How to Set a Ceiling Fan Remote

With all the home improvement shows on television and the helpful websites geared to DIY, installing ceiling fans can be done fairly easily by almost anyone. Many of the new models come with a wireless remote control to make operating a ceiling fan even easier. Set a ceiling fan remote properly and enjoy the luxury of remote control.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Ceiling fan.

   Read the directions included with either your new ceiling fan or a separate universal remote control if your fan does not come with one. Follow the instructions step by step and pay particular attention to the section that shows how and when to set the ceiling fan remote.

2. 
    
   Remote dip switch.

   Pick up the ceiling fan remote and turn it over. Remove cover of battery compartment. Insert 12volt battery into position.
   
   You'll see above the battery, a square piece of plastic with four numbers. This is the "dip switch" part of the remote. Note the fan will have a corresponding dip switch.

3. Reset both dip switches, the one for the remote control and the one set to the fan, to the same set of numbers. Remember if the numbers on the switches don't match, the ceiling fan won't work.
   
   Change the factory setting for every remote-controlled ceiling fan you install. Be aware if you neglect to set a ceiling fan remote properly, a family member in another part of the house could be controlling your ceiling fan every time they use the remote to the fan in their room.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a handyman or handy woman install a ceiling fan with remote control in your home, ask them to make sure they have reset the dip switches.
• If you don't change the dip switch factory settings, your neighbor next door may have also forgotten to change theirs. This very often results in neighbors controlling other neighbors' ceiling fans.

[godfather25]

on 9/28/2009 I was thinking about getting me a ceiling fan. Great article.

[mattsaboy]

on 9/11/2009 Thanks for a great article and tips. 5 stars and a recommendation.....

[bossypants]

on 8/18/2009 I wish I had remotes for our fans! Loved the mind pictures generated by your warnings of neighbors controlling your fan! :) Thanks!

[bellerose]

on 8/16/2009 These must have been made for my house with the 11-foot ceilings. Even putting chain pulls on the lights is a challenge there. These sound much safer! 5*

[sonni57]

on 8/12/2009 Thanks for the helpful article on setting a ceiling fan remote I didn't know they had remotes.