Interactive diagram + guide

Ceiling fan wiring diagram

Pick how your fan is switched, then flip the switches on the diagram to see which wire runs the fan and which runs the light.

Tool
Interactive ceiling fan wiring diagramThree steps: pick your setup, flip the switches, wire it

Step 1 of 3

Which setup do you have?

Look in the box with the breaker off: what matters is where the power cable comes in. Pick the one that matches, or keep the one already selected.

Step 2 of 3

Flip the switch

Tap a switch, button or GFCI on the diagram. Glowing wires are carrying power right now. On a small screen, scroll the diagram sideways.

Ceiling Fan Wiring With One Switch wiring diagramPower inSwitch boxFan box14/2 cable14/2 cablebare copperwhiteblackbare copperwhiteblackbare copperblackbluegreenFrom breakerHOThotNEUneutralGNDgroundWall switchonAbrass screw (either one)Bother brass screwGNDgreen ground screwCeiling fanFan ON · Light ONFANblack fan leadLIGHTblue light-kit leadWHTwhite leadGNDgreen ground leadwire nut: neutral splicewire nut: ground splicewire nut: switched hot splicewire nut: ground splice
  • Black: hot
  • White: neutral
  • Red: hot / traveler
  • White + black tape: hot
  • Bare copper: ground
  • Wire nut
  • Glow: carrying power now
The fan’s pull chains still control speed and the light separately. The wall switch cuts power to both.
Hang the fan from a box labeled for fan support, not a plain light box.

Step 3 of 3

Wire it box by box

Safety first. Turn off the breaker and confirm the power is off with a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wire. Follow your local electrical code; some areas require a licensed electrician or a permit. If you find aluminum wiring, cloth-covered wiring, scorched insulation or more than one circuit in a box, stop and call an electrician.

Switch box

Fan box

Guide

Fan wire colors

Support the weight

A ceiling fan must hang from an outlet box listed for fan support (the NEC allows up to 70 lb on a marked box), or from a fan brace. A standard plastic light box can pull out of the ceiling as the fan wobbles.

Remote kits

If you only have one switched wire, a fan remote receiver in the canopy gives separate fan and light control without new cable.

All ceiling fan setups

What you need

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Frequently asked questions

What is the red wire in my ceiling fan box?

Usually a second switched hot from a double switch, meant for the light kit (blue) while black runs the fan. In some homes it is part of a 3-way circuit, so test before assuming.

My fan works but the light doesn’t. Why?

The blue light-kit wire may not be connected, the light’s pull chain may be off, or the bulbs may not match the kit’s wattage limiter.

Can I put a dimmer on my ceiling fan?

Not on the fan motor. Use a fan-rated speed control. A dimmer is fine on the light kit’s separate switch if the bulbs are dimmable.

Do I need a special box for a ceiling fan?

Yes. Use a box marked “Acceptable for Fan Support”, or a fan brace between the ceiling joists.

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