Ceiling Fan with no unswitched power
#1
06-14-22, 08:57 AM
Ceiling Fan with no unswitched power
Hi All,
I couldn't find a post about this so I'm going to ask, even though I think I know what the answer is.
I want to put a ceiling fan (no light) at the top of the stairs using the existing box. The circuit has two lights, two 3way switches, and one 4way switch.
If I install with the wiring "as is" I will have to turn on the switch to run the fan. But that will also turn on the remaining light. That is not acceptable.
Is there a way to wire it so I can run the fan without the other light?
I couldn't find a post about this so I'm going to ask, even though I think I know what the answer is.
I want to put a ceiling fan (no light) at the top of the stairs using the existing box. The circuit has two lights, two 3way switches, and one 4way switch.
If I install with the wiring "as is" I will have to turn on the switch to run the fan. But that will also turn on the remaining light. That is not acceptable.
Is there a way to wire it so I can run the fan without the other light?
#2
06-14-22, 01:00 PM
Group Moderator
You want to replace one of two hallways lights with a fan.
Don't you need a light where the fan is going ?
It doesn't matter how the circuit is switched.... it's where the power enters the circuit.
You'd have to drop that light and see what is in the box.
The chances are not good you'll find always live power there.
Don't you need a light where the fan is going ?
It doesn't matter how the circuit is switched.... it's where the power enters the circuit.
You'd have to drop that light and see what is in the box.
The chances are not good you'll find always live power there.
#3
06-14-22, 01:08 PM
I don't need a light there, at least not now.
And I already know that there is no unswitched power in that fixture, that's what I'm saying.
Any "Electric Man" secret wiring magic?
I'm thinking my only option is to pigtail it to an outlet.
And I already know that there is no unswitched power in that fixture, that's what I'm saying.
Any "Electric Man" secret wiring magic?
I'm thinking my only option is to pigtail it to an outlet.
#4
06-14-22, 01:10 PM
Group Moderator
#6
06-15-22, 09:54 AM
I do have a bit of a magic solution!
You can use remote controlled switches, or some type of simple home automation devices. Basically the lines remain always on, and you use the remote switches with the control box in the fan/light box to control the fan and light separately.
Here's an example. I'm not a huge fan of this one since it's an off-brand, likely with no UL listing.
https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Rece.../dp/B09NC2837Y
They have similar remotes available for fan control too.
I would have thought that Lutron would have something in there Casseta line that would work, but I haven't been able to find one.
Also, slightly related, you'll most likely need to change out the box. Most ceiling boxes installed in hallways are not fan-rated and can easily work free and fall when hanging a heavy fan that moves.
You can use remote controlled switches, or some type of simple home automation devices. Basically the lines remain always on, and you use the remote switches with the control box in the fan/light box to control the fan and light separately.
Here's an example. I'm not a huge fan of this one since it's an off-brand, likely with no UL listing.
https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Rece.../dp/B09NC2837Y
They have similar remotes available for fan control too.
I would have thought that Lutron would have something in there Casseta line that would work, but I haven't been able to find one.
Also, slightly related, you'll most likely need to change out the box. Most ceiling boxes installed in hallways are not fan-rated and can easily work free and fall when hanging a heavy fan that moves.
CircuitBreaker
voted this post useful.
