Ceiling fans help keep rooms cool and allow air to circulate rather than become stagnant, but most people don’t know how they work. Luckily, a ceiling fan is a relatively straightforward electrical device. If your fan isn’t working, you can take a look at the basic components to try to diagnose the problem yourself. If you find the problem beyond your skill set, you should call a professional to fix it.

Elements of a Ceiling Fan

The basic arrangement of a ceiling fan’s components hasn’t changed much since its 1882 debut. A rod extends from the base plate of the fan through the motor and into the area from which the blades extend. Electrical wires follow the rod from the ceiling where the fan is mounted to the motor. When electricity is applied, the motor turns the rod which turns the blades on a single gear. A pull switch usually dangles from the the center of the arrangement, connecting to the motor and initiating motion.

Put Safety First When Working On Your Fan

Before you start poking around your broken fan or installing a new one, make sure to shut off the fuse breaker. Though a simple mechanism, the electricity that courses through the fan motor can can cause serious injury.

New fans usually come with instructions. Make sure you read and follow these for proper installation and safety. It is recommended that you turn your power back on for a moment to test that you hooked everything up correctly before you put the blades on the fan. Turn the power back off, finish the fan installation, and then turn the power back on.

The Cons of DIY Ceiling Fan Installation or Repair

Most ceiling fan installations are a quick and simple process that require a screwdriver, an extra set of hands and some time. However, by doing the work yourself, you run the risk of damaging the appearance of your ceiling, injuring yourself and incorrectly installing the new fan. The simplest solution is to call a professional who can do the job right the first time, ensure safety and guarantee quality.

Contact Mister Sparky for Ceiling Fan Assistance

Those inexperienced with ceiling fan installation should contact the professionals at Mister Sparky.