How to Wire a Ceiling Fan to the Ceiling Box
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How are the wires connected from the ceiling fan to the ceiling box? Ceiling Fan Wiring diagrams, What to do When Your Ceiling Fan Project Has a Problem. |
Wiring a Ceiling Fan
Electrical Question: How are the wires connected from the ceiling fan to the ceiling box?
- I am installing 2 ceiling fans with lights. I have the same wiring in this house in the 2 rooms I am installing the ceiling fans with lights.
- In the ceiling box there are 4 black wires that have a wire nut around them together.
- There are also 3 white wires and a tan wire.
- The original 3 white wires were connected to the white wire and the tan to the black wire on the original light fixture.
- When I connect the ceiling fan black (motor) and blue wire (light) wires to the 3 wires in the ceiling fan box, as the original light fixture was connected, and connect the green wire (ground) ceiling fan to the existing tan wire (ceiling box) ground my breaker keeps kicking out.
- I have went onto connect the black wire (motor), blue wire (light), and white wire (neutral) wires in various ways but nothing works.
- I believe there is a hot wire coming into the ceiling box as one way the fan motor and light fixture came on without the wall switch. Can you send me a diagram on how the wires need to be connected properly for these ceiling fans with the ceiling box, the way it is wired?
Thank you.
Jeff
This electrical wiring question came from: Jeff, a Homeowner from Charleston, West Virginia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jeff.
Wiring a Ceiling Fan to a Ceiling Box
Application: Ceiling Fan Electrical Wiring.
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.
Connecting a Ceiling Fan to a Ceiling Box
- A tripping circuit breaker may be an indication that the wire connections are incorrect, or that a wire has been pinched and is shorting to ground.
- Wiring diagrams for ceiling fans may be found at the links provided below.
- Review the wiring connections with the wiring diagrams for ceiling fans, and make sure the wires are clear and not in a position where they may be pinched or damaged.
See more about Wiring a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
Wiring a Ceiling Fan Wiring
- 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:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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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.
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I am installing a Hampton Bays ceiling fan as a replacement for an older model. Can I wire without attaching the green ground wire? My house wiring is more than 75 years so there is no ground from the ceiling box to connect to. The fan I removed did not have the green ground connected. It was attached to the fan on one end and the other was loose wire. The ground comes attached to the mounting bracket on the new model. What, if anything, do I attach the other end to?
Hi Robert,
When a ground wire is not included with the original circuit wiring of the home then the ceiling fan will not have the safety protection that the ground system will provide. Therefore this may be a great time to consider upgrading the electrical wiring, or have a ground wire installed from the ceiling fan location to the ground system of the electrical panel.
Thanks for sharing your ceiling fan question with us,
Dave