Four-way ceiling fans use complex, multiple-speed switches that follow basic wiring schematics.
Ceiling fans operate in different ways. Some use simple on/off switches to activate the fan, while some use complex switches to control speeds. Many use two switches for a light and fan combination. The layout of the wires, regardless of the type, follows specific color codes and paths. The white wires are always neutral wires. The hot wire is typically black for a single-function fan, with a blue wire for the light. The ground wire is usually green or, if not, it is an uncoated brass wire. Wiring a ceiling fan is simple if you follow certain instructions.
Instructions
1. Turn off electricity to the device at the circuit breaker.
2. Trim off one-quarter inch from all of the wires. Use the wire splicer to do this. Most wires will be 16- to 18-gauge wires. Use the section of the splicer labeled "16" to grasp the wire, and pull off the plastic sheath exposing the inner wires. Use the section labeled "18" if the other fails to pull the sheath off.
3. Twist the black and blue wires together, including the black wire coming from the wiring in the ceiling. Cap the wires with a plastic wire connector.
4. Repeat Step 3 for the white neutral wires. The switch on the fan or the fan itself may use a different color for the neutral wire. Black or blue is always hot, and green or grey is always ground. Some switches use red or orange instead of white. The wiring from the ceiling will be white. Connect the ceiling white wire to the appropriate neutral wire, and cap with a plastic connector.
5. Connect the ground wires in the same manner. Some fans have you connect the ground wire to the ceiling mount. You can connect the ground in either manner. However, it is best to connect ground wires from an appliance to the in the ceiling wiring.
6. Mount the fan or the fan switch according to the manufacturer's direction. Turn on the power to the device at the circuit breaker.
Tags: connect ground, ground wire, circuit breaker, device circuit, device circuit breaker, ground wire ceiling