How to install ceiling fan

Hi I am new to this forum, I would like to add a ceiling fan to my bedroom. There is currently no light fixture. I have a switch that controls one outlet. I understand the basics of going into my attic and dropping the line down but I do not understand how to make the connection.

The switch has two incoming lines. One line has 3 wires (black, white, ground) the second line has 4 wires (black, white, red, ground).

In the box with switch the red wire and two black wires are connected to the switch. The two white wires are tied together in wire nut as well as ground wires are tied together in their own wire nut.

In the box with the outlet there are two lines going into the box as well. The red wire and 2 white wires are connected to the outlet. The two black wires are wire nut together. The ground wires are tied together and pigtailed going to outlet.

I do not understand how to wire the ceiling fan to either box. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

You would probably be better off if you replaced that single box with a double box & added a second switch. Determine which black wire feeds the box from the breaker & tap off of that wire to the new switch. Run a new 14/2 cable to the ceiling from the new switch. Connect the neutral to the white wires. If that doesn't make sense, wait for Ray.

 

Grounds don't count so you have one 2-conductor cable and one 3-conductor cable.

Are the two black wires connected to the same switch terminal? That is one black on the screw and one in the back stab associated with the screw the other black is on? If so then this should be easy.

Do you want to make the receptacle always on?

Basic procedure is to bring a 3-conductor cable for the fan to the switch. Putting in a two gang box will be easiest. Before you put in the new box you can pull the new cable using the hole.

But first you need to answer my questions in paragraphs two and three so I can give you specific help.

 

It makes sense, the incoming wire with the red wire would be 14/3 wire? So the the 14/2 wire that only has black, white and ground would be coming from the panel, id assume. Does that sound correct? So based off what you said. Basically just put a new box in and branch off of the hot wire coming in. Is there a way to just make the outlet on the wall constantly hot and not have two switches. All I want for the ceiling fan also is just one switch to control fan/light. Thanks

 

Hi, just noticed your response posted. So i just looked at the switch.

The two black wires ARE connected to same switch terminal.

The red wire is connected to the other switch terminal.

I would like to have the receptacle always on.

 

Then just run 2-conductor cable. However to future proof I'd run 3-conductor cable.
At the switch:

• Cap the red wire (not used).
• Connect the black wires of power in and power to the receptacle to a pigtail.
• Connect the pigtail to one side of the switch.
• Connect the black of the fan cable to the other side of the switch.
• Connect all the whites together.

At the receptacle:

• Remove and cap the red wire (not used).
• Connect both black wires to the receptacle. If the brass tab is missing replace receptacle.

All grounds connected per code.

Note: Backstabs can be unreliable. Do not use them. If you have more then one wire to a terminal pigtail.

 

Hi, what would it be if I did it the other way you had mentioned with a double gang box and keeping the receptacle on a switch? I am second guessing and just realized like you had mentioned that it would be easier to fish the wire down with a bigger hole to accommodate the double box. Thanks for the help.

 

A single gang hole is large enough for fishing. I always just removed the box to make fishing easier and replaced with an old work box. However some of the pros here with more experience than me can fish a cable without removing the box.

Key to fishing is knowing where to drill into the stud plate. Drive a 6#d nail in to the ceiling directly above the switch box and about 1½" out from the wall. (There may be a nailer for the ceiling Sheetrock right at the wall so easier to come out a bit and just go through Sheetrock.)

 

Ok great thanks for all the help