

Once you have everything loose, you should have easy access to the wiring and broken switch inside your ceiling fan. When you have the fixture removed, you’ll need to locate the nut around the pull chain and remove it. With your ladder in place in the power to the fan switched completely off, you’ll want to remove any globes or accessories that could hinder you from getting to the wiring inside the fan. It’s also a good idea to have help on standby, as some fans have hefty accessories or are mounted well above 8-10’ ceilings. To fix a pull chain switch, you need the same tools but will want to add a sturdy step ladder to your list. There aren’t nearly as many options to choose from as these parts are standard, but accessing and replacing this little switch can be easier said than done in some homes. While a wall switch is fairly simple to replace if doesn’t handle dimming or multiple speeds, pull chain switches can be more challenging for several reasons.

The black wires are for power, and some switches will show you where the wires will go. Unscrew the old switch from the box, and gently pull it forward as far as you can so that you can see the wires.ĭepending on your house wiring, these connections may vary to a degree but you should have two black wires and a neutral which may be green or bare. Remove the switch plate with a screwdriver and you’ll be able to see the wall box with some wiring tucked away behind the switch.

This means the switch on the wall turns on the power to your fan and light if you have one, and you’ll use the pull chain to adjust the speed or light. If you simply want to control your ceiling fan with one wall switch, the wiring process is straightforward. Photo credit: electrical101 One-Switch Ceiling Fan Wiring If you cannot find a way to cut the power to that room for any reason, stop and call a professional. If not, you’ll need to cut the power to the room where the fan is located. It’s typically located in your fuse box and may be clearly labled. Turn off the Powerīefore you proceed any further, you need to cut the power to the junction box where the new switch is located. Keep in mind, this guide is only for homeowners that are replacing an existing ceiling fan switch in their home, not completely wiring in a new system. Now that you have your tools ready and feel comfortable proceeding, it’s time to wire in a new ceiling fan switch. That said, you will want to set aside some time and free the area and your mind from any distractions. You may need a ladder if it’s a bad switch inside the fan, but you don’t need any high-end equipment to connect a handful of wires. Electrical tape and wire nuts are also handy to have on-hand, along with a set of wire cutters or strippers.
