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gfishbein · Aug 18, 2007, 08:26 PM

We are trying to install a ceiling fan in our new house and are have some strange problems with the wiring.

First off the house is very poorly wired so bare with me while I explain.

In the bedroom we have 2 light switches... 1 should control the closet light and 1 the ceiling outlet(this is where we want to hook up the ceiling fan). Anyway for the closet light to turn on both switches have to be flipped. As if they are in series?

Also when we open up the oulet on the ceiling there are three wires installed there, why three? Don't we only need two?

Has anyone seen anything like this or be able to shed some insight?

Thanks

-Greg & Jenni

KISS · Aug 18, 2007, 10:06 PM

I hate ambiguous questions. # wires = red/blk/wht/bare?
Is there 1 cable with (3 wire w/gnd ) in ceiling box?
Where are the switches located? Next to each other? In the same box" In different parts of the room (outside of master bath, outside of norman BR entrance?) How many cables and wires per cable (exclude ground)?

A three way switch wired improperly might do the series thing. If this is the case the switches should have 3 terminals on them. 3 way swithes allow control from n-locations.

If one had a light and a fan in the ceiling or had a duplex outlet with the tab cut, that would mean two independent controlled outlets. Red and blk wmight be on one side and what on the other.

tkrussell · Aug 19, 2007, 05:38 AM

KISS,

Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

I hate ambiguous questions.

If you want to answer questions here, get use to it.

Provide the best answer you can based on the information provided, and ask other questions to get the details or clarity needed, to make the person asking the question look closer and realize there is more information needed. Many times just asking more question helps the poster see what the problem is.

Most people here asking questions are laymen, and do not realize the amount of detail involved in this or any trade or profession. If they did they would have no reason to ask questions.

So, my advice is to be patient, objective, factual, and informative. Do not be condescending or belittling to those asking questions. Have fun working through the problems. Sometimes takes a few posts to get through a problem.

Stratmando · Aug 19, 2007, 06:44 AM

If black, white and green. Black and white power, and green or bare is ground.
If the spare wire is not green, may be able to connect to wire going over to closet light.
If you could provide colors at each box, would be helpful(switch box, fan box and closet light box. Take care.

gfishbein · Aug 19, 2007, 07:17 AM

Sorry guys, I am a laymen here are more details.

The 2 switches, same box, same spot on the wall. Don't seem to be 3 way switches.

Wires in the ceiling, 2 black 1 brown(probably white just old)

Which are ground and which are hot I do not know.

Thanks again guys please let me know if you need more details.

Stratmando · Aug 19, 2007, 07:39 AM

Black is hot, one is from switch, the other black may be from other switch. White is neutral, can get discolored. Since only 1 set of wires(unless more tucked in box), likely from switch and not continue to closet. If closet light power originates from switch location, 1 switch can be for Light/Fan, and one for closet?

tkrussell · Aug 19, 2007, 07:49 AM

What country do you reside? I ask because color codes can vary.

Some pictures of the light outlet and the switch boxes may help.

You ultimately may need a voltage tester to determine which wire(s) is hot, and which is neutral and ground.

Since the closet light needs the main light switch on first, and the two switches are located in the same box, sounds like a simple splice correction is needed. One switch is controlling another seems like.

ceilingfanrepair · Aug 21, 2007, 02:54 PM

First of all, the wall switches are not wired correctly, but it is an easy fix.

It is not uncommon for a ceiling fan box to have 3 wires + ground.

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