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Dromedarius · Mar 9, 2007, 03:33 PM

We recently purchased a couple of Hunter ceiling fans which came with remotes. I didn't realize this at the time, but supposedly you can't hard-wire the fans to three-way wall switches because they came with remotes. The problem with this is we have to fumble for the remote every time we go to our bedroom, and while we could mount it on the wall, that still wouldn't solve the issue of turning the light on and off on the other side of the room.

So, does anyone know how this unit can be safely wired so it can be used by both the remote and the wall switch? Please keep in mind these fans came with fluorescent light kits, if that makes a difference. Any help is much appreciated!

nmwirez · Mar 10, 2007, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Dromedarius

We recently purchased a couple of Hunter ceiling fans which came with remotes. I didn't realize this at the time, but supposedly you can't hard-wire the fans to three-way wall switches because they came with remotes. The problem with this is we have to fumble for the remote everytime we go to our bedroom, and while we could mount it on the wall, that still wouldn't solve the issue of turning the light on and off on the other side of the room.

So, does anyone know how this unit can be safely wired so it can be used by both the remote and the wall switch? Please keep in mind these fans came with fluorescent light kits, if that makes a difference. Any help is much appreciated!

If you can control a ceiling fan from a wall switch, the 3-way will work. Just hook up the ceiling outlet wires to the fan per the manufacturers recommended instructions for a two-wire setup. (I.e. bk-bk, wh-wh, bare to bare or green.) If using fluorescent lamps, make sure not to use a dimmer control unless the CFL's are dimmable. Nm :)

labman · Mar 10, 2007, 11:19 AM

I agree with NM. I want to add that once shut off at one of the switches, you can't turn it on without turning one of the switches.

Dromedarius · Mar 10, 2007, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Dromedarius

We recently purchased a couple of Hunter ceiling fans which came with remotes. I didn't realize this at the time, but supposedly you can't hard-wire the fans to three-way wall switches because they came with remotes. The problem with this is we have to fumble for the remote everytime we go to our bedroom, and while we could mount it on the wall, that still wouldn't solve the issue of turning the light on and off on the other side of the room.

So, does anyone know how this unit can be safely wired so it can be used by both the remote and the wall switch? Please keep in mind these fans came with fluorescent light kits, if that makes a difference. Any help is much appreciated!

I left this part out before, but we can switch the light and the fan off from the switch. However, we can't switch it back on. We have to find the remote and switch the light on. We were hoping to control both ON and OFF from the switch and the remote.

nmwirez · Mar 10, 2007, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by Dromedarius

I left this part out before, but we can switch the light and the fan off from the switch. However, we can't switch it back on. We have to find the remote and switch the light on. We were hoping to control both ON and OFF from the switch and the remote.

Well that's the remote problem with a remote then. When you use the wall switch to turn the power off, the fan circuit loses its memory and the power needs to be turned on from a wall switch to allow the remote to reset the memory. The remote control fan types I have installed do not cut out the memory when the power is shut off from the wall switch.
Then you need the remote to turn on the fan when you turn on the power with the wall switch. That is the catch 22. Does this make any sense? Where's the fan repair guy when you need him? Nm:)

nmwirez · Mar 10, 2007, 08:25 PM

I believe you need to put a light circuit in the room separate from the remote fan switch and leave the power to the fan on full time. When you come into the room then the room light is turned on when you enter. If you don't want to get out of bed, you will need a 3-way switch next to the bed so you can turn the room lights out and the fan lights off with the remote.

This is the only way I remember wiring a room with a remote. No matter what spendy line of Casablanca fan is that is installed, unless there is X10 circuitry, you can not have your cake and eat it too. Nm:D :D

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 19, 2007, 04:44 PM

Some fan remotes have memory but most do not.

What you CAN do is find a RF wall control that operates on the same frequency as the remote, and install that. OR just buy a second remote and mount one at each location on the wall.

Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More

nmwirez · Mar 19, 2007, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Some fan remotes have memory but most do not.

What you CAN do is find a RF wall control that operates on the same frequency as the remote, and install that. OR just buy a second remote and mount one at each location on the wall.

Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More

Hi ceiling fan repair,

I am interested in what you just mentioned about the memory controls. I might have misinterpreted the explanation, be patient with me.:D Is there a fan remote memory that can link to a special wall switch to override the switch position at the door? That would be a money maker.
In referring to the RF wall control, is that the same as the power line carrier X10 technology? Got part numbers? Thanks, nm:)

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 19, 2007, 06:37 PM

Not the same as X10. It's the same as the fan's radio-frequency remote except it wires in place of a wall switch. Most manufacturers offer them. You'd need to find one that matches your remote.

nmwirez · Mar 19, 2007, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Not the same as X10. It's the same as the fan's radio-frequency remote except it wires in place of a wall switch. Most manufacturers offer them. You'd need to find one that matches your remote.

Thanks cfr. Must be a spendy switch. Nm:)

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 19, 2007, 06:47 PM

No, probably around $30

nmwirez · Mar 19, 2007, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

No, probably around $30

Not bad compared to California's Title 24 new occupancy switches. ($50) Just out of curiosity, how would the C-10's run controls for a Casablanca?

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 19, 2007, 06:54 PM

Huh?

nmwirez · Mar 19, 2007, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Huh?

I don't do wiring in California, but I used to before the energy conservation rules for lighting and appliance control requirements came out. I was asking if you were from there, if you had requirements to put an occupancy sensor controlled combo switch in a room that has a ceiling fan. Sorry for the mind reading ramble of mine. Nm

Dromedarius · Mar 20, 2007, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Not the same as X10. It's the same as the fan's radio-frequency remote except it wires in place of a wall switch. Most manufacturers offer them. You'd need to find one that matches your remote.

I checked into this but the problem I am running into is finding a switch without a dimmer, the reason being because I have a fluorescent light on the fan. Do you know if this really is a problem or am I mistaken?

nmwirez · Mar 20, 2007, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Dromedarius

I checked into this but the problem I am running into is finding a switch without a dimmer, the reason being because I have a fluorescent light on the fan. Do you know if this really is a problem or am I mistaken?

It might be... Check the fluorescent lamping to make sure it is dimmable rated. The manufacturer data will indicate if it is dimmable. Most new lamping use standard 4 pin connections that comply to energy standards requirements, but that does not guarantee the lamp is dimmable rated. Nm

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 20, 2007, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Dromedarius

I checked into this but the problem I am running into is finding a switch without a dimmer, the reason being because I have a fluorescent light on the fan. Do you know if this really is a problem or am I mistaken?

Aha, but if you're still using the original receiver to the fan, it won't matter if the new transmitter has a dim function, because the receiver won't be able to receive 'dim' signals. It should be fine. Make sure it's an RF wall control and not a hard-wire one.

nmwirez · Mar 20, 2007, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Aha, but if you're still using the original receiver to the fan, it wont matter if the new transmitter has a dim function, because the receiver wont be able to receive 'dim' signals. It should be fine. Make sure it's an RF wall control and not a hard-wire one.

Forsooth cfr,

I am a confused electrician the needs more input. Correct me on this if my interpretation is on the wrong path... The original receiver in the fan module already has a dim function, so the new transmitter from the wall switch should be on the same frequency also. Right so far? Now the mention of not being hardwired to me is that this new wall switch is a battery op and the wiring back to the fan has been shunted on full time? Do I win my round table certificate or what? Nm:confused:

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 20, 2007, 04:29 PM

Ok.

1. The original fan has a receiver built in, and a handheld transmitter that is matched to it.
2. They sell add-on remote kits for fans with a receiver that wires between the fan and supply in the ceiling, and a similar handheld transmitter
3. They sell these same kits, only instead of having a handheld transmitter, the transmitter mounts to the wall in place of your on/off wall switch. It is wired to the wall but still sends RF signals to the fan.
4. SO, what I was suggesting to the original posted, is to buy a kit #3 that would match to the receiver in the fan #1, use the receiver in the fan #1, the handheld transmitter for the fan #1, and the wall-mount transmitter #3 but NOT the receiver #3. Everything would have to be on the same frequency.

Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More

nmwirez · Mar 20, 2007, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Ok.

and the wall-mount transmitter #3 but NOT the receiver #3. Everything would have to be on the same frequency.

Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More

I am still with you on this, the question is about the original switch and wiring....that should be left alone, correct? Thats all I understand at this point. The client can just leave the original switch handle on full time....and use transmitters.... nm:)