How do I replace a Hampton Bay ceiling fan switch?

With most ceiling fans that have pull chain switches, you’ll need to replace the switch. However, that’s not the case with every fan. On some Hampton Bay models, it’s possible that you can reattach the chain. An important thing to note – does this switch operate the light, or the fan? If you’re replacing a fan switch and not one that operates a light, you need to know: does the fan have three speeds? Or does your fan have more than three speeds (or even less). Most fans have three speeds, but if this is not the case, it’s important information.

Here’s the step by step on figuring this out:

  1. Like with most maintenance you’re doing to your Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan (or any appliance in your home really), turn the power off to the fan.
  2. Remove the cover on the housing of the ceiling fan, so you’re able to get to the switch. Loosen the nut on the outside of the switch, which is holding it in place.
  3. Pull out the switch from the housing. Make sure not to disturb the wires (leave them connected or you’ll wind up doing more work later).
  4. Take a look at the switch. Is the chain able to be reconnected without proceeding further? If so, you’re done!
  5. If not, then it’s time to jot down the wiring colors. Take a look at where the terminals connect to as well. Make a note of where all the wires connect to, and draw wiring diagrams. Take pictures with your phone or camera.
4 Wire Ceiling Fan Switch
Here’s an example of a 4 wire ceiling fan switch. See the wire colors? This is why it’s important to make diagrams of the wire colors.

 

  1. Unplug the wires while preserving the terminals. Remove the switch, and write down the make and model of the ceiling fan. Take that information with the switch to a local retailer for a replacement. Home Depot is the primary reseller of Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans.
  2. When replacing the switch you need to know the number of speeds, the wattage of the switch, etc. That’s why learning the number of speeds earlier was important. The replacement switch needs to be the same everything as the existing switch.
  3. Install the new switch. Use the wiring diagrams or pictures you made earlier to re-attach the wires to the terminals. Then attach and tighten the screws
  4. Place the switch into the fan housing. Start threading the nut or nuts on the exterior
  5. Put the housing cover back on, or the globe cover, whichever you removed at the beginning!
  6. You’re done! Great job. Turn the breaker back on so you have power flowing to the fan again.

 

5 comments on “How do I replace a Hampton Bay ceiling fan switch?

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  3. This is a good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
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  4. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have truly
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  5. My fan switch has two black, one red, and one blue wire. Where would I be able to purchase a replacement switch?
    The fan is stuck on medium speed.

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