Replacing a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan
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How to Replace a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan: Guide for Wiring a Ceiling Fan, Common Problems When Wiring a Ceiling Fan. |
Guide to Replacing a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan and Light
Electrical Question: I am replacing the light fixture with a ceiling fan that also has a light fixture with it.
- There was already a light in the ceiling which worked fine.
- There is one black and one white wire with ground coming out of the receptacle in the ceiling.
- That receptacle is operated by a wall switch in the room.
- The wall switch has two black wires going to the switch.
- There is three white wires together with a wire nut.
- I hooked the blue and black wire from the fan to the black wire out of the ceiling receptacle.
- The white wire is hooked to the white wire coming out of the ceiling.
- When I turn on the wall switch all that works is the lights to the ceiling fan.
- I cannot get the motor to come on that operates the fan blades.
- I have tried two different ceiling fans with the same results.
What am I missing?
This electrical wiring question came from: David, a Homeowner from Roosevelt, Utah.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question David.
How to Replace a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan
Application: Replace a Light Fixture with 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.
Common Problems When Replacing a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan and How to Fix Them
- Wall Switches
Remember that the position or setting of the pull chain at the ceiling fan overrides all other switches and controls. - Pull Chain Switch
The pull chains are in essence the master control for the light and fan functions for motor speed and light levels. - Fan Direction Switch Setting
On rare occasion the fan motor direction switch can slide into the Middle Position and cause the motor not to work. - Motor Supports and Braces
These are plastic inserts, usually screwed in where the fan blade arms attach. They are put in place to prevent damage to the motor assembly and they need to be removed.
- IMPORTANT: If you are replacing a light fixture with a ceiling make sure to install an approved ceiling box rated for ceiling fans, otherwise the ceiling fan may come crashing down and could cause some damage!
NOTE: The links below lead to detailed pictures and complete wiring diagrams that will help you wire up you ceiling fan.
See More about Replacing a Light Fixture with a Ceiling Fan
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Step-by-Step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
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 may also be helpful for you:
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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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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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I think it should be noted that when replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan, the fan should be properly grounded to avoid a potential shock hazard. As a home inspector, I find too many ungrounded ceiling fans.
Tom
Yes Tom, I Totally Agree,
Thank You!
Hello,
I have a similar problem that David, with the exception that the fan was already installed and all I did is to replace the light fixture.
Therefore, I know that all the wires are connected properly – I only disconnected the white/white and blue/black light wires and reconnected exactly the same way as the previous light fixture was.
Before, both the fan and the lights worked. Now only the lights work.
I checked if any of the wires got loose – they did not.
Pulling the chain does not help and the direction switch is in the right place.
What else could be causing this problem?
Anna,
If you know that all of the wiring was connected as found originally, then the only thing left to check would be to make sure that the wiring in the connectors is intact and making connection.
Also note that when working with an existing ceiling fan where a light kit was never installed, it is very possible that the blue wire has never been connected with the incoming power up at the ceiling fan junction box in the ceiling.
Dave