Wiring Your Ceiling Fan - Getting Started

Copyright (c) 2009 Randy Heslip

Ceiling fan wiring is meant to provide power connection to the fan. If done with proper care it's safe and easy, this article will help you get started but if you are uncomfortable with wiring continue your research or consult a professional. The ceiling fan wiring is divided into two parts:

1. Wiring from fan terminal box (if provided) to internal motor or circuitry and

2. Wiring from switch box or switch unit up to the ceiling fan.

The first part of ceiling fan wiring falls under the fan maker's scope and the rest is taken care of by the user. This part may be put inside a concealed unit called concealed wiring. The wire from the switch box comes through this concealed unit up to the fan terminal box.

There are usually three types of ceiling Fan wires:

1. Power wire, or phase wire, or hot wire.

2. Neutral and

3. The ground or earth.

Color Code: At the time of wiring, a defined Color code helps to identify the types of wires. For the hot wire or the power wire, different color combination such as black or red are used depending upon the industry standard, whereas generally white color is used for ground wires.

Gauge: For the purpose of wiring your ceiling fan, proper gauge of wire is to be used. Though gauge usually varies with the current rating of the equipment, no. 12 or no. 14 is to be used for such wiring. No. 14 is the smallest permitted fan wiring under most codes.

Proper copper multistranded wires are used for ceiling fan wiring. The ends of the wire must be dressed properly and crimped with a crimping tool. These steps are followed in order to rule out connectivity problems. However, Ceiling fan wiring varies with the instructions of the manual provided by different brands.

Safety: -Before giving final connection, power in the loop should be switched off either tripping the MCB or circuit breaker. A neon tester can be used to check if the power is off. In case of any doubt, remove the main fuse or trip the main breaker. However, removing the main fuse or tripping the main breaker will shut off the power to the entire house. -Wherever two wires are joined externally, proper insulation with insulation tape is to be put for safety. -Continuity of ceiling fan wiring is to be checked with a proper continuity tester device before giving power. Proper connectivity of these wires with terminal box and switches also to be checked.