Tripping Breaker for a Ceiling Fan and Light
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I have a problem with a light circuit where I removed an old light fixture and hung a ceiling fan and wired it into the existing setup then powered the circuit and hit the wall switch to check functions and the breaker tripped. © By: Dave Rongey |
Ceiling Fan Wiring
Electrical Problem: I removed an old light fixture and hung a ceiling fan and wired it into the existing setup then powered the circuit and hit the wall switch to check functions and the breaker tripped.
- I have a problem circuit that was wired dirty by the builder. I am confident that the idea was to wire 5 lights in parallel to operate independently with their own switch and as such they did. The problem came up when I decided to replace the mid 70’s dished square ceiling light in the kitchen with a lighted ceiling fan.
- I removed the original light and found five white and five black and grounds plus the ones from the ceiling light in the box for that light. All white is twisted into a red wire nut and all black matched and the grounds are tied into the box shell.
- After I removed the old light fixture I hung the ceiling fan body from its hook to the box and wired it into the existing setup then powered the circuit and hit the wall switch to check functions and the breaker tripped. I’ve been through this 5 times, each time checking how I wired it up, replacing the wall switch, testing with a separate light and still no luck.
- I know that how this was originally wired up was legal at the time though it was a convenient short cut to save time and money, it’s causing me a headache trying to figure it out.
This electrical wiring question came from Billy, a Homeowner in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Billy.
How to Fix a Tripping Breaker for a Ceiling Fan and Light
Application: Tripping Breaker Problem for a Ceiling Fan Light.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or a Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Ceiling Fan Light, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Ceiling Fan Light should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Ceiling Fan Tripping a Breaker
This electrical wiring project is about Tripping Breaker for a Ceiling Fan and Light in the Kitchen of a Duplex.
Ceiling Fan Wiring Problem
- Billy, From what you have described, and if the wiring is the same as before, then it is possible that there is either a pinched wire or a mounting screw has penetrated the insulation of a wire and is creating a direct short.
- One way to check this is to disconnect and remove the ceiling fan, and then see if the circuit Circuit Breaker Problem breaker trips off when the wall switch is operated.
- If the breaker does not trip off then be sure the wiring is not being damaged when the ceiling fan is installed. If the circuit breaker does trip then there is a problem with the way the wiring is configured.
RESOURCES
- Here are some Specific Resources that will help with a Ceiling Fan Problem:
- How To Solve Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems
How Can I Fix a Wiring Problem with my Ceiling Fan and Switches? How to Identify Ceiling Fan and Light Switch Wiring Problems, Troubleshoot and Repair Ceiling Fan and Switch Wiring. - Replacement Ceiling Fan Wiring Configurations
How to Fix Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems: Common Problems with Ceiling Fan Wiring and How to Fix Them, Identify the Ceiling Fan Wires for the Right Connections, Wires for Ceiling Fan Light Fixtures, Wiring Connections that Cause a Tripped Circuit Breaker. - Help with Ceiling Fan Wiring
How to Install and Make the Electrical Wiring Connections for Ceiling Fans and Switches. - How Can I Discover What is Tripping Off my Circuit Breaker?
How can I find out what is tripping a circuit breaker? How to Identify an Electrical Problem and Circuit Failure.
- How To Solve Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems
More about Wiring a Ceiling Fan and Light
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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.
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