Upgrading a ceiling fan with a remote control kit is a option if your current fan is in great shape and you plan on keeping it for a while. Or, you may consider installing one if operating the fan is not convenient. Whatever the reasoning, this guide will help you through the process with a video and a written how to guide. There are many universal remotes out there. All of them feature on/off and fan speed control.
Pre-Installing
Before beginning any project, always read the manufactures instructions. A permit may be needed for some local building codes. If at anytime you don’t feel comfortable working with electricity, then contact a licensed electrician.
- Wire Strippers (optional, may not be needed)
- Wire Connectors
- Electrical Tape
- Circuit Tester
- Screw Driver
- Drill with Driver and Bit
- Pliers
- Ladder
For instructions on installing an ceiling fan click here.
Installation Process
Step 1
Turn off the power to the mounting bracket where the ceiling fan will be hung at the breaker box. Check to be sure the power is off. Test with a circuit tester.
Step 2
Hang the base of the ceiling fan on the mounting bracket. There will either be a hook or half circle type to hang the ceiling fan on. Hold the wires to the side while lifting the fan and resting it on the bracket. If the mounting bracket has a half circle to rest on, then make sure the grooves line up.
Step 3
Learn what wires do what. There will be 2 or 3 or 4 colored wires in the ceiling, black, red, white, and/or bare copper wire. The black wire is the power. The red wire is also power. The white wire is neutral. The bare wire is the ground.
There will be 4 colored wires in the ceiling fan. White, blue, black and green. The green wire is the ground. The white wire is neutral. The Blue wires are power for lights. The black wire is power for fan.
Step 4
Attach the wires. The ground wire will be attached to the mounting bracket (which is metal) or use a wire connector to attach the green ground wire from the fan directly to the bare ground wire from the ceiling (if your house is newer and has one).
Attach the black wires together from the fan and ceiling with a wire connector. If your house has a red wire in the ceiling, attach the red wire together with the blue wires from the fan. These are the wires for your lights. If you dont want to control the lights from a different switch or don’t have a red wire, connect the blue wires and black wires together with a wire connector.
Lastly wire together the white wires with a wire connector.
Step 5
Test and enjoy. After the wires are fastened together and the ceiling fan is all put together turn on the power and test for function. If all is working correctly enjoy .
Additional information can be found by reading about ceiling fan remote control kits.
Remote Control Troubleshooting can be found here.
