Wiring diagram and instructions for the Zing Ear ZE-268S6, a 3 speed, 4-wire pull chain fan switch. The black wire goes on terminal L, and the terminals run 1-2-L-3 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-L-3 in a counterclockwise direction.
- The black wire (AC line/power) is attached to terminal L.
- The internal positions are Off, L-1, L-2-3 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.
ZE-268S6 wiring diagram
Pull positions
| Pull position | Speed | Connected terminals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Off | None |
| 2 | High | L-1 |
| 3 | Medium | L-2-3 |
| 4 | Low | L-3 |
How to wire the ZE-268S6
- 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 L | Terminal 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor Breeze | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Purple |
| Harbor Breeze | Brown | Gray | Black (AC line/power) | Purple |
| Harbor Breeze | Yellow | Pink | Black (AC line/power) | Gray |
| Harbor Breeze | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Green |
| Hampton Bay | Purple | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Gray |
| Hampton Bay | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Purple |
| Hampton Bay | Red | Purple | Black (AC line/power) | Yellow |
| Hampton Bay | Orange | Purple | Black (AC line/power) | Yellow |
| Hampton Bay | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Green |
| Hunter | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Green |
| Monte Carlo | White | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Purple |
| Kichler | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Purple |
| Home Decorators | Black | Red | Black (AC line/power) | Yellow |
| Minka Aire | Gray | Brown | Black (AC line/power) | Purple |
Capacitor connections
This is how the switch terminals connect to the fan capacitor. Terminal L is the exception: it takes the black wire (AC line/power) from the ceiling fan.
| Switch terminal | Connects to |
|---|---|
| 1 | The common wire from the capacitor |
| 2 | The larger (higher) reading from the capacitor |
| L | The black wire (AC line/power), not the capacitor |
| 3 | The smaller (lower) reading from the capacitor |
Your fan’s capacitor wire positions may vary.
Capacitor information
Your capacitor may vary. It may have 4 to 5 wires with 2 or 3 microfarad (µF) readings, or 3 wires of different colors. The capacitor usually has 2 wires on one end: 2 gray, 2 yellow or 2 black. One of these wires connects to terminal 1 on the switch.
Common capacitors used with the ZE-268S6:
- YCE 74133-01
- C61
- CBB61
- SK HV30
Questions about the ZE-268S6
How do I know if the ZE-268S6 will fit my fan?
Check your old switch: the terminals should run 1-2-L-3 counterclockwise with the black wire on L, and the rating should match 6A 125VAC / 3A 250VAC.
Can I use the ZE-268S6 to replace the ZE-208S6?
Yes. The ZE-268S6 is the direct replacement for the older ZE-208S6. It is also compatible with other 3 speed, 4-wire switches such as the Well Tec WTC-1, Shine Top LS-102 and Sun-Lite SL-A-300.
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. The black wire from the ceiling fan goes on L.
My fan is stuck on one speed. Will this fix it?
Often, yes. A worn contact inside the pull chain switch is a common reason a fan stays on one speed or will not change speeds.
The fan hums but does not move. What is wrong?
A hum means power reaches the motor but the circuit is incomplete or wired wrong. Check that all four wires are pushed fully into the right terminals. If the wiring is correct, the fan capacitor may have failed.
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