Things You'll Need
Step ladder
Phillips screwdriver
Thin flat headed screwdriver
Replacement ceiling fan pull-chain switch
If the pull-chain toggle switch on your Hampton Bay ceiling fan burns out or someone inadvertently yanks the chain out, you can order a genuine Hampton Bay replacement part over the Internet. Alternatively, you can save time and delivery charges by buying a generic replacement part from your nearest electrical or home improvement outlet. The actual installation is fairly straightforward; if you can handle a screwdriver and have a stepladder, you can fit the new switch yourself in less than 15 minutes.
Step 1
Turn the breaker switch supplying power to the ceiling fan to the "off" position. If you cannot identify the particular breaker switch, turn the main switch on the electrical panel to the "off" position before starting work.
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Step 2
Place a step ladder under the fan and have someone hold it steady while you're working.
Step 3
Remove the switch housing from the fan with a Phillips screwdriver. Depending on the model, there are either two attaching screws on the base of the switch housing, or three screws around the upper rim of the housing. Once the screws have been removed, unscrew the brass finial surrounding the chain on the outside of the switch housing and pull the chain through to detach the housing from the fan.
Step 4
Draw a sketch showing the position and colors of the four wires connected to the switch; on a typical 3-speed fan, the terminals are marked "L-1-2-3." Alternatively, they could be marked "A.B.C.D."
Step 5
Insert a thin flat headed screwdriver into the slot next to each wire; twist the screwdriver and pull the soldered ends of the wires out. If the wires are connected to the terminals with screws, undo the screw a few turns and pull the terminals out from under the screw heads. Undo the two screws holding the switch to the fan and remove it.
Step 6
Take the old switch to the nearest electrical or home improvement outlet and buy an identical replacement part. If there are two similar switches and you're not sure which is the right one, describe the fan to a sales assistant and tell him how many operating speeds it's equipped with.
Step 7
Consult your sketch and connect the wires in the right order by reversing the procedure you used to disconnect them. Screw the switch back onto the fan the same way your removed it. Thread the chain through the housing and replace the brass finial and screw the housing back onto the fan with the attaching screws removed earlier.
Step 8
Restore power to the fan by flipping the breaker switch back to the "on" position. Operate the pull-chain to see that the fan is working properly through all the speed settings.
Tip
Single speed fans will only have three wires connected to the switch.
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