Silly Ceiling Fan Switch

[AchingBack]

In 1980 I bought a ceiling fan, no light. It has a pull switch which at the time required one pull on the chain to turn on or off. Fast forward to about 2015; ever since then it takes 5 pulls to turn it on, one to turn it off.

 

[LittleBill21]

switch is worn out. Home depot or lowes sell replacements, you may have to crimp it back in or solder it in. pretty easy to replace

 

[Roadworthy]

I don't know if you can get a replacement at a big box store. I know you can find one at Ace - that's where I got mine.

 

[AchingBack]

I realize the switch is somewhat defective. But, why would it always take 5 pulls to activate, and just one to turn it off? I don't expect anyone to have that answer. I've just always wondered.

 

[Fuddy1952]

All switches have contacts and something to open/close them. You'd have to take switch apart to find that answer, something obviously is worn, contacts corroded, etc.

 

[dougtrr2]

Can't explain why exactly 5 pulls to turn on, but one pull for off is easy. The mechanism connected to your pull chain is activating some kind of rotary cam. One pull opens the contacts, the next pull allows them to be closed. If the contacts are dirty or worn it is taking several closures before the connection is made. But the opening will always work.

Doug in SW IA

 

[workinonit]

Maybe it's a 3 or 5 speed fan and you're pulling the switch 5 times before it has time to start. Or maybe the switch is just bad. New switch or new fan.

 

[WM75Guy]

I would say you got your money's worth on the old one. It might be time for a replacement. Although I doubt a new one will last as long.

 

[LittleBill21]

the cam is wearing out and slips, it keeps making progress as you keep clicking