skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Question about wiring for new ceiling fan

smalloldhouse_gw

8 years ago

I am replacing the ceiling fans in 3 bedrooms; I bought Minka Aire that mount flush to the ceilings (2 are the Concept 2 and the other is a little F510 26" wide one for a very small kid's bedroom.)

I am technically ignorant so I had an electrician come to swap them out. He started with the little fan but there was an issue. The old fans were only wired with one wire coming from the wall switch to the fan itself; the Minkas require 2 wires (black and red?), which would require him to get into our top attic to run the second wire. That's do-able in theory, but pretty difficult because of the space. The electrician suggested buying other fans (with pull chains) or getting a Minka-compatible remote.

I hate lights on ceiling fans, and was planning to cap them in any case. I'm wondering if a simple fix to my dilemma would be to just forgo the wiring for the light? Or does that not really solve my problem?

Apologies if this is a super stupid question; obviously I will do none of this work myself, but I wanted to explore my options before the electrician comes back in a week's time. Thanks for your wisdom!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

D G
8 years ago
I guess my first question would be why not buy just a ceiling fan without lights then?

If this is the have to have style of fan then yes you can just not hook up the light although I would have to confirm that with the wiring diagram of the fixture. You could wire everything together and then just not install the light bulb. Again though I would need a wire diagram of the actual fan to confirm this.

There is also a matter of resale. If this is a permanent home then ignore this but if you have a plan to sell even 10 years down the road a home inspection should flag the fan as non operable as the light won't work. That shouldn't be a big deal once you explain it but the future buyer could come back with a 1000 dollar quote and try to squeeze it out of you. Personally I would buy the remote or run the second line and just do it right.

Goofy me will also throw out a final option which I believe is legal but not being a licensed electrician I don't know for sure is to intercept the switch line in the ceiling. If you place a box right before the fan and split the power there you could place a remote controlled switch in the box. The box would have to face down into the room so would have a light switch on the ceiling, although the particular one I am thinking of would be nearly invisible, and you would need the fan on for the light to be on but it would work. It would also be extremely redneck so see above about resell.
greg_2015
8 years ago
These fans don't have pull chains or remotes?!? How do you control the direction or speed?

I did a quick google search and it looks like the Concept II comes with a remote. Are you sure yours didn't?

Regardless, if you don't want the lights then return them and buy ones without lights.
Related Discussions
Cost of new wiring for a ceiling fan?
Q
Comments (1)
Electrical labor costs varies widely with geographic area. You shouldn't be talking about much. The materials involved are minimal and with an accessible attic and some circuit nearby to tap into, it shouldn't be a lot of labor either. Get estimates and personal references from several contractors.
...See More
Basic question about types of wiring for ceiling light fixture
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks all for the advice on the pigtails. And yep, the breaker is 15A. As for the light fixture, it hangs from two chains so the cord does not support any weight. When I went to HD, they suggested using the standard 16/2 lamp cord since it's brown and would blend in best with the brass fixture. It seemed fine as far as size and flexibility. But I wasn't sure if there was any reason that I should use something more "heavy-duty". Is there a specific insulation temperature rating I should be looking for? (The wire they gave me says 60 degrees Celsius on it).
...See More
Ceiling fan wiring - what to have builder install?
Q
Comments (5)
Our builder on puts standard switch in and the up charge from their electrician was steep so we're going to replace it after we move in. We don't have dimmer lights on our fans so we'll get something like this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N7KD/ref=asc_df_B00002N7KD5065983/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00002N7KD&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167146990738&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8383815476084486450&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021462&hvtargid=pla-370253262917 but it if you do you can get a switch like this. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fan-Control-and-Incandescent-Dimmer-Dual-Slide-White-Enerlites-17001-W/485063030?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=276&adid=22222222228071475250&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=182324404462&wl4=pla-477435699032&wl5=9021462&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111838727&wl11=online&wl12=485063030&wl13=&veh=sem The electrician Ian I talked to said just make sure you have 3 wires pulled between the fan box and wall switch and you can do it on one.
...See More
Can I change a ceiling fan switch and wiring from one wire to two?
Q
Comments (1)
Does your new fan have a remote control? You might be able to just wire the two wires on the fan to your one switch, and control the fan and light separately with the pull chains on the fan. I have the reverse problem - I bought a new "high efficiency, DC motor" fan, with remote control. I have two circuits to the fan box, but can't separate the wires in the fan to use the circuits independently. Older style fans, with pull chains can be wired separately, but not the new ones.
...See More
greg_2015
8 years ago
Actually, the manual for the Concept II says that it comes with a metal cap that you can replace the light with if you want to operate it without the light. See the note on page 7.

Concept II
weedmeister
8 years ago
Those Minka II fans do not require a red or 3rd wire. According to the instructions referenced above, they come with a remote that controls both the light and the fan. The receiver inside the fan base controls the light and fan separately with only one wire pair coming to the base.

So it's the little one that you have the problem? You'll need to run 14-3 wiring up to the light (the extra wire you need is inside), or do as he suggested and get a remote if they sell one.

If it were me, I'd run the wire myself. The remote would be a lot simpler.

Related Stories

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

ARCHITECTURE 10 Things to Know About Prefab Homes

By Laura Gaskill

Are prefab homes less costly, faster to build and greener than homes constructed onsite? Here are answers to those questions and more

MATERIALS Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn what exactly spray foam is, the pros and cons of using it and why you shouldn’t mess around with installation

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

MOST POPULAR What to Know About Adding a Deck

By Mitchell Parker

Want to increase your living space outside? Learn the requirements, costs and other considerations for building a deck

GREAT HOME PROJECTS What to Know About Adding a Reclaimed-Wood Wall

By Rebecca Pogson

Here’s advice on where to put it, how to find and select wood, what it might cost and how to get it done

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Houzz Call: What Did Your Kitchen Renovation Teach You About Budgeting?

By Erin Carlyle

Cost is often the biggest shocker in a home renovation project. Share your wisdom to help your fellow Houzzers

Sponsored

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

Where to move back deck fan and light switch?

3

undercounter power strip and lighting

3

Does NEC require a DUPLEX receptacle in kitchen?

2

Killing electric outlet behind cabinet

4