Electrician Guru Question

[RR 314]

I looked for the answer via the powers of Google but, alas, I failed.

I think this should be quite simple, but perhaps I am mistaken. . .

I have two outdoor ceiling fans wired on 12-3 romex. The question is can I do a drop off if the second fan in line with a 12-2 to create an outlet for a TV? Obviously the outlet would only be hot if switch for fans was on; however, this would be much less of an inconvenience than another splice. :-). Thanks much for the help.

[fulmer34]

Why not tie in at the hot side of the switch?

[super_dave]

I looked for the answer via the powers of Google but, alas, I failed.



I think this should be quite simple, but perhaps I am mistaken. . .



I have two outdoor ceiling fans wired on 12-3 romex. The question is can I do a drop off if the second fan in line with a 12-2 to create a plug for a TV? Obviously the plug would only be hot if switch for fans was on; however, this would be much less of an inconvenience than another splice. :-). Thanks much for the help.

Is it your house?
If yes, then sure you can. It would be very simple.
Buuuuuttttttt, if you can, splice the wire in the switch box onto the HOT side of the switch.

[RR 314]

Why not tie in at the hot side of the switch?

I have pulled the ceiling down by the fans. Area is open (but not to the switch). Drop would only be about 10 feet from second fan and no splicing or fishing expedition. Thanks.

[Greenheadless]

Take a hot from the switch. If you take one from the fan, it will only be energized when the fan is turned on.

Also, take a 12/3, so you will have a ground, especially being outside.

Where are you located?

[RR 314]

Take a hot from the switch. If you take one from the fan, it will only be energized when the fan is turned on.

Also, take a 12/3, so you will have a ground, especially being outside.

Where are you located?

I am just West of Austin. Just did it with 12-2 and it is grounded with bare copper. I just didn't utilize the red on the 12-3. Again, I did not have access to the hot side of switch (or any other switch or outlet). Thanks for the help. I guess I posed a poor question-- I should have asked if the same was consistent with current code not " if I can do it".

[Luck_of_the_Draw]

I have pulled the ceiling down by the fans. Area is open (but not to the switch). Drop would only be about 10 feet from second fan and no splicing or fishing expedition. Thanks.

Tap in at the fan, put the fans on a remote, leave the switch on and control the fans with the remote.

[125Dad]

Use a GFI receptacle

[BowSlayer]

Tap in at the fan, put the fans on a remote, leave the switch on and control the fans with the remote.

I like the way you think.

[RR 314]

Tap in at the fan, put the fans on a remote, leave the switch on and control the fans with the remote.

He sees more than he doth know. . Fans have remote(s) already. Thanks for the assistance!

[Greenheadless]

I am just West of Austin. Just did it with 12-2 and it is grounded with bare copper. I just didn't utilize the red on the 12-3. Again, I did not have access to the hot side of switch (or any other switch or outlet). Thanks for the help. I guess I posed a poor question-- I should have asked if the same was consistent with current code not " if I can do it".

You are right, I am not a romex guy, but a pipe and wire/engineered cable guy, so we always label our ground conductor.

If you were closer, I would come help you, but you are a little far for me. It is not consistent with code. you would need access to a hot in a GFCI protected receptacle circuit, and that is even if there was room for another receptacle on the circuit.

[RR 314]

You are right, I am not a romex guy, but a pipe and wire/engineered cable guy, so we always label our ground conductor.

If you were closer, I would come help you, but you are a little far for me. It is not consistent with code. you would need access to a hot in a GFCI protected receptacle circuit, and that is even if there was room for another receptacle on the circuit.

Thanks to you and others. All squared away. I covered myself both ways. Pulled a short run from fan to new box and also dropped in the end of about 100' of romex if I want to have a dedicated run.