I have a switch that controls an outlet (only the top half) the other half is always hot. I would like to ultimately make the outlet constantly hot and use the switch to control a ceiling fan. I would also like to add another switch for the light kit separate from controlling the fan. I have access to the room from above and can drop down any new wiring. Is it OK to bypass the switch for the wall plug and then spice two new leads for the two switches for the fan and light all at the existing switch position? inside the switch there are 2 wires one has a black, white, and ground, the other has a black white, red and ground.
rewire switched outlet for ceiling fan
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Joined
·
3,368 Posts
Yes, you should be able to do this. But check the configuration of the wiring from the outlet to the switch, first.
How many wires are present in the switch box? How many cables? What is connected to the switch, and what is contained in any wirenuts present?
You may or may not have to remove the outlet, and redo the connections there for the new configuration to work properly.
Finally, install a 3-wire cable from the switch location to the new fan box, for independent control of the fan and light. You can also utilize a dual control switch that only takes up a single position in the wall box, thus eliminating the need to replace the box with a larger one.
How many wires are present in the switch box? How many cables? What is connected to the switch, and what is contained in any wirenuts present?
You may or may not have to remove the outlet, and redo the connections there for the new configuration to work properly.
Finally, install a 3-wire cable from the switch location to the new fan box, for independent control of the fan and light. You can also utilize a dual control switch that only takes up a single position in the wall box, thus eliminating the need to replace the box with a larger one.
Joined
·
3,368 Posts
Piece of cake.
Safety note: Turn the power off on your circuit before making any connections!! :yes:
Connect all the existing black and red wires together in a wire-nut. This will make all the outlets "hot"
The white wires should already be connected together with a wire-nut.
When you install your new line to the fan, use a 3-conductor. The white wire goes together with the other whites in the same wire-nut.
Connect the line side of your control switch to the same wirenut with the existing black and red wires.
The load side of your fan control will use the black to control the fan. The red for the light.
Safety note: Turn the power off on your circuit before making any connections!! :yes:
Connect all the existing black and red wires together in a wire-nut. This will make all the outlets "hot"
The white wires should already be connected together with a wire-nut.
When you install your new line to the fan, use a 3-conductor. The white wire goes together with the other whites in the same wire-nut.
Connect the line side of your control switch to the same wirenut with the existing black and red wires.
The load side of your fan control will use the black to control the fan. The red for the light.
thanks, you were right!
thanks for the help. I just put in the ceiling fan today and it works great. It really did turn out to be a piece of cake. I used one of the double switches and did not need an extra box. couldn't have done it so easily without your advice.
thanks for the help. I just put in the ceiling fan today and it works great. It really did turn out to be a piece of cake. I used one of the double switches and did not need an extra box. couldn't have done it so easily without your advice.
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!