Installing Remote Control Ceiling Fans

How to Install a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan: Some new ceiling fans have the remote control module wired directly into the fan so there is no exterior remote control module to wire.

Ceiling Fan Wiring for a New Remote Control
Electrical Question: I’m attempting to replace a preexisting ceiling fan with a newer model with remote control.

• The new fan is a Hunter “Cedonia” model # 27475.
• My house is currently wired with 2 switches for the fan (one for the lights and one for the fan).
• When I removed the old fan the old fan had a green, white, black and a blue wire (blue wire had a “lights” sticker on it.
• The new fan only has green, white, black.
• The problem is I end up with 2 extra white wires coming from the box.
• These 2 white wires are wrapped around each other.
• Did I simply buy the wrong type of fan?

Thank you,
Richard

This home electrical wiring question came from: Richard, a Homeowner from Fort St. James, BC, Canada.
Additional Comments: This website is a great idea.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electric wiring question Richard.

Preparations for Installing a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan

• Application: Ceiling Fan Remote Control.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
• Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
• Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
• Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
• Materials: Make sure the remote control unit is fully compatible with the ceiling fan you have and the size of the lamps that will be installed in the fixture.

How to Install a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan

Richard, some new ceiling fans have the remote control module wired directly into the fan so there is no exterior remote control module to wire.

• With these types of remote control ceiling fans you only need to make the connections to the black, white and green wires in the ceiling fan box at the ceiling.
• The remote control features will provide switching capabilities for operating the fan speed and the light. The extra wires that are not needed are simply capped off with wire nuts or wire connectors, and the extra wall switch will not be connected.
• The one main wall switch will control the power to the ceiling fan so it must be in the ON position so the remote control can operate the ceiling fan. When a remote control module kit will be wired to a ceiling fan that does not have the built in module then the same wiring scenario is used except the wires for the ceiling fan and the light fixture are connected typically to the black and blue wires respectively.
• There are a few different types of remote control kits, so be sure to check the wiring instructions for the specific wiring connections. More information about remote control modules may be obtained in the following information.

How to Install Ceiling Fans and a Remote Control

• Install a Remote Control for a Ceiling Fan
• Step-by-step pictures
• Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide
• Light and fan switch variations.

Remote Control Ceiling Fans

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.
• Introduction to Ceiling Fan Remote Controls
• Part 1 – Locating the Frequency Switches and Settings
• Part 2 – Replacing a Wall Switch with a Remote Control Switch
• Part 3 – Installing a Remote Control Hugger Ceiling Fan
• Part 4 – Installing a Remote Control Down Rod Ceiling Fan
• Remote Control Ceiling Fans – Articles

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

» 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.

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.

« How to Change Out Electrical Outlets

Bob in Washington Lost Power to the Backside of his House »

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.

» Electrical Wiring Book «

Home Wiring Guide

STAY CONNECTED

ELECTRICAL NEWS UPDATES