The most complex fans have just a few extra wires to run a light fixture.
Ceiling fans are simple structures. Electrical lines feed into the fan which are routed through a pull-chain before connecting to the motor. Most ceiling fans last for decades without breaking down. The most common cause of a ceiling fan not working is a damaged wall switch, circuit breaker or pull-chain. Less common damage involves the motor burning out.
Pull-Chain
A ceiling fan that does not activate when pulling the chain typically means the switch connected to the chain is damaged. This type of damage is characterized by looseness in the chain or a lack of a clicking sound when pulling on the chain. Replacement of the pull chain switch requires removing the cover to the switch, which is usually held on with three screws. The switch is held in place with a retaining nut on the inside and a retaining cap on the outside. Remove the retaining cap, and the switch is pulled out from the inside. Switches have two to three wires that are color coded for easy replacement.
Circuit Breaker
The most common problem arises with a blown circuit breaker. The ceiling fan does not have any on-board fuses to protect the electrical components. The unit relies upon the the circuit panel for protection. An electrical spike or grounded wire can trigger the circuit breaker to flip. Always inspect the circuit breaker panel if the pull chain emits an audible click but does not activate the fan. If the breaker flips frequently during the operation of the fan, you may have an underlying electrical problem.
Wall Switch
The main component of the fan's electrical system is the wall switch. A damaged wall switch will show signs of burning, such as black discoloration or melted components. The switch interrupts the main wiring coming from the circuit breaker panel to the fan. If the fan is triggering the breaker to flip frequently, but the wall-switch does not show any sign of damage, hire an electrician to trace the lines. The electrical wires are crossed at some point, causing a short, which creates a fire and personal injury hazard.
Motor
Rarely does the motor fail. Continuous use at high speeds can cause a motor to seize up. Usually, allowing the motor to cool for a long period will correct the problem. If the motor overheats too much, the inner components could become welded together, permanently locking the motor. Pulling the chain will cause a small whirring noise in the fan, but the blades will not move. Signs of a burned-out motor are smoke, soot around the holes on the side of the motor or high-pitched squeals. The squeal will occur when the motor is beginning to seize up.
Tags: circuit breaker, breaker flip, breaker panel, circuit breaker panel, damaged wall, damaged wall switch, does activate