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Electrical Wire and Cable


Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams and Connections

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.


Electrical Video #1

Generator Automatic Transfer Switch
and Electric Circuit Sub Panel

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NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
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Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


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

The Ceiling Electrical Junction Box

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 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

Electrical Wire for the Home

wiring ceiling fans
ceiling-fan-installation
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:

Electrical Video #2

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet

without a Ground Wire

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» AskTheElectrician «

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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.
  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
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.



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.


More articles about Ceiling Fans, Electrical, Wiring Configurations and Home Electrical Wiring:
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The Red Wire and the Blue Wire How to Replace Light Switches


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams and Connections”
  1. steve cawley says:

    I have two ceiling fans controlled by 3 separate switches. I can’t get any of the switches to control the fans. The old fans that I removed were controlled by the switches. I didn’t realize the complexity of the wiring when I removed the old fans. Help.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Steve,
    Take a look at the Ceiling Fan section and you will see various wiring diagrams that should help you understand how ceiling fans are wired to switches.
    Thanks for sharing with us, let us know how it works out.
    Dave