Wiring Diagram Ceiling Fan & Light 3 Way Switch

Installing a ceiling fan with a light and a 3-way switch may seem daunting, but it's a project you can tackle yourself with the right instructions and a bit of electrical know-how. A 3-way switch allows you to control the light from two different locations, making it convenient for larger rooms or hallways.

Here's a complete wiring diagram and step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Wiring Diagram:

  Main Power Supply   3-Way Switch 1   3-Way Switch 2
        \                 /                  \
         \               /                    \
          \             /                      \
           ----------    ----------          ----------
            |        |--|--|          |--|--|        |
            | Fan    |  |  |          |  |  |    Fan    |
            |        |  |  |          |  |  |        |
            ----------    ----------          ----------

Materials You'll Need:

Ceiling fan with light
3-way switch (2)
Electrical wire (14 gauge)
Wire nuts
Screwdriver
Voltage tester

Step-by-Step Guide:

Turn off power at the breaker box before starting any electrical work.
Identify the wires: You'll have a 3-wire cable from the ceiling (black, white, and ground) and a 2-wire cable from the fan (black and white). The ground wire (usually green or bare copper) must be connected to the green screw on the switch.
Connect the wires: Connect the black wires from the ceiling cable and the fan together with a wire nut. Then, connect the white wires from the ceiling cable and the fan together with another wire nut.
Install the 3-way switches: Connect the black and white wires from the ceiling cable to the common screw terminals on both 3-way switches. Connect the red wire from one 3-way switch to the traveler screw on the other 3-way switch, and vice versa.
Mount the fan: Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling box and hang the fan from the bracket. Connect the electrical wires from the fan to the wires in the ceiling box, ensuring that the black wires are connected to each other, the white wires are connected to each other, and the ground wire is connected to the ground screw.
Test the installation: Turn on the power at the breaker box and test the operation of the fan and light using both 3-way switches.

Safety Precautions:

Always turn off the power before working on electrical systems.
Use a voltage tester to ensure the wires are not live.
Wear gloves and eye protection.
If you're not comfortable working with electricity, it's best to hire a qualified electrician.