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Electrical Wire and Cable


Tripping Breaker for a Ceiling Fan and Light


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.



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Ceiling Fan Wiring
Electrical Question: 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.

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.

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
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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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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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