Ceiling fan wiring guide for beginners

Read this helpful guide to help you understand how ceiling fan wiring works, what materials you need, and the processes involved.

Last Updated on 03 November 2023

Wiring a ceiling fan can look intimidating and overwhelming. Nevertheless, most homeowners install them since they supply adequate cooling in all Australian climates. There are many scenarios and methods possible, depending on the type of fan you want to install and how you want it to operate. This includes ceiling fans with lights, remotes, two switches, or without a wall switch.

If you’re looking to install or wire ceiling fans, but don’t know where to begin, then you’re in the right place! In this handy guide, you’ll get a good grasp of what’s involved in ceiling fan wiring so you can decide if you want to DIY or hire an installer.

What you will need

Here are the basic tools you will need for the most common wiring scenarios.

Wire connectors
Step ladder
Screwdriver
Wire cutter/stripper
Circuit or voltage tester
Remote
Batteries

Safety tip!

turning off the breaker switch

You will be dealing with electricity, so remember to turn off the power at the breaker box before accessing any junction box. It’s also helpful to leave a note taped securely on the breaker box, so no one accidentally restores the power during installation. You can also consult an electrician to ensure that the breaker box and electrical switches are to code.

Ceiling fan wiring colours you need to know

The wiring of a ceiling fan has colours that are different from your usual household circuit wires. Some manufacturers also use a different set of colour coding, so be sure to read the manual first and follow the instructions appropriate to your fan.

Household wiring	Fan wiring
Black wire is the hot wire that leads to the switch	Black wire is for the fan.
White wire is the neutral wire that completes the circuit	White wire is neutral
Copper or green wire is the ground wire that keeps your fan from experiencing power surges	Green wire is for the ground
Blue and black wire means you have two switches on your wall	Blue wire is for the light, if light is included with the fan.
Red wire coming from your ceiling is hooked up to your wall switch.	Red wire, if included, acts as a conductor which carries power to the light kit.

Strip the ends of household wires to expose the copper, which ensures a better connection during installation. Always cap unused wires!

Wiring a ceiling fan without switches

If you don’t have a switch in the room you’ll be installing your ceiling fan, this option allows you to use a nearby power source to pull power from.

In this option, you’ll rely on the pull chains included in your fan to switch on both the light and the fan. For rooms without a switch, you can also use a fan remote.

The similar coloured wires are connected from both ends (household end and fan end). Then, tuck the wires back into the box.

Wiring a single switch fan using light and pull chain for fan

ceiling fan with light and pull chain

This option requires only one light switch. It involves wrapping the white wire with electrical tape to signal that it is a hot wire, not a neutral wire. To control the light with a switch, the wiring between the switch and the fan unit would need a fourth wire (red wire) to carry the power to the light kit.

Wiring a ceiling fan and light with one switch

ceiling fan with one light switch

Do you want to turn on the fan and the light with one single wall switch? Follow this connection pattern: green/copper wires together, white wires together, and black wires together. Then, connect the lighting wire, usually in blue, to the black fan and black ceiling wire. Tuck the wires back into the box, then test the fan.

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Wiring a ceiling fan and light with separate switches

ceiling fan and light with separate switches

Do you want to operate the fan and the light power separately? Your power supply line (black wire) should feed both switches, and these switches should power the fan (black wire) or the light (blue wire).

To make this possible, the wire from the wall circuit has to have three wires. Connect the black fan wire to black ceiling wire, then blue wire to red wire, white to white wires, and green/copper wires together.

Meanwhile, in the switch box, split the hot wire into a “Y” and connect it to a terminal on each switch. Connect the black wire to the screw in the first switch and the red wire to the screw in the second switch.

Connect the white wires and then the green/copper wires together. Finally, tuck the wires back into the box, then test the fan.

Wiring a ceiling fan with a remote

ceiling fan with a remote

Modern fans come with remotes so that homeowners can use them with ease. The receiver is inside the fan's body, and the control will sit on the room's wall.

To start, turn the electricity off. The remote receivers should have DIP switches and three or four wires. Insert the battery.

Once the fan is mounted and in place, slide the ceiling fan remote receiver into the space above the down rod.

Then, connect the corresponding wires from fan to remote. White wires are connected together, black to black, blue to black, and then green/copper to green/copper.

Finally, turn the power back on for testing.

Install your ceiling fan wiring today

A ceiling fan provides a good ventilation system, which results in a more relaxing and breathable atmosphere at home. Once installed, you must be able to sit back and relax and let it do the work.

But since it can be a bit tricky to install, it’s best to call a professional to ensure the wiring goes smoothly. Especially if it’s your first time and you’re not used to household electrical wiring! Hiring a professional reduces the risk of faulty wiring, damage, and fire hazards.

Don’t worry! You can leave the ceiling fan wiring to a professional Tasker, so find a capable handyman on Airtasker today.