[ohb0b]

[Richx1;1681729]I recently purchased a home and want to install ceiling fans in all the bedrooms (4) and in the living room. Since my family is a gadget / technofile type family, I felt it prudent that I just install a new circuit for the fans. Here's some info to start:

1. Ranch Layout, no basement, unfinished attic.
   Great! You can easily install boxes in an unfinished attic!
2. 100 amp feed.
3. 2 open breaker spots in panel.
4. The rooms DO NOT have existing ceiling boxes/lighting.
   Make sure you install ceiling fan rated boxes.
5. Wall switches control an outlet in each room.

What I want to do:

Install a 15 amp breaker in the box and run a romex lead down the centerline of the house. I want to junction out both ways twice to feed the ceiling boxes for the bedrooms and once to feed the living room.

Rough Sketch of wiring:

    []         [] Panel
     |          x Fan
     |
   x-|
     |
   x-|-x
     |
   x-|-x

Just run the cable from box to box.:

 [ ]
  |
  |
  X
  |
  |
  x--------X
             |
             |
   X-------X
   |
   |
  X--------X

What I am unsure of:

1. How far can I run romex before a junction box is required?
   As far as you want. There is no code requirement to have a J-box within any specified distance.
2. Tips on feeding the romex to the panel...
   Good thing the previous owner installed that conduit to the attic.... fishing into a service panel isn't a pretty picture. As previous posters have suggested, pay attention to conduit fill and derating. Also the pull string is an excellent idea. USe a non-conductive fish tape.
3. How simple would it be to set wall switches to control fan light?
   You need to install an "old work" box, then drill a hole through the top joist and "fish" the wire down to the switch box. (Assuming there are no fire stops in the wall. I recommend a fiberglass fish tape.
   

I am contemplating using remotes on the fans to control the lights and fan speed in lieu of running the switch wire... however I am almost certain the switch wire comes up to the attic already, so moving the switch wire may be a simple move.

If you are lucky, but if the switch only controls a receptacle, I doubt the switch leg goes through the ceiling.

I do have experience with electrical systems as an Electrician's Mate in the Navy, but I know residential and ship wiring are quite different and I want to be on the right track.

I started as an EM myself..... 35 years ago. LOL The major difference between shipboard and wiring on the beach: one conductor (the neutral) is grounded. For you landlubbers, 120 volt volt shipboard wiring is powered from a 3-phase delta connected transformer, with 120 volts between phases. The branch circuits are similar to our 240 volt circuits, in that neither conductor is grounded, and you use double pole switches.
Of course the wiring methods are also different. The navy uses something called Multi Conductor Shipboard General Use Armored (MCSGA) cable. it has a braided metal armor, and is supported by weld studs and banding.

Thanks in advance!