We replaced a fan that required the three wires, white, black and red with one that is controlled by a remote and only uses the white and black wires. My question…since there’s a light switch that used to control the light can I use the red wire and switch to control 4 can (pot) LED lights? Thanks for the information.
Electrical – Unused red fan wire
electrical
Related Solutions
Your problem is actually very easy to fix based on the information you've given -- simply replace the outlet with a new one without breaking the tab off the hot side, connect the black wire to the hot screw on the outlet, and cap off the red wire at the outlet with a wirenut instead of connecting it to the new outlet.
Reference the UC9031 installation instructions (PDF). Your picture shows:
And the backside of that model:
Is there another wirenut not shown? Otherwise, there is no separate connection for the nightlight.
In order to be able to switch off everything at the wall you will need:
- Short length of #12 or #14 wire for pigtail(s).
- Larger wirenut sufficient for joining 4 wires. Those yellow nuts are not big enough.
The new switch should be wired like:
- Make sure power is off and consult an electrician if you're unsure about anything.
- Label all the wires from the wall before disconnecting the old switch.
- Leave the neutral alone.
- Wire the fan, light, a 6 to 8 inch pigtail, and the nightlight wire (if any) together.
- Connect the other end of the pigtail to the switch as shown.
Best Answer
You'll run a /2 cable to the fan-box from the can-lights and connect bare to the rest of the bares, white to the rest of the whites, and black on the new cable to the existing red wire -- wire-nuts or Wagos are available at any big-box or hardware store. Just watch your box fill and make sure you aren't overstuffing the junction box -- you may need a round/octagon volume marked mud ring to add a few extra cubic inches with the additional cable/clamp installed.
And yes, don't put the can lights where the fan blades can block them, otherwise you'll get annoying shadows when both are on.