We are trying to install the switch for our new ceiling fan. The directions say to install in series ONLY. DH has installed several ceiling fans before (6 total) but when he connected the switch it popped and you can see a black mark on the back. We have a new switch, but I wanted to post on here what "in series" meant.

The switch we are connecting it to has two switches at it - one for the ceiling fan (there was previously a ceiling fan there) and one for the mud room light. There is another switch to the ceiling fan at the other entrance to the room.

At the dual switch, there are three romex wires coming into it. All of the white wires are connected together (not going to the light switches at all). Each light switch has a red and black connected. The hot wire is coming from the third romex wire which has only a black and white wire (no red). The white is connected to the white wire of the other 2, the black is connected to both of the light switches. All have grounds.

So, how do I connect this dang switch? The directions tell me not to use the common wire from the box (there's no place to connect - only green, black, and white wires).

Thanks!

 

You need a three way switch.
What type of switch do you have now? How many connections does it have? Is it simply an on/off switch or is it a speed controller?

 

This is the switch:
http://www.minkagroup.net/productdetail.asp?productid=12273&div=167&styleid=&catid=&colid=

It has three wires - green, white, and black.

 

What you have is a two way switch. It will not work as a three way switch.

 

Is there any way to change the wiring (in the wall) to make it work?

 

Yes, you can make this switch work, but only if it designed to work with your fan. Decide which of the switches you want to replace with this one. The other switch will not be used.

 

This switch came with the ceiling fan.

Can I put the ceiling fan switch on the second, separate switch (the one that's not next to the light switch for the mud room) and then not use the switch that's near the mud room (if yes, what do I do with the wires at the mud room switch - the wires intended for the ceiling fan that is)?

Or do I have to choose between mud room or ceiling fan switch (and the other, separate switch can never be used)?

Thanks for your help. I really should have DH doing this as I'm a complete novice.

 

Correction: The wires on the ceiling fan switch are green, black, and black.

 

You can replace either of the switches.

Assuming that you have the light/fan installed properly, you will do the following:

Remove the switch you do not want. Connect the three wires formerly connected to it together with a wire nut. If there was a green or bare ground wire connected to it, leave it disconnected.

At the switch you wish to keep, replace the switch with this new one. Connect the common wire from the old switch to one of the black wires. Connect one of the travelers to the other black wire. Take the extra traveler and cover it with a wire nut. Connect the green switch wire to the grounds or to the metal box.

 

They don't give much info about that switch other than a nice picture. I would call them back ask if they make a three way version of the switch.