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-   -   Problem with dual function light/fan dimmer switch (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=591135)

  • Aug 4, 2011, 03:09 PM
    JustAQuestion11
    Problem with dual function light/fan dimmer switch
    I have 14/2 going into the switch box and 14/3 (Black Red White Ground) coming from the ceiling. Light/Fan switch has Black White Ground Yellow Red. I connected incoming power 14/2 Black to Black on switch. White common from 14/2 to White 14/3. Black 14/3 from ceiling to Yellow on Switch. Red 14/3 to Red on Switch. Ground 14/3 to Ground 14/2.
    On the Fan ITSELF I have Black 14/3 to Black (MOTOR) on Fan. White 14/3 to White on Fan. Red 14/3 to Blue (LIGHT) on Fan. Ground 14/3 to Ground on Fan. My problem is that the Fan Motor runs constantly and only works on the pull chain. I didn't hook up the light kit with bulbs yet after finding this issue when I went to test the motor. Please help.
  • Aug 4, 2011, 03:20 PM
    hkstroud

    Sounds correct. Are you sure that the fan switch is in the off position. Some press on and off and turn to adjust speed. Some click to off when turned completely counter clock wise.
  • Aug 4, 2011, 03:41 PM
    JustAQuestion11
    Yes... the switch is set up with a toggle and dimmer for each the light and the fan. Neither of the dimmers nor the toggle switches worked. Its like the fan has constant power regardless of the switch. Also I should add that the plain light that was where the fan is now had one wire connect to 14/3 Red and the other to 14/3 WHITE. I found this odd as the old dimmer switch that functioned it was wired black 14/3 from ceiling with Black 14/2 with Black from dimmer and then Red 14/3 from ceiling to second Black on dimmer and White 14/3 was to White 14/2.. But I was afraid to try to hook up the Fan Black to Ceiling 14/3 like the old light was because it just doesn't make sense. FYI there is another set of 14/2 wires that tie in at the ceiling box. Those are ran white to white black to black and ground to ground.. not sure where they go to.
  • Aug 4, 2011, 03:56 PM
    JustAQuestion11
    What I meant was I was afraid to hook up the fan Black to Ceiling 14/3 White like the old light that was there because it didn't make sense
  • Aug 4, 2011, 04:25 PM
    JustAQuestion11
    Problem with dual function light/fan dimmer switch - CONT'D
    I have 14/2 going into the switch box and 14/3 (Black Red White Ground) coming from the ceiling. Light/Fan switch has Black White Ground Yellow Red. I connected incoming power 14/2 Black to Black on switch. White common from 14/2 to White 14/3. Black 14/3 from ceiling to Yellow on Switch. Red 14/3 to Red on Switch. Ground 14/3 to Ground 14/2.
    On the Fan ITSELF I have Black 14/3 to Black (MOTOR) on Fan. White 14/3 to White on Fan. Red 14/3 to Blue (LIGHT) on Fan. Ground 14/3 to Ground on Fan. My problem is that the Fan Motor runs constantly and only works on the pull chain. I didn't hook up the light kit yet after finding this issue when I went to test the motor. The switch is set up with a toggle and dimmer for each the light and the fan. Neither of the dimmers nor the toggle switches worked. Its like the fan has constant power regardless of the switch. Also I should add that the plain light that was where the fan is now had one wire connect to 14/3 Red and the other to 14/3 WHITE. I found this odd as the old dimmer switch that functioned it was wired black 14/3 from ceiling with Black 14/2 with Black from dimmer and then Red 14/3 from ceiling to second Black on dimmer and White 14/3 was to White 14/2.. But I was afraid to try to hook up the Fan Black to Ceiling 14/3-WHITE* like the old light was because it just doesn't make sense. FYI there is another set of 14/2 wires that tie in at the ceiling box. Those are ran white to white black to black and ground to ground.. not sure where they go to. Please help.
  • Aug 4, 2011, 04:37 PM
    hkstroud

    OK, now I am very confused. But here is what I think you have.

    You have a 14/2 in the ceiling box that is bringing power to the ceiling. You have a 14/3 going to the switch box. From the switch box you have another 14/2 taking power some where else, probably an outlet or another light.
    At the ceiling you should have had the black and white of the 14/2 connected to the black and white of the 14/3. The white should have had a pigtail to the light.

    At the switch box you should have had the black and white of the 14/3 connected to the black and white of the 14/2. The black should have had a pigtail that should be connected to the switch. The red should be connected to the switch.

    Back at the ceiling, the red should be connected to the light.

    Disconnect every thing.

    Check for voltage between the black and white of the 14/2 in the ceiling. Check for voltage between the black and white of the 14/2 in the switch box. There should be voltage in the ceiling and should not be voltage at the switch box. There should also be something else some where that does not function.

    If that is correct you will not be able to use two switches on the wall to control both the fan and the light.

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