How to Replace a Light Fixture With a Ceiling Fan

I am replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan. How do I connect the wires to the new ceiling fan? How to Install a Ceiling Fan where there was a Light Fixture.

Light Fixture and Ceiling Fan Wiring

Electrical Question: I am replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan. How do I connect the wires to the new ceiling fan?

• I am installing a ceiling fan in a spot where there was just a standard light on a single switch.
• I took down the light and looking at the wires I found 2 sets of wires coming into the box. black,white and ground on both sets.
• I found the 2 black wires connected to each other and the white were connected on either side of the light socket. I took this all apart and tested the wires.
• I found that only one set of the wires were hot (black) and the other set had no power now that I took the blacks apart.
• I am trying to wire the fan so it works with the switch.
• I have to believe the other set of wires in the box are from the switch but the power starts at the box? I am lost.

This electrical wiring question came from: Chet, a Homeowner from Rochester, New York.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chet.

How to Install a Ceiling Fan where there was a Light Fixture

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
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.

When installing a ceiling fan where a light fixture has been before it is important to identify the existing wiring and make sure that the electrical box in the ceiling is rated for the weight of the ceiling fan as shown in the ceiling fan installation pages.

The wiring located at the wall switch should be traced and verified back up at the electrical box in the ceiling. The source power should also be identified at the point of origin as well. Please refer to the wiring diagrams found in the ceiling fan section using the link located below.

Step-by-step pictures – Easy ceiling fan wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.

Wiring ceiling fans

How to Install Ceiling Fans
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.

The Following will assist you with your Ceiling Fan

Home Electrical Junction Boxes

Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring

Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » 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, 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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