How to Install a Dimmer Switch on a Ceiling Fan

• Take the mystery out of ceiling fan wiring.
• Ceiling Fans are a great way to lower your energy bill and brighten up one of your favorite rooms.

• How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring

• Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan with switch variations.
• Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1
• Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2