Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - ceiling fan light dual switch

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thebeatcatcher
06-16-09, 07:20 PM
I currently have a switched (SPST) receptacle and no overhead light fixture. The plan is to take the receptacle off the switch making it always hot and install a ceiling fan and light combo with two switches, one for the light and one for the fan.

I have already done something similar for a light fixture:

Connected all the whites together, connected all the blacks together with a pigtail, connected the pigtail and the new black to the switch, and connected all the grounds.

I plan to do the same thing but with 14/3 cable and am wondering how to wire a dual switch so that one switch controls the light only and the other controls the fan only.

Also, are the blue hard plastic "ceiling fan fixture boxes" okay, or should I attach a 2x6 cross brace between joists and use a metal ceiling fan fixture box?

Thanks.

Tolyn Ironhand
06-16-09, 08:16 PM
As long as the box says on it that it is approved for the support of ceiling fans, it should be OK.

The 14/3 cable will be black for light from one switch and red for the fan from the other switch. White will be the neutral and connected to the white of the fan.
thebeatcatcher
06-16-09, 09:25 PM
As long as the box says on it that it is approved for the support of ceiling fans, it should be OK.

The 14/3 cable will be black for light from one switch and red for the fan from the other switch. White will be the neutral and connected to the white of the fan.

Do I connect a black (from the existing blacks) between the two switches so the second switch also has power?

chandler
06-17-09, 04:16 AM
The dual switch will have one screw, usually andonized or black to which you attach a hot lead. If it is not alone, look for a set of screws with a jumper between them. That is where the hot will go. Your red and black to the fan/light will be attached to the other two screws, one each to control the fan with one and the light with the other. The neutrals will travel continuously.
thebeatcatcher
06-17-09, 05:59 AM
The dual switch will have one screw, usually andonized or black to which you attach a hot lead. If it is not alone, look for a set of screws with a jumper between them. That is where the hot will go. Your red and black to the fan/light will be attached to the other two screws, one each to control the fan with one and the light with the other. The neutrals will travel continuously.

Thanks, I'll post on how it goes.