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Help for Ceiling Fan Wiring
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How to Connect Ceiling Fan Wires – With this wiring configuration there should be separate wall switches that will control the ceiling fan motor and the ceiling fan light. |
Making the Connections of Ceiling Fan Wiring
[ad#block] I am installing a ceiling fan. There is a white wire and an orange wire coming from the box. I have a black, blue, and white wire along with a green ground wire on the fan. What wires do I hook up. And where does the ground wire go?
Received from Brian a Homeowner in Cambridge, MN
Additional Comments: I really think this is a great help to those needing some help.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question.
How to Connect Ceiling Fan Wires
Most ceiling fan wiring is as follows: Black to Black (hot), White to White(neutral), Green or Bare copper(the Ground Wires) joined together. The Blue wire of the ceiling fan is for the Lighting. If there is not a separate wire in the ceiling fan electrical box for the light then join the Blue lighting wire to the Black (hot) wire. Sometimes there will be a Red wire in the ceiling fan electrical box that is specifically for the Lighting, so in this case the Blue wire from the ceiling fan will be joined to this wire. With this wiring configuration there should be separate wall switches that will control the ceiling fan motor and the ceiling fan light.
Check to make sure that the electrical box that you will be installing your ceiling fan to is in fact rated for ceiling fans. These are typically metal or special heavy duty plastic boxes and are specifically marked with an approval for ceiling fan installations.
A word about how ceiling fans operate: It is important to understand that the pull chain switches that are on the ceiling fan will override any other controls that may be used including wall switches and remote controls. This also will affect the speed of the fan and the level of the lighting.
Make sure to use wire connectors that are the correct size. The better wire connectors have a spring inside of the insulated wire connector which helps keep the joined wires spliced firmly. When the wire connector is sized correctly you will not be able to see any visible copper wires when looking at the base of the wire connector and there is no need for wrapping the wire connector with electrical tape.
Never work on energized circuits. Make sure that the circuit is identified and off before working on any electrical project.
The resources below will provide you with more detailed wiring instructions and a full set of ceiling fan wiring diagrams.
For more information about Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiring
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagrams
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Dave's Companion Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:
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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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