Install and Wire a Ceiling Fan

By Dave Rongey
Summary: In this Series an Expert Electrician Explains How to Install Ceiling Fans and Make the Wiring Connections Complete with Wiring Diagrams, and Wiring Connections.

Why You Should Consider Installing a Ceiling Fan

The Benefits of a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling Fans can help Save Energy
Here’s how ceiling fans assist a home’s energy efficiency, according to the American Lighting Association:
The air movement from a ceiling fan makes the occupants feel more comfortable. Ceiling fans cool in the summer by wind chill.

In the summer, a ceiling fan makes the air seem as much as eight degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler.

The breeze of a ceiling fan can make a temperature of 78-80 degrees feel like 72, so the air conditioning thermostat can stay set at 78, resulting in a lower electric bill.

Energy Savings with Ceiling Fans

Replacing an existing fixture with a ceiling fan, or adding a ceiling fan to a new location will require you to select an electrical box that is approved for ceiling fans. This and a few other issues are covered in this series, along with typical wiring diagrams. Many homes still do not have a single ceiling fan according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Energy Data. Households that did have ceiling fans reportedly averaged more than 2 per home! Research shows that there is a big difference in ceiling fan use in various regions and states. Almost 85% of homes in Florida had at least one ceiling fan, yet 53% of people in California were completely without these simple energy-saving devices.

	Wiring a Ceiling Fan There are a variety of ways to install and wire a ceiling fan. Here are a few examples that describe the process.
With this method the ceiling fan operates by the pull chains only. If you have this situation and you do not wish to have a wall switch installed, then the solution would be to purchase a ceiling fan with a remote control unit. Now your remote control will take the place of the switch. Most of the remote controls will allow you to select three speeds for fan control and three levels of light.

The Series of Articles:

Installing a Ceiling Fan

Installing A Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #1

This wiring diagram explains how the power is starting at the switch box where a splice is made.

Installing A Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram #2

This wiring diagram explains how the power is starting at the ceiling fan box and wires to two switches.

Install A Ceiling Fan and The Supported Box

How to Install a Ceiling Fan Box and the Support with Photos The example shows the flat ceiling fan box, a spanner bracket box the box marker for drilling the hole for the ceiling fan box, installing the wire and attic wiring, wiring to the ceiling fan box, measure for the ceiling fan box support, installing the ceiling fan support brace, the electrical wiring to the ceiling fan box, and installing the brace for the box for the ceiling fan.

How to Install A Ceiling Fan and Wire the Switch

Ceiling Fan Installation This series of photos show the electric wire to ceiling fan box, preparing to mount the ceiling fan box,wire into the ceiling fan box through a wire bushing, attaching the ground wire, mounting the cradle bracket, the ceiling fan wires are connected, close the canopy, attach the fan blades and wiring a double stack switch,installing double stack switch, and explain how to connect the ceiling fan wiring blue wire.

All About Ceiling Fan Remote Controls

Ceiling fan remote controls can be extremely useful, especially when it comes to controlling the lighting separately from the fan speed.

Installing Remote Control Ceiling Fans

Remote control ceiling fans can be extremely useful, especially when it comes to controlling the lighting separately from the fan speed, even when your electrical wiring did not provide separate wall switches.

How to Install Ceiling Fan Remote Controls Part 1

Identifying the ceiling fan remote control frequency switch locations and settings with step-by-step photos and instructions.

How to Install Ceiling Fan Remote Controls Part 2

Replacing a standard wall switch with a ceiling fan remote control switch module - step-by-step photos and instructions.

How to Install Remote Control Ceiling Fans - Part 3

This ceiling fan remote control kit is installed into a hugger ceiling fan assembly.

How to Install Remote Control Ceiling Fans - Part 4

This ceiling fan remote control kits is installed with a typical cradle bracket assembly where the remote module is inserted into the cradle which will be covered by the ceiling fan canopy.

Remote Control Ceiling Fans

Fully explained remote control ceiling fans articles with questions and answers.

How to Switch Your Ceiling Fan to Summer Cooling

Ceiling Fan Motor and Blade Rotation Settings In the summer, a ceiling fan makes the air seem as much as eight degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler.

How to Switch Your Ceiling Fan For Warmth in the Winter

Ceiling Fan Motor and Blade Rotation Settings In the winter, a ceiling fan makes the air seem as much as fifteen degrees (Fahrenheit) warmer.

Installing Ceiling Fans Outdoor Part 1

Outdoor Ceiling Fan Installation- Series #1. Outdoor Ceiling Fans are a great addition to your outdoor patio.

Installing Ceiling Fans Outdoor Part 2

Outdoor Ceiling Fan Installation - Series #2. Continuing with the installation and assembly, the ceiling fan becomes a fine addition to this patio.

How to Install An Airplane Ceiling Fan Part 1

This Airplane Ceiling Fan installation was one of the most unusual ceiling fans I have ever had the pleasure of installed.

How to Install An Airplane Ceiling Fan Part 2

The Airplane Ceiling Fan installation continues as with the fan motor being hung from the ceiling canopy.

Installing A Ceiling Fan

The most commonly asked questions about installing Ceiling Fans, controls, light ceiling fan fixtures and other ceiling fan wiring questions and answers.

Installing Ceiling Fans

Complete Guide for Installing Ceiling Fans with full featured pages with photos and wiring diagrams to help you with your ceiling fan project.

Important Tip and Safety Issue:
Make sure there is a 7 Foot clearance between the floor and the blades of the fan.

Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams

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

« Home Garden Electrical

Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram 1 »

Questions about Installing and Wiring a Ceiling Fan

Replaced a Ceiling Fan Now it is Not Working

Kris in Missouri asks: My son and I replaced a Ceiling Fan in his bedroom. The fan and light were working prior to replacing, now it does not work.

Tripping Breaker for a Ceiling Fan and Light

Billy in Virginia asks: 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.

Wiring a Ceiling Fan with Other Lights and Outlets

How can I connect a ceiling fan to my home wiring? Switch Box Wiring for a Ceiling Fan and Outlets, Ceiling Fan Circuit Wiring, Wiring a Ceiling Fan with a Shared Circuit.

Replacing a Light Fixture With a Ceiling Fan

I am replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan. How do I connect the wires to the new ceiling fan? How to Install a Ceiling Fan where there was a Light Fixture.

Solving Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems

How to Replace a Ceiling Fan and Reconnect the Electrical Wires

How to Install a Ceiling Fan in Your Bedroom

How can I wire a ceiling fan and wall switch? I would like to install a ceiling fan in my bedroom. I have an existing switch that work a top part of a convenience outlet.

See more about Ceiling Fan Wiring.

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

See How to Wire it Right!

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, the Handyman, and Electricians
Includes:
Methods for Installing and Wiring Ceiling Fans
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Ceiling Fan Switches
Wiring Ceiling Fan Remote Controls
Electrical Codes for Wiring Ceiling Fans
....and much more.
Be Sure to Get Your Copy!


	Electrical Wiring Book

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.