You'll require:
TOOLS
- 4-in-1 screwdriver
- Ladder
- Protective gloves
SUPPLIES
- Remote receiver
- Remote control
- Wire nuts
- Old screws
- Batteries
- Double-sided foam tape
Before going to sleep, you turn on your ceiling fan to its highest setting, but when you wake up in the middle of the night, it's freezing, and you have to drag yourself to the wall switch to change the speed. All of us have been there. Thankfully, there is a way to permanently do away with the wall switch and the hanging pull chain. Even if a ceiling fan didn't come with remote control functionality, it is fairly easy to add that functionality.
You'll soon be operating your ceiling fan from bed, as nature intended, if you follow these eight steps.
1. Make Ready to Install
Take some time to carry out safety checks before beginning the installation to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Before turning off the fan with the wall switch, turn the fan on its highest setting. After that, proceed to your circuit breaker and turn off any power entering that junction box.
Finally, put on safety work gloves, grab the strongest ladder you have, and ask a friend to help you steady it while you work on the fan's internals. Compared to, say, installing a ceiling fan, this procedure is not nearly as risky, but it never hurts to be cautious.
2. Take Down the Canopy
The canopy of a ceiling fan is where the electrical parts are housed, and this is also where the remote receiver will be installed. The portion of the fan that is directly above the blades and below the wall is known as the canopy. The instructions that come with each fan will differ, so if you want to know how to get within the canopy, refer to those.
The majority of the time, you'll remove the fan's blades using a screwdriver, lay them away, and then take off the canopy with the same tool. To facilitate the final reattachment procedure, keep everything tidy, including any screws that have been removed.
3. Create a Connections Plan
You can see numerous cables and a capacitor inside the fan once the canopy's exterior has been removed. White, black, and red wires are required. The connection between the black and white wires and the capacitor will be broken by the remote receiver.
You should be able to identify which cables go to which receiver port by the color of your remote receiver. Consult the directions from the remote control receiver kit if the colors don't line up.
4. Connect the Receiver and Fix It
Once you are aware of the proper placement for the wires, make the required connections, using wire nuts to keep everything tight and secure. Locate a location inside the canopy for the remote receiver. Basically, you want to put it in a location where it won't interfere with any existing electronics.
Apply foam tape with a double-sided adhesive on the receiver. It's almost time to close the canopy after it is safe and you have successfully linked all of the wires to and from the receiver.
5. Examine the DIP Switch
Make a note of whatever dual in-line package (DIP) switch is turned on on the remote receiver before sealing the canopy and reassembling the fan. Though not always, these DIP switches are often found close to the battery on the bottom of the remote. Keep an eye out for a set of five switches. Adjust the receiver's switches so that they are in alignment with the remote's DIP switch locations because they must match.
You should read the manufacturer's instructions to find out the specifics of your model because not all remote control receiver kits include various DIP setting possibilities.
6. Reinstate the Fan
It's time to reassemble the fan now that the receiver has been inserted. Work in the opposite direction from how you exposed the canopy to reassemble the fan. Check the fan's instructions for details on how to repair the canopy as each fan is different.
After lining up the canopy with the ceiling, hold it firmly in place as you screw the individual components back in. If you had to remove the fan blades, follow the same steps to reattach them. You are welcome to pause for a moment to appreciate your craftsmanship.
7. Turn It on And Start Testing
Turn the wall switch to the on position when the fan has been constructed. After that, go downstairs to the circuit breaker and turn the switch to restore power to that area of your house. Make sure the DIP switch corresponds to the location of the receiver and put batteries into the remote control.
To make sure there is no interference, repeatedly turn on and off the ceiling fan while testing the remote control. If everything goes according to plan, the task is finished. Congratulations! Try some straightforward troubleshooting techniques if you're having problems.
8. If Needed, Troubleshooting
The correct troubleshooting procedures depend on the fan and remote you are using. Start by modifying the DIP switch settings on both the remote and the receiver to switch frequencies on the remote. Next, confirm that the wall switch and the circuit breaker are providing electricity to the ceiling fan. If none of those solutions work, get assistance from a skilled ceiling fan installer.
DIY vs. Professional Ceiling Fan Remote Installation
Even though installing a ceiling fan remote is a fairly straightforward task, some light electrical work can be required. Not all fans and remote controls will follow the instructions provided above. Since professionals can charge anywhere between $40 to $100 per hour to complete this work, doing it yourself will save you money on labor.
If you are completely perplexed, it's likely that your fan and receiver won't merge right away. If so, you'll need to replace the switch and the capacitor, which calls for hiring a local handyman at a rate of $60 to $125 per hour.
Furthermore, not every ceiling fan has enough space for the remote receiver. While "down-rod" fans may not have adequate room, most "ceiling-hugger" fans do. Engage a professional if you are experiencing problems with integration or space.
