Ceiling Fan Wires Black White Red and Green

How to Connect the Red Wire for a Ceiling Fan: I’m wiring a ceiling fan and there is a red wire and I don’t know where to connect it. By: Dave Rongey

The Red Wire for a Ceiling Fan
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I’m wiring a ceiling fan and there is a red wire and I don’t know where to connect it.

• The outlet has the black wire, white wire,  and green wires.
• It also has a red wire.
• What is the red wire for?
• White is neutral and black is power and green is ground, red?

This electrical wiring question came from: Jerry from Erie, Colorado.

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

How to Connect the Red Wire for a Ceiling Fan

Application: Wiring a Ceiling Fan.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best wired by a Licensed Electrician.
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.
Precaution: Identify the ceiling fan circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

 Wall Switch Wiring for a Ceiling Fan

• Many bedrooms ceiling fixture boxes are pre-wired for a ceiling fan which includes a black, red, white and green or ground wire.
• This typically provide the capability for separate a switch for the fan and the light.
• This creates the possibility for installing a dimmer control for the ceiling fan light.
• So with most wiring scenarios the the red wire in the ceiling is for the wall switch, which is for the light fixture of the ceiling fan.

More about Wiring a Ceiling Fan

• How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
  Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
• Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #1
• Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #2
• Wiring ceiling fans
• 
• How to Install Ceiling Fans
• 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.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. 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 How to 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 with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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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