Ceiling Fan – Outdoor – Repair Question
In our screened porch we had a ceiling fan installed years back at the time it was built. This year when my hubby went to turn it on, the string snapped within the fixture. Is this a no-brainer repair, or do we have to bite the bullet and look at a new one? This one has been working fine so far. We didn’t hang it, so I don’t know how it went together. I also don’t know the brand, but I’m sure it’s not a deluxe issue. If I had the diagram, I think I could see, as I’m visual, but without that I want to check it out first.
From what I’ve seen on installation of a new fan on TV, it appears the motor, etc. is hung at the base where it actually attaches to the ceiling support. I can see a screw at the very bottom of the fan – facing the floor, but am leary to remove it without knowing what to expect might happen. Oh, no light fixture involved. Plus it’s on a GFI, so if we trip it, I would assume? that we are not looking at a “juice” issue? What do you think? Thanks, folks, in advance for any info/advice.
Replies
Normally there should be a short bead chain hanging out of the fixture, with the string attached to that. It may be that the bead chain "rebounded" into its hole when the string snapped, and you only need to shake it to get it out.
Most of these that I've seen are reasonably uncomplicated in the area where the switches are (unless there are lights). It should be possible to open up the bottom of the unit and replace the switch or do whatever's necessary to fix it, without major disassembly.
If you do need to disassemble the fixture the power should be shut off at the breaker. GFCIs are a nice safety "backup", but it's not wise to rely on them working.
Switches are usually really easy to replace in ceiling fans. If you can't just shake out the chain stub as Dan suggests, or if it is too short to work, turn off power, open up the bottom (there's usually 2 screws looking at the bottom of the fan, the center one you mentioned is usually just a plug for attaching a light fixture later on), and replace the switch with a new one, available from home centers or lighting stores. The switch is most likely held in by a ring screwed onto the threaded neck of the switch which passes thru the fan housing. The bottom section of the fan is usually just an electrical enclosure; the motor is above the blades. You just need to follow the wires back to the wire nuts and unscrew them. Sometimes they are the crimp kind, in which case it is easier to clip them off, strip, and use small twist on wire nuts.
Hope this helps. Rich.
Thank you, guys for the info. I especially appreciate the warning not to rely upon the GFI. I do have a "hot wire tester". Based upon what is indicated, we need to be sure we have "cold lines", remove the bottom screw, and see what is in there, proceeding to the check out area with the replacement part, and hope we don't die through stupidity, doing this repair. I am going to print the info and see if hubby is comfortable if this seemingly simple repair. Safety is number one, but this seems safe and doable if prepared. Thanks again!
Update on the fan issue. It was not possible to access the area to which the chain attaches. One of you was correct in the the screw facing the floor was likely for a light kit. The smaller screws around the vertical connection were rusted and muscle hubby could not even open them. The opening for the chain was not helpful. You could remove the "screw-in" opening to find a plastic part, but it was not easily removable.
I hit the "big box" store, chose a similar fan, without a light kit for $59, rated for both indoor/outdoor use. (I know, you get what your pay for...) Professional installation, they said, was $104. Hello! That is double the fan cost! The ads they just ran where installation was near the cost of the fan. I nicely asked the guy if there was any way to get that price for installation as I did have heartburn paying double the cost for installation. (I would have walked at if that were the end point, though he didn't know that.) He said it was a one week offer that was over. I asked if there was anything he at all he could do and he called the Grand OZ, who said sure, we'll give it. So, we know we can nicely ask and people may try to help, you have nothing to lose by politely asking.
Also, we have new garage doors in the near future. Again, the gentleman quoted a price and I asked if they had any coupons, phonebook, a AAA discount, and AARP discount, etc. He said he applied that in the price quoted. I asked if he could do any better since we were interested in two doors. He gave me about $30 off per door. It never hurts to ask. Plus, if you get a good installion, a tip to the service person is never unwelcome and generates good will and good karma. But, offer it at the end and not as a part of a check to the seller of the product. The service person is the one to consider, any tip is based on their good service, not the seller. Wish me good trade-people upon installation of both. Thanks again for your advice on the fan and to others who responded to a much earlier garage door post. I really appreciate you folks who try to help the uneducated do the right thing.
New fan installed on the screened porch today. I'm about to go and see how it works. The low 90's are expected this weekend. Before it was comfortable with a working fan and our shade trees. It appears that the guy who built the porch/deck, did NOT go for the outdoor rated fan, though maybe that may not have even been an back option then. The new one seems more element-resistant than the old. Wish me luck! And thanks, again, for the advice and help!