I have read various forums about wiring a ceiling fan to a remote control switch and think that I have succeeded. However, I do not like the results and am wondering if it is an issue with the the wiring, my remote switch, or just the nature of the beast.
My remote control works properly when the wall switch is in the ON position. I am able to turn on/off the lights or fan with the remote as desired. However, when I turn the wall switch OFF when the light is on, and then turn it back ON, the light does not turn on. Instead, I am forced to use the remote to initially turn the light on.
I still want to use the wall switch to turn the light on/off when entering/leaving the bedroom and then use the remote at night when going to bed.
Is my desired result possible? I guess that I would like the remote to work as a 2nd wall switch but not sure if it is possible. I bought an inexpensive Hunter remote unit from The Home Depot so not sure if I need a different type of remote or if I am wasting my time.
Thanks in advance for your support!
Sidney
Replies
Do the instructions help any?
It sounds like you want the system to behave like two three-way switches, but I have no idea if this is how it is made.
Remote control
Is the ceiling fan/light also a Hunter?
If you didn't buy all pieces as a package, or if the ceiling fan/light unit doesn't explain positively you are using a supported remote, then you need to call the manufacutere or ask them on-line if what you have will work.
First you need to verify what you have will do what you want with the manufacturer....and then if that is okay, then it is time to start troubleshooting.
Good Luck!
To do as you suggest, the control in the fan would have to have a "memory", so it could remember, while power is off, whether the light is supposed to be on or off. This is doable, but would add another 50 cents to the cost of the unit, so probably not in the low-end models.
>>>This is doable, but would
>>>This is doable, but would add another 50 cents to the cost of the unit,
Ain't that the truth. Disfunction a la 50 cents...such is the world we live in.
...Not that I have a ready solution. I'm perfectly aware how macro-economics prevent 50 cent improvement.
You need 2 remotes
I put in remote fans in 7 rooms of this house. What you need is the remote control package that has BOTH a wall unit AND a handheld remote. Both are radio control units, though the wall unit will have a switch that will allow you to interrupt power physicly to the ceiling fan in case you need to work on it.
Alternatively, you could just call the company and they could sell you another handheld remote of the same style you have to mount on the wall.
The easiest thing for you to do would be to go back to the store and buy the same remote unit again and just use the new remote instead of the wall switch. Just remove the switch, wire nut the hots together so the light is always switched on. Put a blank face over the wall switch hole and mount the remote control holder there.
I bought mine from lighting store. The brand is Casablanca (or Wailea). I wired mine so that there is no neutral in the switch box, although this is practice that I will stop because I can't put in powered switches. It costs more but they are much quieter than Homedepot stock. I also wanted smaller fan blades for the bedrooms. The light comes back on after turned off by wall switch and turned back on by wall switch. It also has remote.
I had a real hard time understanding your post... How do you wire something with no neutral, do you just have one wire goint to the lamp?
paul
power to the fan, switch leg dropped down to the box.
Ah... I've been working with romex for so long, it's actually more of a pain to use less wire that way!
Standard "switch leg".
Standard "switch leg".