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    EOS's Avatar
    EOS Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Nov 27, 2007, 02:39 PM
    Switch Wiring
    Background: Living room has one light and one single switch that controls it.

    We installed a ceiling fan in the living room in addition to the light. We also bought a dual switch thinking we could use that for both the fan and light.

    When we looked at the single switch, it has both the black and white connected to it. We were expecting to see 2 whites tied together and 2 blacks connected to the switch.

    Now we are stuck on how to wire the new ceiling fan with the Dual switch. Any ideas?
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #2

    Nov 27, 2007, 07:54 PM
    If you only have two wires at your switch, you cannot use a dual switch that requires 3 wires.
    Cobraguy's Avatar
    Cobraguy Posts: 140, Reputation: 11
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    #3

    Nov 28, 2007, 06:04 AM
    What you have is a switch loop. The power for the light is at the fixture. They just run a loop from the hot lead at the fixture to the switch. In this case, the white is actually a hot conductor. To control your new fan, you will need to supply power (from the existing light maybe?) and wire your switches from there. Or use wireless control.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Nov 28, 2007, 06:29 AM
    You could use a wireless kit from someplace like Home Depot. You won't be able to use your switch. You will be able to have separate light and fan control.
    Update:
    Sorry Cobra, just saw your mention of remote. Take Care
    EOS's Avatar
    EOS Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #5

    Nov 28, 2007, 11:22 AM
    Thank you for your responses! I'll look into the wireless solution.
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