overhead fan / light

[pudgybear]

I don't know how to say this so: just reinstalled a light fan combo, previous Homeowner took the light switch and light, i have a replacement light/fan and just bought a double wall switch, my question is how do i wire the wall switch, I want the top switch to operate the light and the bottom switch to operate the fan, my able assistant says she thought we had to break off the connecting brass tab so now i have power to the light but not to the fan, other than buying a new switch can i hook this up with the tab broker? There is 3 wires coming into the wall switch - 2 black 1 red and all the whites are wire nutted togethered i know this is clear as Mud - but hers hoping someone can help

 

[pattenp]

You only break off the tab if using two different powered circuits. If switching 2 devices with one power source the tab stays. Since the tab has been removed you will need to have two pigtails off of the one hot wire to the two hot(copper color) terminals on the switch.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yup! Don't bust off the tab unless u got 2 power sources. Your assistant needs some more training!