View Full Version : Ceiling fan/ light switch from 2 locations
lissa7780
Jul 18, 2009, 10:03 PM
HELP! I am trying to install a ceiling fan with light that can be switched from 2 different locations. Currently we have our power source (14-2) running to a Harbor Breeze split switch. From there we have 14-3 wire running to the fixture and then another 14-3 wire running to the 3 way switch. Not sure what our wiring connections should be at each location to make everything work properly.
hkstroud
Jul 18, 2009, 10:23 PM
Is the Harbor Breeze switch a 3 way switch?
HelpinHere
Jul 18, 2009, 10:32 PM
Hmm...
Here is a basic, and I mean REALLY basic, circuit diagram on how to wire a two switch light.
22199
Basically, when both switches are "up" (indicated by green) then it makes a complete circuit on the first connector. When both switches are "down" (indicated by blue) they make a complete circuit with the second connector. When one is up and one is down, the circuit is incomplete, cutting off power to the fan/light.
This is just a basic guide to start you off.
PS: YAY for do-it-yourself-ers!
EDIT: Re-uploaded "fixed" image.
lissa7780
Jul 19, 2009, 07:18 AM
Good question... I'm not sure if it is or not (honestly, I guess I didn't even think that the HB switch also had to be a 3 way). We moved the location of our ceiling fan, so I don't have the box for the switch. It was originally set to switch in one location now it's placed to switch in 2 locations. We get the concept of what NEEDS to happen, just can't figure out how to MAKE IT happen.
hkstroud
Jul 19, 2009, 07:29 AM
The HB switch must be 3-way. If 3 way it will have 3 terminals (or wire leads). That's 3 terminals for the light side and 3 for the fan side. You can set this up with regular 3 way switches if you would like. Two 3 ways for light and 2 for fan. You would need two 3 wire cables between switches. You can use single pole switch for fan and 3 way switches for light with existing cables.
lissa7780
Jul 19, 2009, 07:37 AM
We wanted to be able to operate the fan and light independently with dimmers. The current switch is a split dimmer. Do they make 3 way split dimmer switches or do we now need to buy 2 separate 3 way dimmers?
hkstroud
Jul 19, 2009, 07:41 AM
Don't know. Fan should not be on dimmer unless switch is designed for fan. Regular 3 way dimmers for light is available. I can show you wiring diagram if you can find switch.
ceilingfanrepair
Jul 21, 2009, 12:30 AM
They don't have 3 way fan switches, that I know of. Just 3 way light dimmers.
http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-controls.php