Reply To: Miscellaneous Electric Tips

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The splice currently in the fixture box (before a ceiling fan is added) is to run the wires to the switch box, where the switch can control the current going to the fixture.

A benefit of this (switch after) setup is that the new fan has a hot it can splice into without running any new lines.

A downside to this setup is that if you wanted to control the light with a timer that needs its own neutral for the clock (such as an Intermatic mechanical wall timer), you’d be out of luck; there’s no neutral in the switch box. Your only options would be to: a) run a three-conductor cable from the fixture box to the switch box or b) connect the timer’s neutral to the switch box (if the switch box is properly grounded). Option “b)” is not according to code, and I don’t recommend it, but I’ve seen it done. In these cases, it’s much better to just get a wall timer that doesn’t need a neutral.