Pick your part type, then your model to find the wiring diagram and instructions for your ceiling fan part.
Not sure which switch you have? Count the wires and read the number on the old switch in the Ceiling Fan Switch Guide.
Before you start: turn off the fan at the circuit breaker, not only at the wall switch.
Two things matter most when matching a switch: the order the terminal numbers run (clockwise or counterclockwise) and the terminal the black (hot) wire attaches to, such as L or 3.
Choose your part type
3 speed, 4-wire and 5-8 wire
Single and dual wafer switches. Match the black wire terminal for your model
Common questions
Which wire goes on L?
On most 3 speed switches the black wire from the ceiling goes on L, but one layout uses terminal 3. Check the diagram for your exact model before connecting anything.
Can I use a 3 speed switch on a 2 speed fan?
No. A 3 speed switch needs a fan with three speed wires. A 2 speed fan only has two, so it needs a 2 speed switch.
How do I tell which type of switch I have?
Count the wires connected to the switch and the pull positions. A 3 speed, 4-wire switch has the terminals L, 1, 2 and 3 and four pull positions: Off, High, Medium and Low. The Ceiling Fan Switch Guide helps you match it.
Do the wire colors matter?
Colors can differ between fans. Go by the terminal letters and numbers on the switch and by the diagram for your model.
Do I need to turn off the power?
Yes. Turn off the fan at the circuit breaker, not only at the wall switch, and check that it is dead before touching any wire.
What if my old switch has different numbers or letters?
Look for a number printed on the old switch and match it in the diagrams, or use the Ceiling Fan Switch Guide to find your replacement by wire count.
Can I replace my switch with another brand?
Yes, if it has the same number of speeds and wires and the same terminal layout. The two most important things to compare are the order the terminal numbers run around the switch (clockwise or counterclockwise) and the terminal the black (hot) wire attaches to, such as L or 3.