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Installing a Ceiling Fan With No Existing Wiring


How can I install a ceiling fan where there is no previous wiring? Can I wire the fan light to the existing switch which currently controls a wall outlet.

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Wiring a Ceiling Fan
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How can I install a ceiling fan where there is no previous wiring?

I am installing a ceiling fan where there is no previous wiring. My question is, can I wire the fan light to the existing switch which currently controls a wall outlet (fan on always for pull chain op, light on switch)? Can I “double-up” on the switch so it still controls the wall outlet? Also, is the existing 20 amp circuit breaker sufficient, or needs upgraded? Thanks for your help.

This electrical question came from: Dean, from Las Vegas, Nevada.

See more about Home Wiring for Nevada

Additional Comments: Great information.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dean.

How to Wiring a Ceiling Fan to a Outlet

Application: Installing a Ceiling Fan.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired 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 ceiling fan.
Precaution: Identify the ceiling fan circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Wiring a Ceiling Fan to a Switched Wall Outlet

Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiring

How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring

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.

More about Installing a Ceiling Fan

Installing a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling Fan Wiring Questions and Answers That Help You Install Your Ceiling Fans.

Installing a Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1 Explains Show the Wiring and Connections to the Fan and Switches

Installing a Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2 Explains Show the Wiring and Connections to the Fan and Two Switches


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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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.


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


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.


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