Help with Common Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems - IHowToFix

Help with Common Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems

 Help with Common Ceiling Fan Wiring Problems

Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans come in different sizes and styles but generally the ceiling fan wiring is the same, except for when there is additional wiring for the light on the fan. Ceiling fans are basically trouble free but you could have problems with the wiring. You might not need to call in an electrician to fix the problem if you have the right "know-how" to help you fix common problems with the ceiling fan wiring. These listed below are some of the common wiring problems people face and how to fix them.


Improper Wiring

This is one of the most common wiring problems people face with their ceiling fans. If you installed the fan by yourself there could be a chance that you did not insert the wires correctly. There are instances where over a period of time the wires get loose and come free. In this case you will have to reconnect the wires correctly. Remember to turn off the electricity for the house before you try to reconnect the wires.


Copper and Aluminum Wires

Old houses built prior to 1970 used aluminum wires instead of copper wires. If you find that your fan wiring keeps getting loose, this could be the problem. The new copper wires that come with the fan are not compatible with the old aluminum wires of the old house; they can cause electric sparks and become loosened easily. If this is the problem, you can get some greased wire nuts fixed on the aluminum wires; this will allow safe flow of electricity and will eliminate the problem of loose wiring.


No Movement

If your fan does not turn on and there is no movement, you might want to check if the wires are properly connected to the fan. If the wires are connected properly and there is still no movement, check the switch to see if the wires are properly connected to the switch. Remember to turn off the electricity of the house before you disconnect and reconnect the wires.


Loose Wires behind the Switches

Check the switches for wires that have been pushed back while connecting other switches. Sometimes wires get loose when they are pushed to the back to allow another wire to be connected to a switch. If you have one backstabbed wire, it will result in other wires coming loose as well. The loose wires are dangerous and will cause sparks to fly which could result in a fire. Make sure that all the wires are fixed properly.


Strange Noise

If you hear a strange noise from your fan, it could be because a wire is obstructing the rotor. Sometimes inferior quality wires can cause problems. If you have checked all the wires and there is no problem, check the quality of the wires used, you may need to change the wires and use good quality wires.


These are the most common ceiling fan wiring problems that occur, a regular check of all the wires will ensure your fan is running well.


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