Summary:
Ceiling fan remote controls can be extremely useful, especially when it comes to controlling the lighting separately from the fan speed. By: Dave Rongey
How to Install and Wire a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan
When using a remote control, operate the ceiling fan using the pull
chains and make sure the fan speed is on the high-speed setting and
the lights are full on. The pull chains will over ride the remote
control operations.
You could get confused if you turn the ceiling fan or light "off" using the pull chain and wonder why the wall switch does not operate the ceiling fan or light. My suggestion is to remove the longer extensions of the pull chains when using remote control units.
Electric Remote Control Units for Ceiling Fans
Typical Remote Control Switch Unit The standard remote package comes with a module which is installed
into the fan cradle assembly and the hand remote. Some units come
with a saddle that can be attached to the wall making it easy for
you to find and operate.
A remote control for your ceiling fan can take the place of the
wall switch and most of the remote controls will allow you to select
three speeds for the fan operation and three levels of light.
More Remote Control Features as an Electric Switch Extended features are available with some of the newer remote units
including programmable temperature control and time controls. As far
as I know they still won't get the coffee pot brewing, but I'll show
you how to automate that process on another page.
Ceiling Fan Remote Control Electric Wiring and Settings
A typical ceiling fan remote control is wired as shown in this wiring diagram. The power coming in is connected to the Black and White AC Supply wires.
The Ceiling Fan Control Wires are - Black for the Fan Motor, Blue for the Light Fixture and the White Neutral wire is shared for both the Fan Motor and the Light. The Green or Bare Copper wire is connected to the Green wire(s) of the Ceiling Fan.
The ceiling fan remote control Code Settings at the hand held transmitter remote control and the ceiling fan receiver module must be the same for operation. Multiple fans can be controlled by one remote control.
Ceiling Fans in separate rooms must have different codes. Labeling the hand held remotes will avoid confusion.
Don't forget to install a 9 volt battery as required for most units.
Ceiling Fans
More about Wiring Ceiling Fan Remote Controls
Remote Control Units for Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fan remote controls allow you to control the lighting separately from the fan speed, even when your electrical wiring did not provide separate wall switches.
Identifying and wiring ceiling fan remote control units.
How To Wire a Remote Control Unit for a Ceiling Fan: I wired in a new remote ceiling fan replacing an existing ceiling fan not remote. After hooking up I turned the power back on and the fan motor started.
How to Install a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan: Some new ceiling fans have the remote control module wired directly into the fan so there is no exterior remote control module to wire.
How to Wire a Ceiling Fan Remote Control to your Existing Wiring. When a ceiling fan remote control is used the red wire which is commonly used for wall switch operation of the light fixture is not used because a dual function remote control.
How to Wire a Casablanca Ceiling Fan and Remote Control – The wiring connections for a Casablanca Ceiling Fan are very straight forward because these ceiling fans use their own proprietary remote control system and all of the switching is done at the remote control module which is internal at the ceiling fan, there is no need to install a separate module.
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Mike, from Parsippany, New Jersey asks:
I installed a new Hampton Bay ceiling fan and a new remote control. The fan and remote worked fine for 2/3 weeks and all of a sudden it stopped working. I changed the remote module and it worked for a second and again same problem. The fan works fine if I remove the remote receiver. Why is the remote receiver going bad? Is there any problem in wiring?
Thanks
Mike,
The first thing I would ask is if there is a dimmer switch that controls the power to the ceiling fan. If so then the dimmer switch must be replaced with a regular light switch. Dimmer switches may not be used to control the power to a ceiling fan that has a remote control setup.
How to Wire a Ceiling Fan Remote Control Module: Common Mistakes with Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switches and Remote Controls, Remote Control Module Unit Applications.
How to Wire a Remote Control and Wall Switches for a Ceiling Fan: A remote control and wall switches may be wired and used to control a ceiling fan so it will allow you to use the remote control for the light only but you will need to control the fan motor.
How to Wire a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan – A remote control module may be installed for a ceiling fan that has three way switches. Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide.
I installed a remote controlled ceiling fan several years ago. It worked great until recently, now the light and the fan will not turn on: Common Problems with Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls.
Basic Ceiling Fan Remote Control Problems How should I troubleshoot a problem with a ceiling fan remote control? The Most Common Causes of Ceiling Fan Remote Control Problems.
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Remote Control 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.
Ceiling Fan Remote Control Wiring How To Wire a Remote Control Unit for a Ceiling Fan: I wired in a new remote ceiling fan replacing an existing ceiling fan not remote. After hooking up I turned the power back on and the fan motor started.
Why CFL Light Bulbs Flicker Remote Control Units May Cause CFL Bulb Flicker: CFL lamps must be compatible with the light fixture and controlling device or switch where the CFL light bulb will be installed - Double check your wiring connections just to make sure, however I have a light fixture that is controlled by a motion sensor and the lamps are CFL too, and the light flickers when it is supposed to be off as well.
How To Wire a Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture How Do I Wire my Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture? The Pull Chain Switch for a Ceiling Fan Light Fixture, and the Fan Motor Capacitor.
Casablanca Ceiling Fan Wiring How to Wire a Casablanca Ceiling Fan and Remote Control - The wiring connections for a Casablanca Ceiling Fan are very straight forward because these ceiling fans use their own proprietary remote control system and all of the switching is done at the remote control module which is internal at the ceiling fan, there is no need to install a separate module.
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
ceiling fan remote control - 2024
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.
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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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