Ceiling fan switching

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Joseph Alexander

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What code (if any) requires that a 3 wire go to a ceiling fan? Is this because of the motor disconnect?
Most AHJs require that a 3 wire be run to the fan JB. One switch for the light kit and one for the motor.
 
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Joseph Alexander said:
What code (if any) requires that a 3 wire go to a ceiling fan? Is this because of the motor disconnect?
Most AHJs require that a 3 wire be run to the fan JB. One switch for the light kit and one for the motor.
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There is no code that says a fan motor and light must be switched separately. This is very common when adding a ceiling fan to an existing lighting outlet. (fan mounting rules aside)

With that said, it is more convenient to have the fan and light switched separately, but no code requiring it.
 
Little Bill said:
There is no code that says a fan motor and light must be switched separately. This is very common when adding a ceiling fan to an existing lighting outlet. (fan mounting rules aside)

With that said, it is more convenient to have the fan and light switched separately, but no code requiring it.
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I agree, at first I thought he was asking about.. 404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads. Where switches control lighting loads supplied by a grounded general purpose branch circuit, the grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be provided at the switch location.
 
The 2011 NEC requires this but not that a 3 way be run to it.

314.27(C) Boxes at Ceiling-Suspended (Paddle) Fan Outlets.
Outlet boxes or outlet box systems used as the sole support of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan shall be listed, shall be marked by their manufacturer as suitable for this purpose, and shall not support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh more than 32 kg (70 lb). For outlet boxes or outlet box systems designed to support ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans that weigh more than 16 kg (35 lb), the required marking shall include the maximum weight to be supported.
Where spare, separately switched, ungrounded conductors are provided to a ceiling mounted outlet box, in a location acceptable for a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan in single or multi-family dwellings, the outlet box or outlet box system shall be listed for sole support of a ceiling suspended (paddle) fan.
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