Ceiling Fan on a 3-Way

[HeelSpur]

Need some good advice.
Got an upstairs porch light that is on a 3-way switch,
one switch upstairs and one downstairs. I want to replace
the light with a ceiling fan, but on the hot days I want the
fan to be continuosly run. Another words stay hot while
the light can be operated by the switches.
What is the best and safest way to do this?
The ceiling is not enclosed so I do have easy access.

 

[lametec]

How will you be turning the fan on/off? Are you adding a wall switch, or using the built-in switch in the fan?

Either way, a 4+ground NM cable is what you need. You'll already have a 3+g wire running to the fan from the "feeder switch" (one that the hot line comes in to). You'll be replacing this cable with your new one, and using the additional conductor to power the fan.

 

[HeelSpur]

How will you be turning the fan on/off? Are you adding a wall switch, or using the built-in switch in the fan?

Either way, a 4+ground NM cable is what you need. You'll already have a 3+g wire running to the fan from the "feeder switch" (one that the hot line comes in to). You'll be replacing this cable with your new one, and using the additional conductor to power the fan.

I'm gonna have to add a switch because the fan will be out of reach to use the built in switch.

 

[pattenp]

How can you say this without knowing how the existing light is wired.The power source could be at the light or at one of the switches. The 3w/g may only be running between the switch boxes and not go to the light box.

How will you be turning the fan on/off? Are you adding a wall switch, or using the built-in switch in the fan?

Either way, a 4+ground NM cable is what you need. You'll already have a 3+g wire running to the fan from the "feeder switch" (one that the hot line comes in to). You'll be replacing this cable with your new one, and using the additional conductor to power the fan.

 

[HeelSpur]

The power comes in at the upsatairs switch.
I guess the easiest method would be to just have another switch
put in from another hot source and run a wire for just the ceiling fan.
Would that be the simplest solution?

 

[lametec]

How can you say this

Easy, by opening mouth and inserting foot.

I guess I just thought it would be that way because that's how I'd do it. You're right, though, it doesn't necessarily have to be that way.

 

[pattenp]

Without knowing the exact wiring setup of the existing 3 way it's hard to say. But my gut feeling is to take the power from the upstairs switch and add the fan switch and wire as you are thinking.

The power comes in at the upsatairs switch.
I guess the easiest method would be to just have another switch
put in from another hot source and run a wire for just the attic fan.
Would that be the simplest solution?

 

[pattenp]

No foul.. I've put my foot in my mouth on more than one occasion. It is just so hard to give people guidance on wiring stuff like this without being there to see exactly what they got. There are multiple ways those wires could be run.

Easy, by opening mouth and inserting foot.

I guess I just thought it would be that way because that's how I'd do it. You're right, though, it doesn't necessarily have to be that way.

 

[merlin5353]

Without knowing the exact wiring setup of the existing 3 way it's hard to say. But my gut feeling is to take the power from the upstairs switch and add the fan switch and wire as you are thinking.

Yep, that's what I've done before. I'm a retired electrician.