How to Repair a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch

Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch
Ceiling Fan Electrical Repair Question: My ceiling fan chain will not turn the light fixture back on after I pulled it to shut it off.

• The ceiling fan and pull chain work OK, but I can’t get the pull chain switch to work for the ceiling fan light.
• I have checked to make sure that the light switch is in the ON position. How can I fix this?

This home electrical repairs question came from: Anita in Rhode Island.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Repair Question Anita.

Repair a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch

What to do When a Pull Chain Switch Stops Working

Pull chain switches for light fixtures and ceiling fans can become a problem over time due to internal worn out parts, a broken pull chain and in some cases the pull chain switch contacts may just wear out and stop working. The first thing I would do in a situation like this is to consider replacing the pull chain light switch. If the pull chain is jammed or stuck and it will not move either way then get some Non-Conductive lubricant spray such as the CRC brand and spray a small amount into the opening where the pull chain leads into the switch, because sometimes the switch mechanism binds up, so the Non-Conductive spray lubricant may do the trick. After spraying gently work the pull chain to try to get it to function On and OFF. If this does not work then the pull chain switch should be replaced with the identical switch.

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Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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