Red Wire for Ceiling Fan [How to Wire]

Is it your first time to wire a ceiling fan? If yes, you must be familiar with the purpose of each of the wires connected to it, and this includes the red wire. Do you know the purpose of the red wire for the ceiling fan?

The red wire for the ceiling fan is the fourth conductor that carries the hot feed intended for the light kit. It is typically present in ceiling fans that have a separate light kit hanging just beneath the fan.

Ceiling fans are equipped with standard electrical cables, which include black, white, and copper wires. But if you want the light to have a switch separate from the fan, a red wire is needed.

Read on to learn more about the red wire for ceiling fans, including how to wire both the ceiling fan and ceiling light.

Red Wire for Ceiling Fan [How to Wire]

red Wire for Ceiling Fan

The red wire for the ceiling fan is the fourth conductor that carries the hot feed for the light kit. You generally see this in ceiling fans that have a separate light kit hanging just beneath the fan.

Ceiling fans are typically equipped with electrical cables, which include black, white, and copper wires. The purpose of the black wire is mainly to carry the hot feed. Whereas the white wire is for the common, and the copper wire is for the ground. But if you prefer the light to have a switch separate from the fan, a red wire is required.

Ceiling Fan Red Wire Diagram

Here’s a diagram of a simple ceiling fan installation process. In here, you will find the ceiling fan red wire. It also shows the other wires, such as black, white, copper, green, and blue wires:

Ceiling Fan Red Wire Installation

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to install a ceiling fan with a red wire:

  1. Read the Instruction Manual That Comes with the Ceiling Fan
  2. Attach the Bracket and the Fan to the Ceiling
  3. Identify the Wires Accordingly
  4. Mount the Bracket to the Ceiling
  5. Hang the Ceiling Fan on the Bracket

1. Read the Instruction Manual That Comes with the Ceiling Fan

The first thing that you must do before installing the ceiling fan is to read its instruction manual thoroughly. That way, you’ll prevent installation errors and, more than anything else, you will prevent accidents or injuries.

It’s an advantage if you already have experience installing a ceiling fan before. But you must also remember that the installation process is not the same for all ceiling fan models. Manufacturers indicate special warnings in the manual, and these warnings may differ per model. That’s why it’s best to read the manual from cover to cover.

2. Attach the Bracket and the Fan to the Ceiling

When you’re about to start the installation process, make sure to turn off the power at the fuse box. Typically, a chart inside the box indicates the keys that control the power for each part of the house. Identify the one that controls the power to the fan.

Turn off the access to any light in the house, especially the one in the room where you will install the ceiling fan.

3. Identify the Wires Accordingly

The next step is to identify the wires that lead to the installation point on the ceiling. From the installation point, you will typically find three different wires:

  • Yellow wire,
  • White wire, and
  • Black wire.

The yellow wire is responsible for the ground, while the white one is the neutral wire. As for the black wire, it is the one responsible for carrying power to the fan.

Red Wire

If you notice a red wire, it is the one that provides power to the fan lamp. Typically, you will see this wire if your ceiling fan has a built-in light.

Phase Wires

You will most likely notice a blue wire too. The blue and black wires have electric currents, and they are referred to as phase wires. So, if you see these wires at the ceiling connection point, it means that you’re required to have two switches on the wall.

A ceiling fan with a lamp typically has two pull chains. One of which is to turn the fan on or off, while the other one is to turn the lamp on and off. These pull chains will not work if the wires are not properly connected.

Green Ground Wire

Generally, a ceiling fan features white, black, and green wires. As earlier mentioned, it can feature a red wire too if the fan has a lamp too. You will also find a green ground wire connected to the bracket of the fan.

4. Mount the Bracket to the Ceiling

The wires coming out of the ceiling must pass through the center of the bracket. This means that it’s important to align the bracket with the holes.

Mount the bracket to the ceiling by placing the screws in their corresponding holes. Use a screwdriver to tighten them and to secure the frame to the ceiling. Tightening the screws is important as it will prevent the fan from wobbling when you turn it on.

5. Hang the Ceiling Fan on the Bracket

Once you have installed the bracket to the ceiling, you can now attach the fan onto it. You might not be able to attach it on your own since it is big and bulky. So, it’s advisable to have someone to help you lift it and hang it. That way, it will be more convenient to install it.

Again, what is the function of red wire for the ceiling fan? To control the light separate from the fan component of the ceiling fan, you’ll need a switch. For this switch, you’ll need the red wire that will carry the power for the light.

AC Capacitor Wiring Colors – Full Guide

Step-by-step Instructions for Connecting Ceiling Fan Wires

red wire for ceiling fan with remote

So, how do you connect ceiling fan wires? Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Strip Wire Ends
  2. Connect the White Wires
  3. Connect the Green Wires
  4. Have the Blue and Black Wires Connected
  5. Connect the Yellow and Green Wires
  6. Twist the Phase Wires Together
  7. Replace Plastic Caps for Wire Ends

1. Strip Wire Ends

To successfully connect wires, you have to expose the copper. You can do this by taking off the plastic caps from wire ends.

Use a ladder to reach the wires on the ceiling conveniently. Then, use a wire cutter to cut and remove the plastic insulation neatly. You can cut more or less 5 centimeters or 2 inches of plastic caps.

You can apply this process on the fan wires too. But if you notice that enough copper is already exposed, there’s no need to cut more.

2. Connect the White Wires

After stripping the wire ends, you are now ready to connect the white wires. These wires are neutral wires. Match the white wire coming from the ceiling and the white wire coming from the top end of the fan. Connect them by twisting their ends together. 

These neutral wires complete the fan circuit once connected. It is also highly recommended to wear heavy gloves when connecting wires to avoid any injuries caused by the copper wires.

3. Connect the Green Wires

Once you have connected the white wires, you can now connect the green ones. These wires are the grounding conductors. They protect the fan from getting damaged due to power surges.

You must connect the green wire connected to the bracket with the green wire coming from the top end of the fan. Similar to how you connected the white wires, you have to twist them together.

4. Connect the Blue and Black Wires

If your ceiling fan has one switch only, you have to connect the blue and black wires. Doing so will allow you to simultaneously control the fan and the light using a single switch.

The process for connecting these wires is similar to how you connect the other wires. You have to twist the wires together.

5. Connect the Yellow and Green Wires

The next step is to create a ground involving the internal components of the fan. You can do this by connecting the yellow wire with the green wires you earlier connected. Twist the wires together to do this.

6. Twist the Phase Wires Together

It is advisable to connect the phase wires last. If your fan and light only have one switch, connect the black wire coming from the ceiling with the black and blue wires you earlier twisted together.

If your ceiling fan doesn’t have a lamp, you only have to connect the black wires.

7. Replace Plastic Caps for Wire Ends

If the wire ends have plastic caps, make sure to put them back in place after the installation process. In case they don’t have caps, you can use insulating tape to cover them. This will prevent the wires from touching one another. Doing so is also for safety purposes.

Completion of the Installation Process

red wire hanging ceiling fan

Connecting the wires is not the end of the installation process. There are several steps you need to do to complete the entire process. They include the following:

  1. Make Sure the Wires Are Neatly in Place
  2. Attach the Fan Cover to the Bracket
  3. Turn on Power Controlled by the Fuse Box and Test the Fan

1. Make Sure the Wires Are Neatly in Place

Don’t just leave the wires exposed and untidy. You have to bend them into the bracket to screw the fan cover onto the ceiling conveniently.

Do this carefully to prevent wires from getting disconnected. Otherwise, you have to do it all over again.

2. Attach the Fan Cover to the Bracket

The next step is to attach the fan cover to the bracket. In doing so, you have to make sure that the holes are aligned to fit perfectly. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws by turning them in a clockwise manner.

Make sure to tighten the screws well to prevent the fan from wobbling when you turn it on. 

3. Turn on Power Controlled by the Fuse Box and Test the Fan

It’s now time to re-establish the power controlled by the fuse box. This way, you can also test if you have connected the wires correctly or if the fan is safely mounted on the ceiling.

If the fan seems wobbly when turned on, turn it off first and then tighten the screws. If it’s not working at all, the wires may not have been connected properly. Turn off the power and double-check the wiring.

If you think you have done everything correctly but it’s still not working, it’s best to consult a professional electrician. There might be some electrical problem that only a professional can help you solve.

Conclusion – Red Wire for Ceiling Fan [How to Wire]

The red wire for the ceiling fan is the fourth conductor that carries the hot feed for the light kit. You generally see this in ceiling fans that have a different light kit hanging just beneath the fan.

Typically, if your ceiling fan has a lamp and you want a separate switch, you need to connect the red wires. This way, you will have a separate switch for the ceiling fan and a separate switch for its lamp.

It’s easy to connect the red wire to the ceiling fan, and it’s also easy to connect all the wires since everything is color-coded. Just make sure that you practice all safety precautions before you start installing your ceiling fan.

Related reading:

Is Duct Tape Conductive? Is Electrical Tape Conductive?

Smooth Silicone Caulk with Windex [How to]

How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Walls

How to Find a Stud Without Stud Finder