Latest Discussions : Electrical & Lighting

05:09PM | 07/14/05

Member Since: 07/13/05
1 lifetime posts

ceiling fan wiring help

We just purchased a home and all 4 bwedrooms have ceiling fans with light kits. All rooms also have wall switches at the entrance to the rooms. Trouble is, the switches control nothing in the rooms. there is power going to the switches because my circuit tester lights up when attached to the switches. But you have to turn the fans and lights on by the chains on the units.

Can anyone tell me how I can control the fans/lights with the wall switch? The kids can't reach the pull chains to turn the lights on plus they have to walk thru a dark room to get to the light switch. Thanks for any help that anyone can offer.

Thanks for the help.

househelper

06:58PM | 07/14/05

Member Since: 03/31/05
265 lifetime posts

It is possible the switches control some of the receptacles or half of the receptacles. It is also possible that the switches have been bypassed so the fan/light will work only from the pull chains. Checking the receptacles is pretty easy: with the switch off, check all the receptacles to see if they work. If some don't, try again with the switch on.

To check the bypassed switch, take the cover off and look to see if any thing is connected to the switch. You may have to pull the switch out to do this, so turn the power off first. Post back with your findings.

Billhart

08:03PM | 07/14/05

Member Since: 04/25/05
1915 lifetime posts

If the switch is not bypassed you have several other options.

One is to do some wiring in the attic and fishing in some wires to the switch.

Another is to install a remote control kit in the fan.

They come with either remotes that mount in the wall or hand held remotes and allow separate control of the light and fan.

Billhart

08:04PM | 07/14/05

Member Since: 04/25/05
1915 lifetime posts

The remote control kits are available at the big box stores.