Ceiling fans usually have two pull chains. One operates the lights, and the other operates the fan speed. When a pull chain switch spring breaks, you must replace the entire switch. When fixing a sprung chain in a ceiling fan, remove the old one first to purchase the replacement. If you are replacing a fan speed pull chain switch, ensure that you purchase one that handles the correct number of speeds for your fan. You can find replacement switches at home improvement centers and electrical supply stores.
Instructions
Remove Faulty Switch
1. Turn off the circuit breaker to the ceiling fan. Turn the wall switch on and off to ensure that the power is off to the ceiling fan. Set up a stepladder under the fan so that you can reach the housing.
2. Unscrew and remove the light bulbs from the ceiling fan fixture. Turn the screws securing the light bulb covers counterclockwise with your fingers, and remove each of the globes. This makes the housing a little less awkward when removing it from the fan.
3. Locate and remove the three screws securing the lighting canopy to the ceiling fan housing with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the lighting canopy away from the housing until you see the wiring harness connector from the ceiling fan to the lighting canopy. Press the side tabs of the harness with your fingers, and pull the harness connector away from the lighting canopy. Set the canopy out of the way.
4. Find the pull switch inside the ceiling fan housing. Use your electrical touch tester to ensure that the power is off to the fan. Remove the screw securing the faulty pull chain switch to the ceiling fan housing with the Phillips-head screwdriver.
5. Turn the wire nuts connecting the switch wires to the ceiling fan wires counterclockwise with your fingers. Remove the faulty pull chain switch, and take it to a home improvement center for a replacement. Match the new switch up to the old one to ensure that it will mount in your fan. Purchase a switch that has the same number of speeds as your fan if you are replacing the fan speed pull chain switch.
Install New Switch
6. Match like colored wires from the switch to the ends of the wires on the ceiling fan. Insert the ends into the plastic wire nuts, and twist the wire nuts clockwise to secure the wires together. Insert the end of the pull chain through the hole in the side of the housing. Secure the switch to the inside of the housing with the retaining screw.
7. Position the light canopy under the ceiling fan housing. Push the ceiling fan wire harness connector into the plug on the inside of the light canopy. Line up the securing holes for the canopy with the threaded holes on the housing. Secure the canopy to the housing with the retaining screws.
8. Place the globes back into their respective positions, and secure with the thumbscrews. Screw in the light bulbs into the light bulb sockets.
9. Turn the circuit breaker back on to the ceiling fan, and test out your new pull chain switch.
Tags: pull chain, chain switch, pull , ceiling housing, ensure that