Wiring diagram and instructions for the Zing Ear ZE-208S, ZE-268S1 and KTE 3089R, 3 speed, 4-wire pull chain fan switches. The black wire goes on terminal L, and the terminals run 1-2-3-L counterclockwise.
Safety: turn off the electrical current at the source. Skipping this step can cause electric shock, fire, serious injury or death.
Check your old switch first. This wiring diagram is for switches with four terminals where:
- The terminal number sequence is 1-2-3-L in a counterclockwise direction.
- The black wire (AC line/power) is attached to terminal L.
- The internal positions are Off, L-1, L-2 and L-3.
If your old switch does not match all three, these wiring instructions will not work. See all 3 speed, 4-wire switches.
Switches this wiring diagram covers
| Switch | Product page |
|---|---|
| Zing Ear ZE-208S (E-89885) | View the ZE-208S |
| Zing Ear ZE-208S with 4 pre-attached wires (E89885) | View the ZE-208S with wires |
| Zing Ear ZE-268S1 | View the ZE-268S1 |
| KTE 3089R | View the KTE 3089R |
ZE-208S, ZE-268S1 and KTE 3089R wiring diagram
Pull positions
| Pull position | Speed | Connected terminals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Off | None |
| 2 | High | L-1 |
| 3 | Medium | L-2 |
| 4 | Low | L-3 |
How to wire these switches
- Turn off the electrical current at the source.
- Do not cut the wires off the old switch. Multi-strand wires are soldered together, so they can be re-attached to the new switch.
- Note the color of each wire and the terminal number it is attached to.
- Remove the wires from the old switch.
- Make sure each wire lead is the same length as the line beside the word STRIP. If a lead is shorter, strip the wire to make it the same length.
- Attach the wires to the new switch as noted in step 3. Insert the wires into the terminals on the side of the switch, not the holes on the surface.
Wire color and position guide
Your fan’s wire colors and positions may vary. These are common combinations by fan brand. Always go by the terminal number your old switch used.
| Fan brand | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Terminal L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor Breeze | Gray | Brown | Purple | Black (AC line/power) |
| Hunter | Gray | Brown | Green | Black (AC line/power) |
| Hampton Bay | Purple | Brown | Gray | Black (AC line/power) |
| Hampton Bay | Red | Purple | Yellow | Black (AC line/power) |
| Hampton Bay | Gray | Brown | Purple | Black (AC line/power) |
| Sears | Purple | Brown | Gray | Black (AC line/power) |
| Emerson | Gray | Yellow | Purple | Black (AC line/power) |
| Casablanca | Green | Blue | Yellow | Black (AC line/power) |
| iLiving outdoor fan | Blue | White | Red | Black (AC line/power) |
| Some other ceiling fans | Purple | Yellow | Blue | Black (AC line/power) |
| Some basket fans | Red | Blue | Black | Black (AC line/power) |
Capacitor connections
This is where each switch terminal attaches on the fan. Terminal L is the exception: it takes the black wire (AC line/power) from the ceiling fan.
| Switch terminal | Attached to |
|---|---|
| 1 | The reverse switch terminal |
| 2 | The motor wire |
| 3 | The motor wire |
| L | The black wire (AC line/power) |
Your fan’s wire positions may vary.
Capacitor information
Usually, there is no connection between this switch and the fan capacitor. Your capacitor may vary. A fan capacitor normally has one microfarad (µF) reading with 2 to 3 wires, and two of the wires share the same color on one end. For example, one end has 1 white wire while the other end has 2 red wires.
Questions about these switches
Which switches use this wiring diagram?
The Zing Ear ZE-208S (both listings), the Zing Ear ZE-268S1 and the KTE 3089R. They are wired the same way: the black wire goes on terminal L and the terminals run 1-2-3-L counterclockwise.
Where does the black wire go on these switches?
The black wire (AC line/power) goes on terminal L. Terminal number order and the black wire terminal are the two things to match on your old switch.
Can I use this diagram for the ZE-268S6 or KTE 3089B?
No. Not all 3 speed switches are wired alike. The ZE-268S6 has the black wire on L but the terminals run 1-2-L-3, and the KTE 3089B has the black wire on terminal 3. Match your old switch before you use any diagram.
What if my wire colors do not match the table?
Colors vary between fans. Go by the terminal number your old switch used for each wire, not by color, and note them before removing anything.
Is there a connection between this switch and the fan capacitor?
Usually not. The capacitor normally connects to the fan motor wires, not directly to this switch. Your fan may vary.
More wiring help: 3 speed, 4-wire switches · all ceiling fan wiring diagrams · Ceiling Fan Switch Guide · Contact us