Rewiring Installing a Ceiling Fan

Electrical Wiring Connections for a Ceiling Fan Light Fixture – Most ceiling fans have a separate blue wire which is for the ceiling fan light which in your case should be connected to the black wire at the ceiling.

Connections for the Ceiling Fan Light Fixture
[ad#block]  Electrical Question: My ceiling fan, the part that holds the lighting, fell off. I’m trying to put back together. The part that holds the lighting has two wires – one black wire and one white wire. From the ceiling is a wire that is black with a white stripe. I connected all three together. Now fan works but not lights. What did I do wrong? Keep in mind – I am not very good with “real” terminology – black wire, white wire are pretty much what I understand.

Help is appreciated!

This electrical question came from: Debbie, a Homeowner from NC
Additional Comments: I LOVE this website because it helps me get my lights working!

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

Electrical Wiring Connections for a Ceiling Fan 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.
Precaution: Identify the ceiling fan circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Most ceiling fans have a separate blue wire which is for the ceiling fan light which in your case should be connected to the black wire at the ceiling.  You should also double check the positions of any switches on the ceiling fan’s light fixture area, including pull chain switches. Make sure that there is a ceiling fan rated electrical box at the ceiling that is well supported and that you are using the correct hardware to mount the ceiling fan.

The Following will assist you with your Ceiling Fan:

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.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « 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 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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