Yes, I did a search. This question is not about how to connect the wires in a previously existing ceiling junction box.
I normally consider myself a pretty smart guy, but for the life of me I can't figure out a reasonable way to get 120V power to a ceiling fan that I installed. What I've done so far is:
-installed the ceiling junction box/fan mount
-connected a length of wire to the fan and routed it into the "attic" through the junction box (by attic I mean the space above my ceiling which is filled with insulation, it's not a normally accessed storage space with lights or outlets)
-mounted the fan to the junction box
And what I still need to do is connect the wire to a power source. There are no junction boxes in my attic that have "hot" power that I can tap into for my ceiling fan. All I have are some recessed lighting junction boxes, therefore they only have power when turned on.
I've thought of the following ideas and did not do them for the explained reasons:
-connect in the junction box of a power outlet in the room below the fan. I didn't do this because I'd have to remove drywall to route the wire.
-run a wire all the way to the circuit breaker. I didn't do this because I would need to run about 60 feet of wire and it just seems ridiculous to have just a ceiling fan occupying a circuit breaker.
-cut one of the "hot" wires in the vicinity of the ceiling fan and splice into it inside a junction box. I didn't do this because there is no slack in any of the wires so I would need to do two junction boxes. I also heard that if I do this, I'm supposed to use an "accessible" junction box.
So, how do I get power to this fan? I'm just using the pull cords on the fan for switching the lights/fan on and off so I won't be installing a wall switch. All I need is a connection to a 120V constant power source.
Probably not the answer you're looking for, but my parents ran a long lamp cord from a wall outlet to their ceiling fan and then just ran it through a chain and hung the chain. Very 70's looking, but it's been functional for about 30 years too. You could do something similar with small wire channel too. Not the prettiest solution, but rather easy.
Thanks, but not really an option for me. I have small kids in the house and I can't have them potentially swinging like Tarzan from an electrical cord. Also, I need to sell this house in a couple years, so it needs to be done "right".
I did consider this, but it seems like it would be quite challenging!
The holes through the studs are just big enough for the existing wiring and I'm unaware of any tips on how to get the new wire specifically to an unused opening of the receptacle's junction box. I realize it's called "fishing" but it seems like a 1/1000 chance of getting the wire to go where it needs to go. That's why I was presuming I'd have to remove drywall to do it this way.
The fishing is not as hard as you make it out. I think your solution for a power source is to get it from one outlet in the room and run it over to the fan or switch.
You said that you are unaware of any tips on how to get the wire to an unused opening in the receptacles j-box. The best way is normally to remove the receptacle outlet box altogether and then fish the wire down the wall. By removing the box, you have enough room to get a hand or tool into the stud bay and grab the fished wire. You then route it through a new outlet box along with the previous connections and re-install.
If your existing outlet box is nailed in, you will need to cut the nails with a hack saw or reciprocating saw. You can then pull the box out (you may need to disconnect existing wire from receptacle first and allow wire to pull out of the back of the box). You can then use a new "old-work" box to put back into the wall once you have fished the wire.
This procedure is really not that difficult. Just make sure you fish the wire down from above in the correct stud bay.
If there are no Junction boxes in the attic, no closet lights etc, your gonna have to fish down the wall. The most logical thing to do is use the existing wall switch for that room. Get a 1" drill bit and drill down through the top plate above the switch. Be sure not to cut through any existing wire or your gonna have a much bigger job on your hands. Then your going to have to fish the wire down to the switch box. Green sticks work well for this and you can get them at Home Depot or Lowes.
It is mounted in the ceiling and is hot all the time.
Yeah, I'm a genius.
Closet light that is operated via pull chain?
Ceiling mounted smoke detector?
Where is your doorbell transformer located?
-run a wire all the way to the circuit breaker. I didn't do this because I would need to run about 60 feet of wire and it just seems ridiculous to have just a ceiling fan occupying a circuit breaker.
If your panel is accessable....accessible....this would be the way to go. It may be a "waste" of wire and a $4 breaker but time is money. You could then use it for future fans.
Thanks, everyone. I think I will try fishing the wire with borninpa's suggestions. If that fails, I'll probably go to the garage door outlet as 220/221 suggested, even though it's about 3/4 as far as the circuit breaker panel.
I realize that this post dates a few years ago, but were you able to install your fixture by a)using the switched receptacle; b) wall switch; c) garage ceiling receptavle; d) fuse box?
I find myself asking the same question now. Difference is my fan has a RF remote that ideally is recommended to be on the wall. Optionally, it can be installed with switch but it can also be simply installed via the receptable method. Were you able to fish the wiring to your receptable? Please let me know or anyone else...please give me pointers.
Just locating the chase can be a challange. To a novice, things look really different up there....and the existing cables do not always go thru the top plate directly to the Jbox.
are you entirely sure that the existing lights are fed from a switch and are only powered when the switch in on....could it be that the first light in the ceiling is in fact the power source for the switch?
I am, new to the DIY site. I am an advanced DIY-er but when it comes to electrical I need confirmation to validate my thinking. I am putting a ceiling fan in and the room has a switch that powers a duplex receptacle. I want to use the receptacle as my power source as the switch box is cramped with wiring already. The switch does have 2 cables and the outlet has only one. As Billie Y ask above, I am positive the power comes to the switch first and it controls the one outlet only. Thanks so much for your input.
Every situation is different . They might not have been able to do the same thing that will work for you. Coom on methods were given. You need to find one that works for you.
runron - I tapped off the garage ceiling receptacle. I sold the house seven years ago though so I can't get you any other new info about it.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
DIY Home Improvement Forum
3.1M posts
319.6K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Helping You to Do It Yourself!