Replacing a Ceiling Fan and Wiring the Switches

I am wiring a new ceiling fan/light at the same spot that I used to have only a ceiling fan…

Replacing a Ceiling Fan and Wiring the Switches
Background: Dana, a Homeowner from Lancaster, PA
[ad#block]Question: I am wiring a new ceiling fan/light at the same spot that I used to have only a ceiling fan. I connected white to white, black to black, blue from ceiling fan to red from the house, and green to green. I have a switch that used to control only the ceiling fan. I want the switch to now turn on the fan and the light, and then be able to control the fan or light with the pull strings. After making all these connections, the light turns on but the fan does not work. The pull chain to the fan does nothing whether or not the wall switch is on or off. I double checked my wire connections, and still no fan. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong? Thank you!!

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

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
Ceiling Fan Wiring
Ceiling Fan Wiringdiagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiringdiagram #2
Ceiling Fan Installation #1
Ceiling Fan Installation #2

Electrical Wiring

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams
3 Way Switch Diagram

Electrical Wire for the Home

For more information about 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.

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

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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 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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