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Electrical Wire and Cable


Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Light Switch Wiring


The lights quit working on the ceiling fan. There are 4 bulbs & a 3 way switch. I replaced the light switch. Still no light…



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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Replacing a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Light Switch
Background: Rick, a Homeowner from Tampa, FL
[ad#block]Question: The lights quit working on the ceiling fan. There are 4 bulbs & a 3 way switch. I replaced the light switch. Still no light. The switch has a blue, red & black wire. What should connect to each of the 3 wires? Also, I noticed a black/white wire hanging loose from the wiring in the motor housing above. Help please needed? I’ve been to Home Depot & Lowes-but they don’t have a 4 bulb light kit with a 3 way switch.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Rick.
Rick, the ceiling fan 3 way light switch is wired as follows:
1) one wire for the incoming power – usually the Black wire.
2) one wire for the first light(s) to be turned on – Red wire
3) one wire for the next light(s) to turn on – Blue wire.

The third switch postion is where both sets of lights turn of at the same time.

It is best to verify the wires using a continuity tester.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams

Electrical Wire for the Home

For more information about Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiring
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
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.


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

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.


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