Ceiling fans are great for circulating the air in the home. The most abused part of the ceiling fan is the pull chain, which is connected to the motor switch. Pull chains get broken off and motor switches simply go bad from constant use. When this happens you can replace the ceiling fan motor switch yourself.
Ceiling fan motor switches are available at most hardware stores. It is a good idea to remove the old one first so that you can match the new switch exactly. Depending upon your ceiling fan, the switch could control speed, lights or both.
Instructions
1. Turn the circuit breaker off to the ceiling fan. The circuit breaker for the ceiling fan is inside the home electrical panel.
2. Remove the screws that secure the switch housing cover to the ceiling fan with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The housing cover is near the pull switch of the ceiling fan. Remove the cover from the ceiling fan.
3. Label each of the wires on the pull chain motor switch with masking tape. The motor switch is stamped with numbers or letters. Wrap a small piece of masking tape on each wire and mark the corresponding letter or number on the masking tape with a pencil.
4. Remove the wire nuts from the motor switch by twisting them in a counterclockwise direction with your fingers. Save the wire nuts to reuse when installing the new motor switch. Remove the screw that secures the motor switch to the side of the ceiling fan motor.
5. Take the motor switch with you when you purchase the new switch to be sure the new one matches the old one.. There are different ceiling fan motor switches based on the different speeds the motor switch controls.
6. Insert the new ceiling fan motor switch into the ceiling fan and secure it with the retaining screw. Twist the wires from the motor to the motor switch using the plastic wire nuts. Remove the masking tape from the wires after you have made all the connections.
7. Replace the switch housing cover and secure it with the retaining screws. Turn the circuit breaker back on to the ceiling fan and test out your new switch.
Tags: motor switch, masking tape, ceiling motor, circuit breaker, housing cover, motor switches, wire nuts