Wiring a Switch for a Ceiling Fan

Don in Florida asks: How do I wire a Single Switch for a Ceiling Fan? Wiring a Single Switch for a Ceiling Fan.

© By: Dave Rongey

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Switch Wiring for a Ceiling Fan
Electrical Question: How do I wire a Single Switch for a Ceiling Fan?

I have a single switch which controls a ceiling fan and a separate receptacle.
I replaced the ceiling fan and am not able to reconfigure the switch wiring.
There were three black wires which were tried together with a fourth then connected to the bottom slot on the switch.
A red wire was attached to the top slot and the green ground wire was connected on the opposite side.
When reassembling in this fashion, the ceiling fan will not shut off when the switch is turned on.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Don

This electrical repair question came from: Don, a Homeowner from Boynton Beach, Florida.

Additional Comments: Very helpful.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Don.

How to Wire a Single Switch Wiring for a Ceiling Fan

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.

Wiring a Switch for a Ceiling Fan

Don, the ceiling fan is running all the time because it is not wired through the switch, so it sounds like you are switching the power to the receptacle only.
The three black wires will need to be identified for their function.
Typically you will discover the incoming power cable, the out going power cable and the switched leg cable going to the ceiling fan and receptacle.
Identifying wiring is best performed by carefully using a voltage tester or a continuity meter.

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240 Volt Circuits
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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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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 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.

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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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