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Wiring a Ceiling Fan In An Older Home


What is the best way to wire the ceiling fan from an outlet? The current wiring is set up to a switch to power all the outlets.



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Wiring a Ceiling Fan For An Older Home
[ad#block]Question: What is the best way to wire the ceiling fan from an outlet?

I am installing a ceiling fan with no wiring to the ceiling. My house was built in 1955. The current wiring is to turn the on off switch to power all the outlets, this is a pain for alarm alarm clocks taped the on off switch to ON! What is the best way to wire the ceiling fan, and keep the outlet on all the time, or will I have to wire it without a switch? Have to go up in the attic to run the wires for ceiling fan down to where the on off switch is? Hopefully I won’t have to tear up to much drywall to run the wiring. Any help would be great, Thanks!

This question came from Kelly, a Handyman from Mason, Michigan.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Kelly.
I have provided the following links that lead to fully detailed information on this website that will assist you with your electrical question:

How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring

Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.

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.

Ceiling Fan Wiring

ceiling-fan-installation

Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2
Ceiling Fan Installation #1
Ceiling Fan Installation #2

This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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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
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How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Wiring a Ceiling Fan In An Older Home”
  1. baban says:

    There were lightning strikes to my home which caused the ceiling fan to stop working. How can I repair this fan by myself?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Baban,
    The ceiling fan will have to be inspected for damage to the electrical wiring and all of the components. Unfortunately, lightning strikes can cause permanent damage to internal electrical wires and motor windings of a ceiling fan. If this is discovered by the inspection then the ceiling fan should be replaced. If lightning strikes are common in your area then you may consider installing lightening suppression and surge suppression as part of the electrical system.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave