Replace a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch

Someone may pull too hard on a ceiling fan’s pull chain switch and completely pull out the chain that operates either the light or the fan itself. With some models, the chain can be reattached, but with other models, the entire switch will have to be replaced.

Steps

Remove the Old Switch

When the old switch is detached from the housing, you may want to take a photo of the wires and terminals with a digital camera or cell phone camera for future reference so that you know how to install the new switch.

  1. Turn off the circuit breaker that leads to the fan.
  2. Remove either the cover on the fan housing or the globe light in order to access the pull chain switch.
  3. Unscrew the nut on the outside of the housing that is used to attach the switch to the fan.
  4. Pull the switch out of the housing, leaving all wires attached.
  5. Write down the colors of each wire and the terminals to which they attach.
  6. Carefully detach all of the wires.
  7. Take the switch, along with the fan’s make and model number, to the home improvement store. Purchase a new switch of the same size that has the same number of speeds and the same amount of wattage.

Attaching the New Switch Directly to the Terminals

The wires in some switches will attach directly to existing terminals. Ensure that the circuit breaker is still off.

  1. Take out your diagram or photograph of the old wire connections.
  2. Connect each colored wire to its appropriate terminal. Wrap the end of the wire around the terminal in a clockwise direction.
  3. Tighten the terminal screws.
  4. Push the switch into the fan housing.
  5. Reattach the nut that holds the switch inside the fan housing.
  6. Replace the fan housing cover or the globe light.
  7. Reactivate the circuit.
  8. Test the pull chain to make sure that the switch is correctly installed.

Attaching a New Switch Using Wire Nuts

Instead of wrapping the wires around the terminals, simply twist them together and secure them with wire nuts. Ensure that the circuit breaker is still off.

  1. Take out your diagram or photograph of the old wire connections.
  2. Strip 1/2" to 3/4" of insulation from each wire.
  3. Twist the ends of the wires together according to the layout in your photograph.
  4. Twist the wire nuts over the ends of the wires in a clockwise direction. Be sure to cover up all bare wires.
  5. Push the switch into the fan housing.
  6. Reattach the nut that holds the switch inside the fan housing.
  7. Replace the fan housing cover or the globe light.
  8. Reactivate the circuit.
  9. Test the pull chain to make sure that the switch is correctly installed.

Tips

  • When you’re at the hardware store purchasing your replacement pull chain switch, consider also purchasing a decorative pull chain. Attach the decorative chain to the existing chain for a more polished look.

Warnings

  • Before working with an electrical fixture, use a voltage tester to ensure that all current to the circuit is turned off. Failure to check could result in severe injury or death.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench or spanner
  • Pencil and paper
  • Screwdriver
  • Wire stripper
  • Pliers or wire twister
  • New ceiling fan pull chain switch
  • Digital camera - optional

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Sources and Citations

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