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Installing Ceiling Fan Wiring


I want to install a ceiling fan in my bedroom, there is nothing there now. There is one switch on the wall that works on the top half of one of the baseboard outlets…

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Ceiling Fan Wiring
Background: Kathleen, a Homeowner from Keymar, MD
[ad#block]Question: Hello and thank you so much for your wonderful site!!!

I am a novice at electrical issues, although I did install some things such as a GFCI and a bathroom fan so I have a basic idea about connections etc.

Here’s my current issue: I want to install a ceiling fan in my bedroom, there is nothing there now. There is one switch on the wall that works on the top half of one of the baseboard outlets. I want to access this circuit somehow but am not sure the best way to do it. I think I can install a second switch (have to install a bigger box) and run cable (14/2 or 14/3 or 12/2 or 12/3??) from this new switch up to the fan and then have the switch run the power and the pull chains for the individual components – light and fan speed.
What is the best way to do this, at the switch by splitting (only one cord coming into that box)or at the outlet? Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Additional Comments: love it!!! (You are sooo Nice!)

How To Install Ceiling Fan Wiring

Application: Installing a Ceiling Fan.
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.

Dave’s Reply:

Install Ceiling Fan Wiring from a Wall Switch

Thanks for your electrical question Kathleen.

The power source for the ceiling fan can come from a wall outlet up to the switch box location where the power can be split, one for the fan motor and one for the light fixture. The new wire size should match the existing wire as found at the wall outlet.

The Following will assist you with your electrical question:

More about Wiring Ceiling Fans and Light Switches

How to Install Ceiling Fans

Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams

Electrical Wire for the Home

For more information about Ceiling Fan Wiring
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.

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Do-It-Yourself Electrical


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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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.


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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.

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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