Wiring Ceiling Fans for Wall Switches

How To Connect Ceiling Fan Electrical Wiring: When there are 4 wires coming out from ceiling but there are only 3 wires with the fan and light fixture.

How To Connect Ceiling Fan Wiring
Electrical Question: There are 4 wires coming out from ceiling but there are only 3 wires with the fan and light fixture. There are 2 different switches on the wall. One for the fan and the other for the light. I do not know which wire goes with what.

This electrical question came from: Lisa, a Homeowner from Vandalia, Ohio.

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

Wiring a Ceiling Fan with 3 Wires

Application: Installing a Ceiling Fan.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired 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 ceiling fan.
Precaution: Identify the ceiling fan circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Wall Switch Wiring for a Ceiling Fan

Lisa, typically when a ceiling fan has a light there will be a separate blue wire for the light only. If the ceiling fan has a built in remote control then there will only be 3 wires, black, white and the ground.
Having said this, some ceiling fans may have only the three wires that you have described, and in this case the second wall switch will not be used, so the second wire in the ceiling fan box from the second switch will just be capped off.
With this type of ceiling fan the main on off control will be from the wall switch, and the fan speed and the light will be controlled by the pull chains switches on the ceiling fan.

More about How to Wire Ceiling Fans
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.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, 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
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC 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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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

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.