Power Starting at the Ceiling Fan Box
This wiring diagram
shows the power starting at the ceiling fan box.
A splice is made with the hot line or power source. The power source is extended so that is can supply power down to the switch box. With this configuration a 3-wire cable leads from the ceiling fan box down to the wall switch box.
In the Switch box the power source is used to connect to either one fan wall switch, or it can be used to power a second switch for the ceiling fan light fixture.
The power will pass through the switches and back up to the ceiling fan and light.
The Electrical Power Enters at the Ceiling Fan Box
A 3-wire cable is then taken from the switch box up to the approved ceiling fan junction box. The wires are connected to the leads from the ceiling fan.
Comments and Questions about Ceiling Fan Wiring
Wiring a Ceiling Fan from a Receptacle and Added Switch
Correct Wiring for a Ceiling Fan Switch in a Shop
I have a receptacle in my garage that I plug my shop lights into. I would like to add a separate switch next to this box, bring power into switch and control my ceiling fan. Right now if I want my fan to operate, my over lights must be on also. So by adding a switch I can keep the switch on and control the fan with a pull chain switch string. I am not using a light with the fan.
Gary
The additional switch will be helpful to control the ceiling fan separate from the other lights. If the ceiling and walls are not finished with wall coverings, such as sheet rock, then the electrical wiring should be installed in conduit to provide protection for the electrical wires.
Ceiling Fan with 3-Way Switches
Wiring a Switch to a Ceiling Fan
How can I wire a 3-way switch to a ceiling fan with power to the light and separate switch to fan.
Dave's Reply:
Tim, the power must be separated at the power source before the switches, then one switch will be wired for each separate function. Three way switch wiring will then need to be installed between the two switch locations.
Replacing a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan
Doug, from Moorestown, New Jersey asks:
I am installing a ceiling fan. My main light switch panel has four light switches in it with one being a light/dimmer switch that controls the main light where the ceiling fan with the light will go. I want to swap the light/dimmer switch with one of the other plain light switches so I can control reset lighting in the room with the light/dimmer switch. There is #14-3 wires to the light/dimmer switch and #14-2 wires to the regular switch. How do I make this switch or can this be done?
Doug,
The dimmer switch that is being used for the existing ceiling light fixture is wire as a three way switch if all three of the 14/3 wires are connected to the switch, so the existing dimmer switch will need to be replaced with a standard three way switch. Most dimmer switches may be wired as a three way or single switch where one of the wires is capped of and unused.
A standard single pole light switch may be used for the ceiling fan however you will need to used the pull chain switches on the ceiling fan to control the levels of light and the speed of the ceiling fan motor unless you choose to have the option of remote control capabilities which is the most convenient way to have full wireless control of all the ceiling fan light and fan speed functions.
Be sure that the ceiling fixture electrical box is Rated for the Weight of the Ceiling Fan or have the existing fixture box removed and a well supported Ceiling Fan Rated box installed.
Will a Ceiling Fan Require a New Circuit?
James, from Memphis, Tennessee asks:
I have an old house and the electricity has been upgraded from fuses to breakers. I need to ad some electrical to the main bathroom. I want to ad a small ceiling fan and an exhaust fan as well as one more outlet. I think I should run a new line from the electrical box. Is this true, and what size wire should I run and what size breaker should I use? Thanks.
James,
An additional circuit for the ceiling fan and the exhaust fan will only be required if the existing circuit for the bathroom light fixture does not have enough capacity to support the additional load of these items. The amount of power required for a ceiling fan and a standard exhaust fan is not very great. If you find that a new circuit is needed then a 15 amp circuit with 14/2 NM cable would be adequate.
My Ceiling Fan Light Pull Chain is Shocking Me
Millie, from Bartles Ville,OK asks:
My ceiling fan light chain just started having electrical current coming thru it when I touch it. The fan chain doesn't do it just the light. When I turn off the wall switch it doesn't shock me or if I turn the light off and turn the wall switch on there is no shock. What do I need to do to fix this?
Millie,
It is very possible that the ceiling fan light pull chain switch has become faulty and needs to be replaced. This is a dangerous condition that needs to be taken care of right away. A replacement pull chain switch for the ceiling fan light should be available at most hardware stores where they sell a wide variety of ceiling fans and components.
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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project.
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, 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.
How to Install Electrical Wiring for Outlets and a Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans may be controlled individually by the wall switch, pull chain switches or remote control modules.
My ceiling fan and light is not working right, what should I do to make it work right? How to Connect the Wires to a Ceiling Fan, Ceiling Fan Power and Switches.
How to Plan and Install a Ceiling Fan in an Older Home: I am trying to install a ceiling fan in a bathroom, the house was built in 1922. I am not positive how old the wiring is that I am finding up there but it is old.
Wiring Connections When Hanging a Chandelier Light Fixture: With most home lighting fixtures the wiring colors are black, white and a bare or green ground wire for the light fixture and the wiring from the electrical junction box, however there may be a few wire color combinations to be aware of.
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.
Why Is My Bathroom Light Fixture Not Working? How to Fix a Bathroom Light Fixture and a Bath Exhaust Fan that has Stopped Working. The Most Common Problems with Bathroom Light Fixtures and How You Can Fix Them.
Ceiling Fan With Flashing Light Problem How to Fix Flashing Lights on a Ceiling Fan: The Most Common Problems that Cause Ceiling Fan Lights to Flash On and Off and How to Fix Them.
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.
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.
How To Solve Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems 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 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.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: Helpful website. Tony from Granville, Ohio
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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