We have a red wire coming out of a previous ceiling fan installation. Does anyone know what this would belong to?

I don't know what it belongs to but I can tell you that if its red in uk that means it's the old live wire as that used to be red. Don't know if other countries are the same though. Now the live wire is brown. So if you don't want another fitting in the same place. You would have to get someone to disconnect it, or tape with insulating tape separately from other wires.

Possible switch leg for light of fan/light.

I am pleased that you mention that you are from the UK, as wiring colour codes, voltages, etc. are different there from the USA or Canada:


i dont know wat it belongs to but i can tell u that if its red in uk that means its the old live wire as that used to be red. dont know if other countries are the same though. now the live wire is brown. so if you dont want another fitting in the same place. you would have to get someone to disconnect it, or tape with insulating tape seperately from other wires.

Even terminology is different, core is wire, fitting or rose is light fixture, now luminare, Consumer Unit is panelboard, RCD is GFI here, and so on.

We ask that posters tell us where they are from, as wiring is different in many countries.

Judging by the posters name "The Waltons" I will guess they are from the USA, as The Waltons was a TV program about the early USA Western pioneers.

So, HK is probably correct in that the red wire is a switched leg for a light kit on a ceiling fan. If the red wire is not needed, cap it.

So before giving any electrical advice, keep in mind that this website is global, while I believe most people posting questions will be from North America.

If you are proficient with UK wiring, welcome, as I do the best I can, having researched European wiring, but having a qualified professional from that area will be appreciated.