How to Fix a Broken Fan Pull Chain Switch (with Photos)
- Open the Fan Housing. First, turn off your power at the breaker, then use a ladder to get where you can easily access the inside of the fan housing.
- Locate the Pull Switch. Figure out where the broken fan pull goes into the housing. ...
- Remove and Replace the Chain Pull Switch. ...
Full Answer
How do you fix a broken ceiling fan pull chain?
Learn more... If your ceiling fan pull chain is broken because it was pulled out of the switch, there's an easy way to fix it. Open up the switch in the ceiling fan and remove the broken piece of chain before replacing it with a longer one.
Why is my fan not working when I pull the chain?
If your ceiling fan or the light on the fan doesn't work when the chain is pulled, then the problem is most likely a broken fan pull chain switch. The switch will also need to be replaced if the chain will not pull down or if it broke off inside the fan housing.
Do ceiling fans have a pull chain on them?
Ceiling fans have been around since the late 1800s, but the design hasn’t changed much in all that time. Most ceiling fans have pull chains, which you use to turn your fan on and off. If your ceiling fan pull chain breaks, you may be able to fix it with some simple tools.
When should I replace the pull chain on my fan?
The switch will also need to be replaced if the chain will not pull down or if it broke off inside the fan housing. Although you could call a professional to repair your fan, replacing the pull chain is fairly easy and could save you a lot of money.
How do you fix the pull chain on a ceiling fan?
1:377:50How To Replace A Broken Pull Chain Switch On A Ceiling Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis you unscrew it counterclockwise lefty loosey that piece comes off that's what's holding it inMoreThis you unscrew it counterclockwise lefty loosey that piece comes off that's what's holding it in place and then you can just push that back in and you can see that. This is the piece that.
How do you reattach a pull chain?
1:212:33Fix a Snapped Fan Pull Chain at No Cost, How to - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the other end of the spring. Slots into the channel there. So when you're putting it backMoreAnd the other end of the spring. Slots into the channel there. So when you're putting it back together I'm gonna wrap it around feed it through index the other spring. We'll put this play it back in.
How do you fix a broken pull chain?
What to Do When the Pull Chain for a Light Is StuckTurn off the power.Remove the lightbulb, fixture, covers, and accessories.Unhook the wiring.Replace the old switch and chain with new ones.Reattach the wires.Put all covers, accessories, and the fixture back in place.Reinsert the lightbulb.Turn on the power.More items...
How do I fix the light pull on my ceiling fan?
0:042:39How to Repair a Ceiling Fan Light Pull Cord - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to try to leave as much wire in there as possible. We are going to unscrew. The pull chainMoreI'm going to try to leave as much wire in there as possible. We are going to unscrew. The pull chain switch. Now with your new switch.
Are ceiling fan pull chain switches Universal?
Switches are not universal, so you will likely have to remove the defective switch before searching for a replacement part.
How do I turn my fan off without a chain?
Assuming that you have already exhausted other options (e.g., using the remote or wall switch), turning off the ceiling fan without its pull chain means cutting its power draw from its connected circuit breaker. Go to your home's fuse box and shut off the switch connected to the ceiling fan.
How do you replace a pull chain socket?
3:137:23Pull Chain Lamp Socket - How to Repair / Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd notice how there's one gold screw and one silver screw that designates which way to connect theMoreAnd notice how there's one gold screw and one silver screw that designates which way to connect the wires you want to connect the the hot lead to the gold screw.
How do you replace a ceiling fan pull switch?
0:213:18How to replace a Pull Chain Switch on Ceiling Fan. Easy! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first thing you want to do is remove these screws right here there's three of them there'sMoreSo the first thing you want to do is remove these screws right here there's three of them there's another one on this side. So let's do that all right before you take off the last screw.
Can you fix a pull string light?
Many ceiling fans and some ceiling light fixtures use pull chains to operate the unit. Most commonly found in ceiling fans, these chains can break down and stop working. Unfortunately, the only practical way to resolve this issue is to replace the chain.
How do you replace a pull chain light switch?
0:002:33How to Replace a Pull Chain Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHello again this is oscar moreno with moreno custom home visions and today we're going to teach youMoreHello again this is oscar moreno with moreno custom home visions and today we're going to teach you guys how to replace a pull chain switch. Real simple tools that you're going to need is a pair of
How do you reattach a pull cord light switch?
1:164:16How To Repair A Pull Chain Light Fixture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo with the fixture out you'll notice we've got two screws here holding our white wire and our blackMoreSo with the fixture out you'll notice we've got two screws here holding our white wire and our black wire. To this fixture we're going to loosen those screws.
How do you put a chain back on a ceiling fan?
4:517:09Ceiling Fan Pull Switch Broken Chain Replace Fix Hampton Bay - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you're going to first put the chain. In. There we go so you're gonna put the chain through theMoreSo you're going to first put the chain. In. There we go so you're gonna put the chain through the first follow up with the rest of the switch. And now it's sticking out of the hole there.
How do you put a pull chain on a fluorescent light fixture?
How to Add a Pull Chain to a Light FixtureDrill a Hole in the Base of the Fixture. This is your customized pull chain light fixture. ... Install the Switch. ... Remove the Fixture Cover. ... Twist the White Wires on the Switch and Fixture Together then Cap Them. ... Replace the Cover. ... Convenience. ... Money-Saving. ... Aesthetics.More items...
Can you replace just the pull chain on a light fixture?
Pull chain light fixtures are easy to replace when the switch wears out or breaks. We show you how to replace it safely and quickly. It'll only take about 15 minutes.
What does it mean when a ceiling fan is not chained?
When no ceiling fan chain is visible, this likely means that the pull within the ceiling fan has broken near or inside the ceiling fan pull switch. In that case, proceed to the next step.
What happens when a ceiling fan chain breaks?
External: When the ceiling fan chain breaks outside of the fan housing, it usually breaks somewhere at mid-point. The break is visible and easily accessible. The break can be repaired with an extension chain. Internal: When the ceiling fan chain breaks inside of the fan housing, it remains an inexpensive repair but more work is involved.
How long does it take to repair a ceiling fan chain?
There are two types of ceiling fan chain breaks: external or internal to the fan housing. The first repair is simple and takes only a few minutes. The second repair is more involved and usually requires some disassembly.
Why do ceiling fans break?
So many ceiling fan chains break and disappear internally—rather than in the more convenient external spot—because the hole on the fan housing is a friction point. With the chain continually rubbing against the sides of the metal collar, breakage is inevitable.
How long has Lee been remodeling?
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
Can you fix a pull chain switch?
Do not attempt to fix the pull chain switch. Instead, it is easier and safer to discard the old switch and replace it with a new switch. Ceiling fan pull switch kits are inexpensive and readily available online.
Do ceiling fans save energy?
A ceiling fan is a great addition to any home. Not only does it provide a handsome look and a refreshing flow of air, but it can also save you energy year-round. During the winter, the fan pushes warm air down into living areas. During the summer, it draws warm air upward and away. Yet for all of their marvels, many ceiling fans rely on a quite low-tech way of controlling the fan: a chain. And where there is a chain, there is eventually a broken chain.
What to do if you have to disconnect a fan?
If you must disconnect the wires, use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is off. Also, take a picture of the wire connections before disconnecting anything so you can reassemble the fan properly later. Advertisement.
How many wires do you need for a pull switch?
Generally speaking, the most important thing to know before buying a pull switch is whether you need one with two or three wires. Do not buy one before opening your fan unless you buy one of each and plan to return the one you do not use.
Why won't my ceiling fan work?
If your ceiling fan or the light on the fan doesn't work when the chain is pulled, then the problem is most likely a broken fan pull chain switch. The switch will also need to be replaced if the chain will not pull down or if it broke off inside the fan housing. Although you could call a professional to repair your fan, replacing the pull chain is fairly easy and could save you a lot of money.
Who is Jill Harness?
Jill Harness is a blogger with experience covering architecture, design and decor trends from around the globe. As she lives in what would politely be called a "fixer upper," she is particularly interested in writing about DIY projects and repairs. Most of her home design writing can be found at www.homesandhues.com.
What is wrong with my ceiling fan?
The first being that the chain might have cut or gotten broken. Or that the pull switch on the inside of the fan is faulty.
What is a chain pull remote?
This is an alternative option for using a wall switch or remote. It functions with a chain or string. One pull of the string signals on, while a second pull will toggle the appliance off.
What happens if you don't stretch your ceiling fan?
If you aren’t high enough and try to stretch, you could fall or damage a part of the ceiling fan in the process. So, please try to get as high (and stable) as you can.
Why won't my ceiling fan respond after pulling the chain?
Before putting everything back in, do a double check on the wiring of the ceiling fan and fan light. Sometimes, the wiring might get loose in the process, thereby , causing the ceiling fan to not respond after pulling the chain. Conclusion.
Where is the pull switch on a fan?
The pull switch is located inside the fan kit, so, you will need to remove the fan and fan light housing to access the switch. However, it is very important that you turn off the fan light switch and also head to the circuit breaker for your home and cut the power for the fan before removing the kit.
What is a step ladder?
A Step Ladder. All tools are important to accomplish this task, however, this one is essential to be able to even start. Considering that ceiling fans are pretty heavy and also at the ceiling, you will need some aid to reach it. Depending on how high the ceiling of your room is, you can also make use of furniture.
What to do if fan doesn't start working?
If it does not start working immediately, then you need go back and do a check. You probably left something out while reassembling the parts of the fan.
Determining where the pull chain broke
Part of the pull chain is inside the housing of the fan and the rest is hanging outside. To replace or repair a broken pull chain you first have to identify where the breakage is;
Turn off electricity
Before starting your repair work, take safety precautions. Turn off the fan switch on the wall panel. Also, always turn off your power at your breaker box when working on the wiring. After opening the fan housing, use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is turned off.
Remove the fan housing
If you cannot see any pull chain fragment outside the fan housing, it means you will have to remove the housing to see the extent of the damage. It may be a broken pull chain, or the switch itself may be damaged and needs replacing with a new one.
What to do if you don't know which switch is for the ceiling fan?
If you’re not sure which switch is for the room with the ceiling fan, turn off the main power just to be safe.
What to do if your ceiling fan switch is broken?
If your switch is completely broken, purchase a replacement at a local hardware store before removing the old one and installing the new switch. Make sure you turn the power source off before taking apart the ceiling fan to be safe. Steps.
How to tell if a switch is good?
You will need a power tester with a light. Check each terminal for power with the switch on and off -- if it lights up when you turn the switch on , it is a good switch.
How to disconnect a switch from a switch?
Disconnect the wires attached to the old switch. Pulling or twisting off the connectors that hold together the wires will disconnect them from the old switch. Remove each wire that’s attached to the old switch by pulling off the connectors, and take the old switch out.
How to remove a switch from the wiring?
Pop open the switch using a small screwdriver. Leverage open the tabs along the switch using a screwdriver. Once you separate it into its 2 pieces, the things inside of it, like the chain and spring, will be visible. With the switch open, remove it from the wiring by pulling the wires out from the switch.
How to fix a broken switch?
Now that the switch is loosened from the fixture, look at it up close. If the wiring of the switch is broken, replace it completely. Leverage the switch open using a screwdriver to see if the chain just needs to be replaced with a longer piece, or if it would be best to get a new switch all together.
How to reassemble a switch?
Reassemble the switch by putting the chain and spring back into place. Put the spring and chain attached to the disc back into the switch. Pull the chain through the hole in the switch so you can pull on it easily . If you popped off a protective plate that holds everything together, press this back into place too.
What is wrong with my ceiling fan?
However, one of the most common problems among ceiling fan owners is a broken pull chain . More specifically, a ceiling pull chain that is stuck and not functioning correctly. If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re in luck because it’s ...
What to do if ceiling fan pull chain is stuck?
The pull chain is attached to the switch, and the easiest way to fix this problem is to install an entirely new switch.
Why does my ceiling fan snap?
A broken pull chain or chain that is too short to access is another common issue among ceiling fan owners. They’re relatively fragile, and if too much pressure is applied, they can snap easily.
How to get electrical wires to pass through switch?
To properly allow the electrical connection to pass through the wires of the new switch, you’ll need to strip the insulation off the ends. Using a wire stripper, remove about 0.5 to 0.75 inches of insulation. To strip, cut into the insulation first and then pull it to the end of the wire.
How to connect wires to a new wire?
Most wires are color-coded, so this step should be relatively easy. Tightly twist the wires together in a clockwise motion and cover them with a twist-on connector. Make sure that the connector covers the entire bare wire.
Where is the nut on a light switch?
Locate and remove the nut on the side of the fixture. There will be a small nut visible on the side of the fixture that you’ll need to unscrew in order to access the switch.
What does it mean when you hear chirping in your RV?
When you are in your RV, you want to be able to enjoy your time. Any disturbances can make things stressful and even require a fix. So, when you hear that “chirp, chirp, chirp” of the carbon...
Do You Need to Replace the Chain If It Breaks Midway?
If your ceiling fan chain breaks at the midpoint, it breaks outside the fan housing. It is visible, accessible, and easy to remedy. Just buy and attach an extension chain.
Can You Convert a Pull Chain Fan to a Wall Switch?
Yes. Although the process is more in-depth than merely putting a pull chain back on a ceiling fan, it can be done. You will need to install a ceiling fan wall switch and probably run the wires from the fan to the switch. In many cases, it might be better to call a professional.
What If You Want to Bypass a 3 Speed Fan Switch?
If you want to control the fan speed from a ceiling fan wall switch, you will need to install a 3-speed fan control rather than a regular wall switch.
How to remove white cover on chainsaw?
Remove the white cover by unscrewing the nut on the bottom from where the chain is hanging.
Where does a ceiling fan chain break?
Ceiling fan pull chains can break in two different ways: Chain breaks somewhere in the middle, outside the fan housing. In this case, the chain can be fixed by adding an extension chain. Chain breaks inside the fan housing.
Can you see a chain on a fan?
The chain will not be visible from the outside, so the fan housing must be opened to replace the chain or the pull chain switch itself.
