How to Wire a Remote Control Ceiling Fan
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How to Wire a Remote Control and Wall Switches for a Ceiling Fan: A remote control and wall switches may be wired and used to control a ceiling fan so it will allow you to use the remote control for the light only but you will need to control the fan motor. © By: Dave Rongey |
Remote Control Ceiling Fan
Electrical Question: We just bought a new Remote Controlled Hampton Bay Ceiling fan for a bedroom we just had rewired.
- We wired it so we had two separate switches. One for the light and one for the fan.
- We bought this fan knowing it had a remote control, but it says it’s only allowed one switch.
- We want to know can we have the two switches, one for the light, and one for the fan, and still use the remote control also.
Thanks!!
Additional Comments: Loved it!!
Background: Jacon, a Homeowner from Columbus Ohio
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jacon.
How to Wire a Remote Control and Wall Switches for a Ceiling Fan
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. This electrical repair project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified 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.
A remote control and wall switches may be wired and used to control a ceiling fan so it will allow you to use the remote control for the light only but you will need to control the fan motor, Here’s How:
- Check to see if the remote control is limited to the lighting only, I believe this will be the case.
- This being the case then connect the black wire for the fan motor to the black wire from the light switch.
- The remote control can be wired to the red wire from the wall switch and used for the blue light fixture wire, then share the white neutral.
- This will allow you to use the remote control for the light only but you will need to control the fan motor from the wall switch.
- The pull chain on the Ceiling fan will need to be in the appropriate position for the on/off and desired speed selection for the fan motor.
- Understand that the wall switches are the main source of power and they need to be on for the light remote to work.
- Then if the light has a pull chain, it too needs to be in the appropriate position as well.
- Typically the light pull chain switch should be in the full on position in order to allow full range control from the remote control.
Important:
- When using a remote control as described above you will now have the following methods of control that you must keep track of , otherwise one may prevent the other from functioning:
- The wall switch – the power source and primary control.
- The remote control – the secondary control.
- The pull chain switches – the third control.
- If any one of these control sources is OFF then it will prevent the fan motor or the light fixture from turning ON.
More about Ceiling Fans
Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls
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.
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 Installation #1
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