Currently have a ceiling fan/lamp run by the same wall switch; the single switch sends power to the fixture for both the lamp and fan operation. Should I wire the new light to one or both sets of wires? If just one, what do I do with the “extra” set of wires?
Comments
Omephla t1_j6jw6po wrote
If it's 14\3 or 12\3 wire it'll have one black (hot), one red (hot), one white (neutral), and a bare ground. Literally just cap one of the hots and don't use it. Cap both ends (switch and fixture). I'm doing the reverse soon and adding a two switches with wire and a fan box. Currently I have a single switch going to an outlet.
-SeaBrisket- t1_j6jwvgx wrote
Your question isn't clear enough for anyone to give wiring advice. You haven't described what wires you're looking at either from the existing wiring or your fan.
desmobob OP t1_j6jxf7z wrote
I haven’t seen them! Wiring is not my strength so having a game plan before taking shit apart is what I’m after.
-SeaBrisket- t1_j6jxqln wrote
Do you have the fan instructions?
desmobob OP t1_j6jyj5g wrote
No, it was installed by the previous owner of the house.
-SeaBrisket- t1_j6k1pjw wrote
Sorry, I'm understanding now that you are replacing a ceiling fan light combo with just a light. I think what you'll find is very simple wiring and no extra wires because the current fixture operates on one switch.
Game plan: Turn off power to the fixture at the breaker box.
Disassemble the current fixture before removing it from the ceiling. This means removing the ceiling fan blades, any lightbulb cover(s) & lightbulbs, probably nothing more.
Unscrew the fixture from the ceiling and carefully pull it off the ceiling mount so the wires are exposed. You might see a small hook on the ceiling mount that allows you to hang the fixture from it from a hole at the top of the fixture (maybe a screw hole or other hole in the rim of the top of the fixture). If you see that, hang the fixture from it to free your hands. If you don't see it, you might want a helper so you don't have to balance the fixture in one hand while working the wires with the other.
Use an electrical tester to run over the wires and make sure there's no current going through them.
Take pictures of the existing wiring. Carefully note which colors from the ceiling fan are twisted to what colors of wires from the house wiring. If you are confused at this point you might want to stop here, post your pictures in a new thread and ask any questions you have.
desmobob OP t1_j6k68n7 wrote
Perfect! Thanks dude.
-SeaBrisket- t1_j6kfp9n wrote
Might be worth noting that a fan with a down rod might involve a slightly different disassembly. I've installed several ceiling fans but I've never had high enough ceilings to have a down rod as part of the picture.
magaoitin t1_j6jx5l4 wrote
If I understand correctly, you have a combination wall switch that controls the light separately from the fan instead of 2 separate switches (one for the light and one for the fan). If this is the case, you can install wire nuts on the second set of black and white wires and leave them in the electrical box where you are installing the new light.
You probably should go the added step and disconnect the second set of wires at the switch as well, and put a wire nut on this end too. It is for added safety in the off chance someone flips the "fan" switch on and leaves it on. It would at least not have power running through the wire to nothing.
Most people don't bother with wire nutting the abandoned wires at both ends, but it is the right thing to do and a good practice to be in. You dont have to remove the extra wires for any reason.
desmobob OP t1_j6jxn7n wrote
Seems to be the consensus, thanks for the detailed reply!
Significant_Eye_5130 t1_j6judzp wrote
If it’s all on one switch it should only have one set of wires.