How to Repair a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch
|
What to do When a Pull Chain Switch Stops Working: How to Fix a Pull chain switch for light fixtures and ceiling fans. |
Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch
[ad#block]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.
More about Ceiling Fans
How to Install Ceiling Fans
Take the mystery out of ceiling fan wiring. Ceiling Fans are a great way to lower your energy bill and brighten up one of your favorite rooms.
How to Install Ceiling Fans and Wiring
Step-by-step pictures – Easy wiring diagrams and installation guide – Light and fan switch variations.
Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagrams
Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #1
Ceiling Fan Wiring diagram #2
Ceiling Fan Installation #1
Ceiling Fan Installation #2
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
How to Install Home Lighting
Lighting Electrical Codes
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
||
| More articles about Electrical Repair and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Wiring GFI Outlets in a Kitchen | Telephone Wiring for an External Bell |
I followed the exact instructions that Dave posted above. I used a little lubricant and sprayed it up there and the chain came loose. It works like new! Thanks a million Dave!
I have tried the electrical lubricant and it failed to loosen my stuck switch. How do I remove the switch. I have loosened the the four screws around the top of the cover which house the switches but I can’t remove the cover. What am I failing to loosen.
Hi Terry,
Some ceiling fan light fixtures have a blank cover at the bottom that may be removed to gain access to the pull chain switch, it depends on the type of light fixture you have. I recently repaired a pull chain switch that had the same problem. I tried using some lubricant too, however I ended up taking the light fixture cover off to see what was wrong. I discovered that the housing of the switch had loosened up and pulled apart slightly, so I snapped the housing back together, wrapped it with electrical tape to reinforce it and it worked just fine. I will still get a replacement switch and change it out.
I hope this helps you,
Dave