Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams and Connections
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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. © By: Dave Rongey |
Variations for Ceiling Fan Wiring
Electrical Question: I am replacing two outdoor ceiling fans.
The old ones have a white, black, red, and green wire.
The power box has the same thing.
The new fans only have white, black, and green in them.
Both fans are controlled by a rheostat switch.
What do I do with the red wire in the box?
This electrical wiring question came from: Steve, a Homeowner from Pendleton, Indiana
Additional Comments: I hope that you can help me.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Steve.
How to Connect the Wiring when Replacing a Ceiling Fan
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
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.
The typical wiring designations are as follows:
The Ceiling Fan
- Black – the Fan Motor
- Blue – the Light
- White – the shared Neutral.
- Green – the ground.
The Ceiling Electrical Junction Box
- Black – for the Fan Motor.
- Red – for the Light.
- White – the Neutral.
- Green – the Ground.
Ceiling Fan Wiring Variations
If the ceiling fan does not have a light fixture then the red in the junction box may be capped off.
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. If a wall switch is used it cannot be a dimmer switch, and the wall switch will be the master on and off switch.
Note of Caution about Ceiling Fan Electrical Boxes:
- The ceiling mounted electrical junction box must be approved for the weight of the ceiling fan.
- Ceiling fans should NEVER be mounted to regular plastic or fiberglass light fixture boxes.
- UL approved Ceiling Fan Boxes are required by code, this is for your safety and protection.
The Following will assist you with your electrical question:
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
Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #2
Ceiling Fan Installation #1
Ceiling Fan Installation #2
Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams
3 Way Switch Diagram
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.
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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.
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