Why Ceiling Fan Lights Flash or Strobe
|
I installed new ceiling fans with lights, why do some lights strobe and flash? How to Fix Ceiling Fan Lights that Strobe or Flash. © By: Dave Rongey |
Problem with Ceiling Fan Lights
Electrical Question: I installed new ceiling fans with lights, why do some lights strobe and flash?
My electrical wiring project involves a problem with the ceiling fan lights in our home.
- Installed four new ceiling fans with lights. I added generic remote controls to all four units. In one room only, the fan and lights work fine as long as I use the wall switch for off and on control. The pull chain switches on the fans work as they should. However, if I turn off the lights using the remote control, three of the lights out of four on the fan strobe. What is the problem?!
This electrical wiring question came from Evelyn, a Handywoman in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Additional Comments: Your website is always a source for experienced, knowledgeable experts. I have recommended it to friends.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Evelyn.
Problem with Ceiling Fan Lights that Strobe or Flash
Application: Fix a Ceiling Fan Light Problem.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Ceiling Fan Light, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Ceiling Fan Light should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
How to Fix Ceiling Fan Lights that Strobe or Flash
Common Cause of Ceiling Fan Light Problems
The most common cause of ceiling fan lights that strobe like this is due to wrong size light bulbs, more specifically, the light bulb size may be too large, so I would check this first and make sure they are the recommended size.
Additional Possibilities with Ceiling Fan Light Strobe
Because the lights strobe when the remote is used to turn them off the remote control module may not be wired correctly – so double check the wire connections and make sure they are correct according to the wiring diagram and instructions which were provided with the remote control units.
Are you using LED light bulbs? If so make sure the remote control unit is fully compatible with LED lights, and make sure the LED lights are Dimmable.
Check the Ceiling Fan Remote Control
Are the remote control modules addressed individually?
If the remote modules are set to the same address this could cause confusion with other modules in the same location. Generally this is not a problem, but it would depend on the specific control modules you have.
More about How to Fix a Problem Ceiling Fan Lights
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 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.
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 Ceiling Fans, Electrical Wiring, Flashing Lights and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
How to Wire a Switch for a New Light Fixture |
Using the Right Tools for the Job |
