How to Wire a Ceiling Fan With a Wall Switch

Always cut the power off when installing ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans can be wired two ways: with a pull-chain that controls the power at the fan itself, or at a wall switch. You don't have to do anything about the pull-chain when you install a fan, as it's already wired, but if you're wiring the fan to a circuit that's on a switch, this would be a good time to install a new switch. The main thing to remember with wiring a fan (in addition to always cutting the power) is to pay attention to the previous wiring configuration, as it sometimes varies.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Screwdriver
• Ceiling fan kit (including mounting bracket and screws)
• Wire connectors
• Electrical tape
• New wall switch

Instructions

Wiring the Fan

1. Turn off the circuit at the circuit box. Climb your ladder to the existing ceiling fixture. Remove the fixture, using your screwdriver. Disconnect the wiring, so the bare ends of the wires from the house are hanging down out of the ceiling electrical box.

2. Hold your mounting bracket (from the fan kit) up to the electrical box. Secure it there with mounting screws provided in the kit. The screws should line up with the screw holes on the corners of the face of the electrical box. Pull the wires down so they're hanging freely through the middle of the box.

3. Connect the fan wires to the same colored ceiling wires (black to black, white to white), using wire connectors. Wrap each connection in electrical tape. Wrap the bare copper grounding wire from the electrical box around the green screw on the fan housing.

4. Raise the housing to the mounting bracket, tucking in the wiring. Secure the housing using the provided screws. Install the fan blades as directed by the fan kit.

Wiring the Switch

1. Make sure the power is off. Remove the old switch, unscrewing the plate cover and then the mounting screws.

2. Loosen the screws on the sides of the old switch to release all the wires that are connected there. Note the wiring configuration (generally, two black wires connected top and bottom to the switch, with a bare grounding wire on the other side).

3. Install the new switch in the same way the old one was wired, wrapping the two black wires around the two screws along one side of the switch and tightening them. Wrap the connections in electrical tape. Twist the bare grounding wire around the green grounding screw. Tighten the screw.

4. Set the new switch against the electrical box, tucking in the wiring. Mount the switch with the provided screws. Put the new cover on. Turn on the power and test the fan.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work on an electric circuit when the power is on.

References

• CeilingFansDepot.com: Ceiling Fans.
• HomeTips.com: Installing a Switch.