Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - ceiling fan switch
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michele5382
08-27-05, 08:35 PM
we want to change the switch on a ceiling fan to a two way switch. In other words, we want one switch to control the fan, and the other to control the light. we no longer have the directions to the fan, so we need some advice on how to change the switch. any help would be appreciated.
John Nelson
08-28-05, 12:51 PM
Are we talking about a wall switch? Like a light switch? Or are we talking about a pull chain switch ("the switch on a ceiling fan")?
By "two way switch", do you mean a duplex switch, which is two switches in one package in a single-gang box, one swich above the other with horizontally moving levers?
In most cases, this is not possible without adding more cable behind the wall and ceiling. Are you prepared to do that? There are a few other options available that don't require new cable, but you have to spend about $40 for a smart switch. Or you can always buy and install a remote control (for about the same $40).
To start the investigation, you should shut off the breaker, gently pull the wall switch out of the box without disconnecting any wires, and tell us everything you see. All the cables that enter the box, the wires in each cable, and how all the wires are currently connected. Armed with this information, we can tell you better what your options are.
By "two way switch", do you mean a duplex switch, which is two switches in one package in a single-gang box, one swich above the other with horizontally moving levers?
In most cases, this is not possible without adding more cable behind the wall and ceiling. Are you prepared to do that? There are a few other options available that don't require new cable, but you have to spend about $40 for a smart switch. Or you can always buy and install a remote control (for about the same $40).
To start the investigation, you should shut off the breaker, gently pull the wall switch out of the box without disconnecting any wires, and tell us everything you see. All the cables that enter the box, the wires in each cable, and how all the wires are currently connected. Armed with this information, we can tell you better what your options are.