Remote-controlled ceiling fans make cooling off your home simple. At the touch of a button, you can adjust speeds, turn your fan off and on, or adjust lighting settings. Alternatively, you can always wire in a wall switch, they don’t usually need a wall switch to work.
Most remote-controlled ceiling fans don’t need a wall switch, but you can use a wall switch if you want to. Remote control ceiling fans use a transmitter to control when the fan is turned on or off, which makes a wall switch completely optional.
So, let’s talk more about remote-controlled ceiling fans. I’ll teach you how to install and use a remote-controlled ceiling fan and give you some advice for finding the best ceiling fan for you.
Contents
- 1 Does a Ceiling Fan With Remote Need a Wall Switch?
- 2 How Do Ceiling Fans With a Remote Control Work?
- 3 The Best Remote Control Fans and Transmitter Kits Reviewed
- 4 How To Wire a Remote Control Ceiling Fan Without a Switch
- 5 How To Install a Remote Control Transmitter Kit in Your Ceiling Fan
- 6 Final Thoughts
- 7 Sources
Does a Ceiling Fan With Remote Need a Wall Switch?
Ceiling fans with a remote control don’t need a wall switch since all the functions can be controlled from the remote. It’s perfectly possible to wire a ceiling fan directly to a junction box without a switch or controller in between.
Usually the remote control can turn the fan on/off, change the speed and turn the light on or off. Those are all the functions that would otherwise be controlled with a wall control panel.
However, when the remote runs out of batteries, it will be impossible to do anything to the ceiling fan without the wall switch. It’s usually pretty easy to change the batteries on a remote so this is not a huge problem.
How Do Ceiling Fans With a Remote Control Work?
Remote-controlled ceiling fans use the same controls as most fans do, but you can change all fan settings with your remote control.
Ceiling fans with a remote control work because they have a radio or infrared transmitter wired inside of them. The transmitter connects to your remote control and sends transmissions to the fan when the remote is used.
The transmission mechanism inside your fan then adjusts the power setting, changing the fan’s speed, turning it off or on, or adjusting the optional light on your fan. Because the transmitter can control your fan, you don’t need a wall switch to adjust the settings.
You can use the remote control for any adjustments you need to make.
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The Best Remote Control Fans and Transmitter Kits Reviewed
No matter whether you’re in the market for a new remote control fan or you want to install a remote transmitter on your pre-existing fan, you’ll want something you can rely on.
Some of the best remote control ceiling fan products include:
- Hunter Brand Fans
- Honeywell Carmel
- Aubric’s Smart Wifi Ceiling Fan and Light Remote Control Kit
Let’s talk more about the advantages of these fans and transmitters so that you can find the best one for you.
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Hunter Brand Fans
I usually recommend Hunter fans for people who want to upgrade to remote controls. This is because these fans usually last much longer than other fans, and are far less liable to break or malfunction.
My preferred model is the Hunter Signal Indoor Ceiling Fan from Amazon.com. It is classy, efficient, silent, well-balanced, and reliable, while at the same time, it has a stunning yet subtle design that combines beauty with the utility of your ceiling fan.
Honeywell’s Carmel 48” Ceiling Fan
Honeywell’s Carmel 48” (1.21-m) ceiling fan, available on Amazon.com, is another excellent choice. It has a stunning design with reversible blades and doesn’t wobble when it runs. This fan is also easy to install independently, so you won’t need to worry about complicated installation instructions.
It also has lights that you can control with the remote, making it easy to adjust your airflow and lighting from one easy place, all without a wall switch.
Aubric Ceiling Fan and Light Remote Control Kit
Even if your ceiling fan doesn’t have a remote control, you can always install one on your own. I recommend Aubric’s Smart Wifi Ceiling Fan and Light Remote Control Kit from Amazon.com, as I’ve found it to be more reliable than most other transmitters.
It is also much simpler to install and works with most fans, even the ones that aren’t compatible with other remote controls. You can turn your old fan into a trusty, remote-controlled fan with this kit.
How To Wire a Remote Control Ceiling Fan Without a Switch
Wiring a remote control ceiling fan is simple, and if you aren’t using a wall switch, it is even easier. Before you install your remote control fan, you will have to remove the old one.
To replace your old fan and wire your remote control fan:
- Turn off your old fan’s power from the circuit breaker in your home to avoid electrocution.
- Remove any lightbulb covers and light bulbs.
- Remove the canopy of your fan and place it to the side.
- Unplug the wires from your old fan. Make sure the wire nuts you remove are easily accessible.
- Remove your old ceiling fan.
- To install the new fan, first, connect the white wires and replace the wire cap.
- Connect the green wire or bare wire in your ceiling. Then, connect the black wires.
- Finally, connect the blue wire to your fan’s last wire to power the lights.
- Screw the canopy into the ceiling.
- Turn the power supply back on.
- Follow your fan’s instructions to pair your remote control.
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How To Install a Remote Control Transmitter Kit in Your Ceiling Fan
Installing a remote control transmitter into your fan is fairly simple as long as you have a ladder that reaches your ceiling. Keep in mind that instructions may differ from product to product.
However, in general, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Turn off the power supply for your ceiling fan using your circuit breaker.
- Remove the light bulbs and light covers on the fan.
- Remove the canopy of your fan.
- Disconnect the wires.
- Follow the instructions on your remote receiver’s manual to determine what wires need to be connected to the power, fan, and fan’s light.
- Connect the wires using wire nuts. Screw the nuts onto the cable ends tightly to ensure that they don’t come loose.
- Screw your ceiling fan back into your ceiling bracket.
- Turn your fan’s electricity back on.
- Turn the fan on to ensure that you connected the wires correctly.
- Follow the instructions in the receiver’s user manual.
- Wait a few seconds, then test your remote control.
Now, you’re all done.
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For more help, you can also refer to this helpful video on installing a ceiling fan with remote control:
Final Thoughts
Remote control ceiling fans don’t need a wall switch to work, though you can always use one to make your life simpler. There are plenty of excellent remote control fans on the market, and you can even use a remote transmitter kit to turn your old fan onto a convenient, remote-controlled version of itself. Installing remote control fans is simple, and most people can do it themselves.
