How do I properly wire a ceiling fan motor for connection to an electrical socket?

Question

I have taken apart a ceiling fan so that I can use the motor from it for a science project. I need to know how to properly connect the wires coming from the fan motor to an electrical cord (the type used in the United States). I have a three meter long section of electrical cord with the standard two prongs on the end (one prong is wider than the other). The "input" wires for the fan motor are white and black.

How do I properly connect the white and black wires from the fan motor to the two wires on the electrical cord? Does it or doesn't it matter which prong on the electrical cord is connected to the white and black wires? I know that the white wire is known as the "neutral" and the black wire is known as the "hot" but I am not sure what that means for what I am trying to do.

diyguy · Accepted Answer

If you can determine which wire comes from the wider prong, that should be the neutral (white). The narrower prong is normally the hot (black). Then connect white to white and black to black. This should properly connect the cord to the fan motor.

You can purchase wire-nut type connectors at any hardware or electrical store. These will twist onto the bare stranded or solid wire to make the connections. If not sure, ask the store clerk how to use them. You do not need solder or tape for these connections. 

Good luck.

How do I properly wire a ceiling fan motor for connection to an electrical socket?

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