How to Wire a Ceiling Fan with a Wall Outlet

Wiring a Ceiling Fan
Electrical Question: I am installing a ceiling fan and I have done others in the past with no trouble, but this one is connected to a switch which also controls two wall outlets.

• I have only one cable going to the switch which is black, white and ground.
• The outlets have two cables one same as switch and the other is black, white, and red.
• When I connect the fan, the lights come on dim and the fan turns when the switch is off, when I turn it on, the lights go out and the fan does not spin.
• If I plug a lamp into one of the outlets when the switch is off it lights dim and when switch is on lights up normal.

Background: Vince, a Homeowner.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Vince.

How to Install Ceiling Fan Wiring

Application: Ceiling Fan Electrical Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced, Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
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 switched outlet wiring and the proposed location for the ceiling fan.
Precaution: Identify the switched outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring for a ceiling fan should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Installing a Ceiling fan from Wall Outlet

• With the described wiring scenario, the ceiling fan cable should be installed to the wall outlet that is controlled by the wall switch.
• Extending the wiring from a switched wall outlet provides the capability for the switch to control the ceiling fan separately by itself, switched with the outlet, or to be operated only by the pull chains on the ceiling fan.
• The key to all three operating scenarios is in how the wiring connections are made with the extended cable to the wiring in the switched wall outlet box. Helpful wiring diagrams are available from the links found at the resources below.

Step-by-step pictures of a Ceiling Fan Project
Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
Ceiling Fan Wiring

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.

Wall Outlet

Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Wiring a Light Switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

» 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. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring 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.

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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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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