How to Wire a Fan Controller

Remove the Old Switch

• 1

  Adjust the ceiling fan to the highest speed. Pull the chain until the fan is at its highest speed. Use a ladder to reach the chain, if necessary.

• 2

  Turn off the power connected to the fan on which you will be working. Adjust the power switch connected to the fan, if one exists, to the "Off" position. Cut the power to the room in which you will be working at the circuit-breaker box.

• 3

  Loosen and remove the screws that hold the faceplate of the switch connected with the fan by turning them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. Pull the faceplate from the wall.

• 4

  Test the switch to make sure that there is no electrical current. Touch one prong of the electrical tester to the metal of the switch's electrical box and the other prong to the black wire of the switch. The electrical tester will light up if there is still electrical current running through the switch. Repeat this process for the screw located on the right side of the switch.

• 5

  Remove the switch from the wall. Loosen and remove the screws from the mounting plate of the switch box by turning them counterclockwise with a screwdriver. Pull the switch gently from the wall to expose the wires connecting the switch to the wires within the wall. Pull apart the switch and wall wires with your hand. This will release the switch from the wall.

Install the Controller Switch

• 6

  Connect the black wire from the wall with the black wire from the new controller switch. Twist the wires together. Cap the twist with a wire connector. Slide the wire connector over the twist of the wires. Repeat this process for the red wires from the controller and the wall. Tuck these wires into the wall.

• 7

  Mount the controller switch to the wall. Insert and tighten the screws through the holes of the switch box and the wall by turning them clockwise with a screwdriver.

• 8

  Wrap the copper ground wire of the controller switch around the screw on the right-hand side of the switch box.

• 9

  Connect the controller switch faceplate to the wall. Insert and tighten screws through the holes of the faceplate and wall by turning them clockwise with a screwdriver.

• 10

  Turn on the power to the fan at the circuit box. Turn the controller switch to the "On" position. The fan should start turning. Adjust the controller switch to different speeds to test each setting. The speed of the fan should correspond to the position of the switch.