Identifying Wiring for a Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture

Testing Wiring for a Ceiling Fan and Light to enable the right connections – The fan has wires of black, white, and blue, and a green grounding wire…

© By: Dave Rongey

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Wiring a Ceiling Fan and a Light Fixture
[ad#block]Electrical Troubleshooting Question: I am trying to install a ceiling fan with light fixture in a bedroom. The fan has wires of black, white, and blue, and a green grounding wire. Coming out of the ceiling in this home which was built in the 50’s there are three white wires and one black to attach them to.
I have two questions.
1. Why do I blow a fuse every time I turn the fan and light switch on?
2. When I do not turn the fan on first, none of the power for other lights and outlets on this fuse work.
Have a damaged something in the fuse box?

I am at the novice level, so your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

This home electrical repairs question came from: Cindi, from Clinton Township, Michigan

See more about Home Electrical Repairs for Michigan

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting question Cindi

Wiring a Ceiling Fan

Testing Wiring Connections for a Ceiling Fan

Cindi because the circuit is blowing the fuse this is an indication that the wiring in in the ceiling box will need to be identified using a voltage tester to understand what each wire is actually used for. Often a white wire is not being used as a Neutral Wire, but it may be used for switching power for the ceiling fan. The wiring diagrams that are listed below will assist you to identify typical wiring for switches and ceiling fans.

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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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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

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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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