How to Change the Switch on a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are used in many homes to cool a room on hot days and to circulate heat on cold days. During the spring and summer months, the fan rotates in its normal direction, which blows air down on the people below. During the colder months, the fan's direction is reversed using a switch attached to the fan. In the reversed direction, the fan sucks up the cold air and forces the warm air close to the ceiling down along the walls. Sometimes the switch that controls direction or the fan speed needs to be replaced.

Screwdriver
Wire cutters
Wire strippers

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the power to the ceiling fan circuit at the main power panel.
- 2
  Use a screwdriver to remove the switch housing cover to expose the switch wiring.
- 3
  Make a sketch of the switch, wires attached to it and their color before disconnecting anything. This sketch will make reconnecting the new switch easier and less confusing.
- 4
  Unbolt the switch from the switch housing. Some wires bolt to the switch and others plug into the switch. Unscrew the nuts for those that are bolted to the switch. Use a small screwdriver to remove those that plug into the switch. Insert the screwdriver into the hole with the wire and pull on the wire. The screwdriver will loosen the clamp holding the wire in place.
- 5
  Contact the fan manufacturer for a replacement switch.
- 6
  Use the sketch as a guide to reconnect the switch wires. Reattach the switch to the switch housing and bolt it down. Reinstall the switch housing cap and secure it using the cap screws and the screwdriver.
- 7
  Turn the power back on and test the fan.

How to Wire a Ceiling Light & Fan to Receptacles

How to Attach a Ceiling Fan to a Downrod in a Drop Ceiling

Ceiling Fans