The 4th Ceiling Fan Wire

How To Be Sure about Your Ceiling Fan Wire Connections – Step-by-step pictures with Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide for Light and Ceiling Fan switch variations.

© By: Dave Rongey

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Installing and Wiring Ceiling Fans

[ad#block] I am trying to install a ceiling fan and there is a 4th wire in the housing for some reason that always has 12v.

I can’t find a switch that turns it on or off.
I found it by shocking myself. Lucky me.
Is there anyway I can just cut off the end of the wire?
Does it have to have a switch somewhere?

Thanks,
William

This electrical wiring question came from: William, a Handyman from AZ

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

How To Be Sure about Your Ceiling Fan Wire Connections

William, Is this wire coming from the ceiling fan housing? I would not cut it off, but I would rather cap it with a wire nut. One possibility is that what ever your using to test the wire is actually reading 120 volts because 12 volts is not enough to shock a person from any house wiring. To be sure about your ceiling fan wires just follow the links below to the wiring diagrams.

The Following will assist you with your electrical question:

How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Matthew Rongey Hanging a Ceiling Fan to demonstrate Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2
Step-by-step pictures – Easy 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.

How to use electrical testers

Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

The following may also be helpful for you:

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

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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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.

Residential Electrical Wiring

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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