Ceiling Fan Installation

[mp1adam12]

I attempted to change a regular light fixture to a ceiling fan/light fixture. I was surprised to find 3 black wires, 3 white wires and 3 green. I know the green are all ground wires, I put those together. I put all of the white wires, including my new fan white wire together. And I put all the black wires together, including my new fan black and blue wires together. Everything works fine, however the existing wall switch doesn't control the fan. Everytime I turn the switch in the on position it trips my breaker. How do I get this to stop? Thanks for your help.

[Electric101]

One of the white wires is probably part of the switch loop in the circuit. If you look at the switch, you might see a white wire attached to it. If so, one of the white wires where the fixture was probably was attached to one of the black wires. You may need an ohm meter to figure out which one it is, then attach it to the black wires. Then one of the black wires needs to be attached to your new ceiling fan wires, not all three blacks together. One black is probably a hot from the panel, the other might continue to feed the rest of the circuit. I'm pretty sure you have a switch loop there and those two wires (probably the black and white of course) are used to "loop" the power down to the switch then back up to the fixture/ceiling fan. Hope this helps.

[mp1adam12]

I want to thank you for replying so fast and offering your knowledge, it really helps. Sorry though I'm a little confused...I know it can get that way when you're talking about so many wires. The way I understand what you're saying is that I should have one group that has 2 black wires/1 white wire from the switch. I should connect the fan with one of the black wires and then the white from the fan to another white. I have three questions. 1) There will be one more white wire, where does that go? 2) You mentioned an ohm meter...what would it read for what wires? 3) How do I know which wire's which? Like how do I know which wire is for the rest of the circuit between the wire I should attach to the fan. Thank you again for your time and service.

On a side note I notice you're from Arkansas...I was born and raised in Hot Springs. Small world.


[QUOTE=Electric101]One of the white wires is probably part of the switch loop in the circuit. If you look at the switch, you might see a white wire attached to it. If so, one of the white wires where the fixture was probably was attached to one of the black wires. You may need an ohm meter to figure out which one it is, then attach it to the black wires. Then one of the black wires needs to be attached to your new ceiling fan wires, not all three blacks together. One black is probably a hot from the panel, the other might continue to feed the rest of the circuit. I'm pretty sure you have a switch loop there and those two wires (probably the black and white of course) are used to "loop" the power down to the switch then back up to the fixture/ceiling fan. Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]

[Electric101]

Ahhh a former Arkansas resident! Well, I've only lived here for about 3 yrs, I retired here from the Air Force. Originally from Kansas. Anywho, I'll make you a diagram of how I think your wiring should be. Email me at LDCARSON@AOL.com. Place in the subject: Help, ceiling fan! This way I'll know its not junk mail. In the mean time, I'll work on a wiring diagram that should help. Pics are worth 1000 words so to speak.