Summary:
Ceiling Fan Installation: This series of photos show the electric wire to ceiling fan box, preparing to mount the ceiling fan box,wire into the ceiling fan box through a wire bushing, attaching the ground wire, mounting the cradle bracket, the ceiling fan wires are connected, close the canopy, attach the fan blades and wiring a double stack switch,installing double stack switch, and explain how to connect the ceiling fan wiring blue wire.
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I have stapled the cable close to the area where the new ceiling fan box will be mounted to the ceiling. Now I am ready to install the ceiling fan box.
This box comes with a plastic bushing which protects the wire along with the heavy duty mounting screws. It is a good idea to drill a pilot hole first before installing the screws to avoid the wood from splitting.
Mounting the Ceiling Fan Electrical Wire Box to the Cross Support and Installing the Cable
The Attic electrical wiring is secured to the cross piece.
The Cable and block are ready for ceiling fan wire box.
Wire into Ceiling Fan Electrical Box
Ceiling fan cable is protected using an insulated bushing.
Ceiling Fan Wiring Box Mounted
Ceiling fan box is mounted to the cross support wood block.
Ceiling Fan Ground Wire
Ceiling fan ground wire is bonded to the box.
Ceiling Fan Cradle Bracket
The ceiling fan cradle assembly is mounted.
With the ceiling electrical box mounted in place I am ready for the ceiling fan cradle bracket. After stripping the cable and cutting away the outside sheath cover, I feed the wires through the center opening of the bracket. When using a remote control module the wires can be brought down on the side of the bracket to allow space for the module to slide into place above the ceiling fan stem.
Ceiling Fan Electrical Wiring
The electrical wires are ready to be connected with the ceiling fan. Notice the wiring from the electrical box and the green ground wire attached to the ceiling fan mounting bracket.
Electrical Wires Connected to Ceiling Fan
The ceiling fan mounting assembly is in place and the connected electrical wires and wire connectors are gently folded into the open canopy space where they will be protected when the final cover is installed..
Ceiling Fan Canopy
The ceiling fan canopy cover is placed over the mounting assembly and the screws have been installed.
Ceiling fan blades mounted
The ceiling fan blades are mounted to the ceiling fan motor after the electrical wire connections are made and the cover has been installed.
Installing
the ceiling fan motor assembly requires paying attention
to what needs to be placed on the stem of the assembly and in
what order. For example the canopy which covers the ceiling fan
box and cradle bracket needs to slide over the stem before this
assembly goes in place,.Otherwise once you discover this vital
piece is missing everything needs to be undone and the assembly
taken down and the canopy put in place.
Also be aware that some
ceiling fans come with a plastic ring which slides up around
the canopy to fit tight against the ceiling to hide the canopy
mounting screws. Another part that is easy to miss on some ceiling
fans is a small cap that covers the top of the motor where the
stem attaches. This is usually included with fans that have
a longer stem.
Wiring a Double Switch or a Stack Switch
A tandem double switch or stack switch will be used to control the ceiling fan motor and the ceiling fan light. This type of switch provides two separate switches from one space of one single space.
Installing the Double Stack Switch
The stack switch or double switch mounts nicely next to an existing light switch This type of installation uses the existing electrical box and prevents having to replace the wall box with a larger wiring box..
Details about wiring the switch
A double stack switch enables two switches to be installed into the space of one single switch, this way you will have a few options for wiring as you desire, such as wiring so the top switch controls the light and the bottom switch controls the fan motor. One side of the switch is where the power is connected and the other side has a separate connection for each function.
Additional Resources
Metal Electrical Box Ceiling Fan Installation Manual
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Make the Wiring Connections, If there is a Black and Red wire then this usually means there are two separate wall switches, one for each function.
How to Connect the Red Wire and the Blue Wire for a Ceiling Fan, Installing an Outdoor Ceiling Fan Wiring an the Electrical Wiring Connections can be a little tricky especially when it comes to the red wire and the blue wire.
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What to do with the Blue Wire of the Ceiling Fan
I have a ceiling fan with 4wires a green blue white black. I only need the black white and green so can I just put a wire nut on the blue wire? Or is it a functional wire?
Dave's Reply:
The blue wire is for the light fixture of a standard ceiling fan. If your ceiling fan does not have a light kit installed or you do not plan to add a light kit, then yes, you could just cap off the end of the blue wire with a small blue or orange wire nut.
Wiring a Ceiling Fan Remote Control
Hooking Up a Ceiling Fan Remote Control
I am hooking up a ceiling fan with a remote control and I have a white, black and red wire coming from the ceiling.
I only need to use the black and the white. What should i do with the red wire?
Thanks, Steve.
Dave's Reply:
Steve, in this case just cap off the red wire with a wire nut and connect to the black and white wire for your power source to the remote control module.
Ceiling Fan Remote Controls and Other Switches
Options for Wiring a Ceiling Fan Remote Control
I have a ceiling fan with a remote control. Do you have to have a wall switch to control it, or can you control it only with the remote? What have you experienced?
Dave's Reply:
Bryan, I have wired various ceiling fan remote configurations. Remotes can be wired with any control combination, just be aware that the more controls, the greater the possibility of confusion. When a typical wall switch is used, it serves as the master power source, so the remote will not have the power to function if the wall switch is off. The same applies to the position of pull chain switches on the ceiling fan, which can limit the level of light and motor speed.
How can I wire a ceiling fan and wall switch? I would like to install a ceiling fan in my bedroom. I have an existing switch that work a top part of a convenience outlet.
How can I connect a ceiling fan to my home wiring? Switch Box Wiring for a Ceiling Fan and Outlets, Ceiling Fan Circuit Wiring, Wiring a Ceiling Fan with a Shared Circuit.
Scott in Illinois asks; I want the fan to work just by a pull-chain but continue to have the switch operate the remaining can lights, how can I wire this? How to Wire a Ceiling Fan with Existing Light Fixtures.
How Can I Fix a Wiring Problem with my Ceiling Fan and Switches? How to Identify Ceiling Fan and Light Switch Wiring Problems, Troubleshoot and Repair Ceiling Fan and Switch Wiring.
How do I wire a universal remote control for my ceiling fan? Installing a Ceiling Fan and Remote Control Module, Wiring diagrams and installation guide for Light and fan switch variations.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
RELATED
More about Ceiling fan installation series 1 Pg2
Replacement Ceiling Fan Wiring Configurations How to Fix Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems: Common Problems with Ceiling Fan Wiring and How to Fix Them, Identify the Ceiling Fan Wires for the Right Connections, Wires for Ceiling Fan Light Fixtures, Wiring Connections that Cause a Tripped Circuit Breaker.
Ceiling Fan Wiring for a Wall Remote Control I have a Westinghouse ceiling fan, can the remote control be taken out? Installing a Ceiling Fan Wall Mounted or Hand Held Remote Controls and Ceiling Fan Wiring
Wiring for Ceiling Fans How do I connect a new ceiling fan to the existing wiring and wall switch? The Main Wiring Connections of a Standard Ceiling Fan.
Wiring a Ceiling Fan In An Older Home What is the best way to wire the ceiling fan from an outlet? The current wiring is set up to a switch to power all the outlets.
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams and Connections How to Connect the Wiring when Replacing a Ceiling Fan - If the ceiling junction box only has a black and a white wire then it will attach to the black and blue of the ceiling fan and the pull chains will be the switch controls.
Connection for the Blue Ceiling Fan Wire Where to Connect the Blue Wire of a Ceiling Fan - The blue wire is for the ceiling fan light fixture, Here is the Wiring connections for this scenario
ceiling fan installation series 1 Pg2 - 1585
Wiring Ceiling Fans
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder and Voltage Tester. Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the ceiling fan. Electrical Safety:
Identify the ceiling fan circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for ceiling fan wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
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