If you have a large indoor space and want to maintain a consistent temperature using fans, you will need multiple ceiling fans on one controller but is this possible to achieve? Of course, it is, and it has become a common feature in many public spaces. Restaurants, offices, and hospitals that cater to a large number of visitors and customers simultaneously control multiple fans using the same controller rather than different controllers. In this article, you will learn a step-by-step process of connecting different ceiling fans to the same controller and power source, just like in public buildings. At the end of the article, you will have learned something new so keep reading.
How to run multiple ceiling fans on one controller
So how do you run multiple ceiling fans on one controller? The first thing you will need is to arrange the materials and tools you will need to get the job done. You will need the following
- A screwdriver
- Voltage tester (Non-contact)
- Wire strippers
- Cable utility knife
- Wire cutters
- Electric tape
Having arranged all these materials and tools in one place, you can now get to work.
Step 1- Change the channel settings
The first thing you must do is change the fan channel settings so multiple fans can run in the same controller. This is because fan controllers send wireless signals to the receiver inside the fan. This receiver is what aids the passage of electricity into the fan’s motor, which is what makes blade rotation possible. As long as the receiver is on the same electric frequency as the controller, it will work. Once you are certain that the receivers in each fan are on the same frequency, you can move on to the next stage.
Step 2 – Adjust the settings
If the ceiling fans have not been installed yet, do so. After that, you need to adjust the settings of each fan and to do this is easy. Simply place your screwdriver’s tip against the frequency channel selector located on the side of the wireless receiver. Most manufacturers place the selector switch close to the electric power switch just below the ceiling plate. Using your screwdriver, push the tip of the switch until the number changes to the same number setting on the side of the switch (both numbers must be the same).
Step 3 – Repeat the procedure
After changing the number setting on one fan, do the same for the other ceiling fans so that the multiple ceiling fan speed control switch settings correspond.
Step 4 – Reset the controller
After you have adjusted the settings in each fan, you have to get the multiple ceiling fans in one controller. Simply remove the batteries from the controller and place your screwdriver against the power switch inside the controller compartment. The main goal of this action is to adjust the setting to be the same number as the numbers on all the ceiling fans. For instance, if the number on each fan is set at number 1, the setting on the controller should also be set at number 1. After doing this, replace the batteries and close the controller compartment.
After taking these steps, switch on the fans and regulate their speed with the controller. If one or more fail to work, you will need to adjust their settings again to ensure they are the same as the controller settings.
How to run 4 ceiling fans on a 1-speed controller
What if you have 4 ceiling fans, and your goal is to regulate them using a one-speed controller? How do you go about it? The process is the same for multiple ceiling fan wall control, and you will need the same materials/tools. However, the first thing you need to ascertain is whether the speed controller has the capacity to handle all four fans at the same time. If its capacity is too low, your fans will either not work or perform optimally. You can use the same process explained above or do a direct wire connection before adjusting the settings for all fans.
Here are the steps to take
Step 1 – Evaluate controller capacity
As we pointed out above, check the capacity of your controller and ensure that it is capable of handling all four fans at the same time. If it has a lower voltage capacity, you will have to get a new and suitable controller.
Step 2 – Wire them in parallel
With all four fans in place, wire them parallel to each other, but what do we mean? Identify the different colors of wires and connect them; let white wires be connected to white wires and black wires to black wires. This will ensure that power flows smoothly when the fans are turned on. Also, consider the placement of the circuit layout. If the power switch is located in the middle of each fan, do a direct connection from the switch to the fan. This will make your wiring neat.
Step 3 – Adjust settings
The next step is to adjust the settings in each fan to ensure that they correspond with the set number in the controller. Use your screwdriver to push the setting close to the power switch in each fan to get the same number for each fan, as explained in the previous paragraph. After getting the same numbering for all four fans, adjust the controller settings, so they are all the same.
Step 4 – Use the plastic tape
After you are done with the wiring, use plastic tape to cover all wires in the fans for safety. With all the wiring and settings in place, you can turn the fan on and regulate its speed with the controller.
How to connect multiple fans to a power supply
What if you wish to connect multiple fans to a single power supply? What do you need, and how do you go about it? Let us show you how.
You will need:
- Screwdriver
- Plier
- Sheathed cable
- Non-voltage tester
- Wire cutter
- Wire stripper
- Plastic tape
For starters, if the fans have the same branch circuit, it will be relatively easy for you to directly connect them to the same power supply without stress, but if not, you will need to run new wiring for the fans using a non-metallic cable from one end to the next. Connecting multiple ceiling fans to the same power supply is simply to connect the ground, neutral and hot wires using a parallel connection.
Here are the steps to take to connect multiple ceiling fans to one power source.
Step 1 – Turn off the circuit breaker
Safety should always come first, so turn off Circuit breakers so power will not flow to the fans. To be sure that the power lines are dead, use a non-voltage tester to test the electric boxes in each fan; once you are sure that the lines are dead, you can continue with the connection.
Step 2 – Remove the fans from their ceiling mount
The next step is to remove the ceiling fans from their mounts by disconnecting their circuit wire by first removing the cover so you can reach the wire in each fan. After disconnecting the wire, remove the fan from the bracket and set it down in a safe place. Repeat the process for all the fans you will be working on.
Step 3 – Cap off the circuit
Cap off the exposed circuit wires with your plastic tape. Ensure that all wires are covered with plastic tape, and none is exposed.
Step 4 – Install the sheathed cable
Remember that you are only to use non-metal sheathed cables for the job. Install the sheathed cable in between the ceiling fan boxes. The cable should extend 6-8 inches from one box to the other. Once the cables are in place, remove the outer covering on each end with a utility knife. Be mindful not to strip off much of the cable.
Step 5- Re-install the fans
Now reinstall the ceiling fans in their original positions. With all fans in place, separate the white, red, and black wires into separate parts and wire your fans, starting from one before moving to the next. Make sure all wires correspond. Let white wires be connected to white wires, red to red, and black to black. Replicate the process for all wires.
Step 6 – Complete the process
After you are done with all the wiring, push the wires into the fan boxes and double-check to ensure that the motors are secure in each fan and no loose wires are left hanging. Secure the brackets and hangers and install the motor covers. Replace the circuit breakers and turn on the controller, and your fans will start working.
How to connect multiple ceiling fans on one controller: Tips
- Prepare the ceiling fans for installation
- Remove ceiling fan canopies to access the receivers
- Plan your installation design for a neat connection
- Connect the receivers to the controllers
- Check DIP switches in each receiver and ensure they have matching settings with the controller
- Reassemble the fans and reinstall on ceiling brackets
- Power up the fans and test to see if they work
- Troubleshoot for errors if one or more fans don’t work
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ceiling fan remotes interfere with each other?
Yes, two ceiling fan speed control may interfere with each other if both fans have the same DIP switch. To stop this from happening, you can use a copper mesh to block the signals from interfering.
How do you change the frequency on a ceiling fan remote?
To change the frequency on the ceiling fan remote, use a screwdriver. First, detach the fan from the mounting brackets and locate the receiver to identify the DIP switch. Using the screwdriver, create a unique combination that is the same as the number in the fan’s remote controller. That means the number set in the remote must match what is in the fan’s receiver. All you need to do is use the screwdriver and push the DIP setting until you reach the number you want. You can also consult your fan’s manual to know how to change ceiling fan frequency.
Do multiple fans need a fan controller?
Multiple fans do not need a fan controller unless you want all of them to run at the same speed and frequency. Each fan comes with its controller, but you can connect all of them to the same controller if you wish.
How do you wire two ceiling fans together?
To control two ceiling fans with one remote, do the following
Step 1 – Check the watts
Start by checking the watts for each fan. Most fans come with 1920 watts for 20 amps Circuit or 1440 watts for 15 amps circuit. Ensure the watts are conducive for the power load and fan speed control for 2 fans.
Step 2 – Buy the required cable
You need the required cable for the circuit. For instance, if your ceiling fans use 20 amps, you will need a 12 gauge while a 15 amps circuit uses 14 gauge cables.
Step 3 – Make the connection
Disconnect the power for safety before attaching the black wire to the circuit breaker and the white one to the neutral bus bar. With both in place, snap the breaker shut.
Step 4 – Run the cable
Now run the cable from the breaker to the room where the fans are and connect the wires accordingly; white on white and black on black. Use plastic tape to wrap the connected wires, install the box covers and test-run the fans by turning on the power.
If one or both fans don’t work, you will need to recheck the wires to make sure the wires are intact. Also, ensure that the wiring diagram for 2 fans on one switch works perfectly.
Conclusion
Multiple ceiling fans on one controller are possible if you get the connection right. In this article, we have shown you the proven steps to get the job done. If you follow our steps meticulously, you should be able to do the connections yourself.
Reference
- https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2644589/wiring-two-ceiling-fans-on-one-switc
- hhttps://homesteady.com/how-7699689-run-off-one-remote-control.html
- https://homesteady.com/how-5916108-wire-ceiling-fans-same-circuit.html
