skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Potential short in ceiling fan light

11 years ago

I have a 4 bulb light kit in my fan. For some reason, if all 4 sockets have a light bulb, the whole light won't work. If I remove any one of the bulbs, now it works. Doesn't matter which bulb I remove either. The fan works all the time and the circuit breaker never trips. Any clues as to why? Time for a new kit? Bought in 2011.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Ron Natalie
11 years ago
You know, I've heard this problem before and I'm not sure I got an answer. If you screw in a bulb that's burned out (or switch all of them to a lower wattage) do you get the same behavior. Are you using regular bulbs or CF or LEDs? Is this one of the kits that uses a wireless remote?
freebird_wr71
Original Author
11 years ago
The fan is just a regular fan no wireless using incandescent bulbs. Even with a burned out bulb in the fourth socket causes all lights to go out. Haven't tried lower wattage though. I'm baffled
Related Professionals
Concord General Contractors · Clarksville General Contractors · Elmira General Contractors · Colorado Springs General Contractors · Spokane General Contractors · Cheyenne General Contractors · Port Saint Lucie Home Remodeling · Aberdeen Home Remodeling · Dayton Home Remodeling · Anderson Home Remodeling · Newburyport Home Remodeling · Pine Bluff Bathroom Remodelers · Pensacola Bathroom Remodelers · College Station Bathroom Remodelers · Flint Bathroom Remodelers
Ron Natalie
11 years ago
My guess is that the weight is stressing some marginal connection then.
freebird_wr71
Original Author
11 years ago
Would you think the loose connection maybe at the ceiling or at the light kit? If it is the ceiling, ugh!!! 18' up!!
Ron Natalie
11 years ago
Most likely inside the fan somewhere (especially around the pull chains, etc... that work the lights).
freebird_wr71
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks. I'll take a crack at it in the morning.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Are Ceiling Fans the Kiss of Death for Design?

By Becky Harris

Ceiling fans get a bad rap for being clunky and outdated, but these streamlined styles and a bevy of pros beg to differ

DECORATING GUIDES 13 Decorating Tips for Short-Term Renters

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Mirrors, curtains, lamps and other features set a stylish tone you can take with you

THE HARDWORKING HOME How to Tap Your Hall Closet’s Storage Potential

By Laura Gaskill

The Hardworking Home: Check out these design ideas for every space and budget

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Blow Past the Heat With an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Drop some degrees on your porch or patio while boosting its style, with an energy-efficient ceiling fan

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Fans of Traditional Style Go For a ‘Mad Men’ Look

By Mitchell Parker

The TV show inspires a couple to turn their back on the style they knew and embrace a more fun and funkier vibe in their kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Choose the Right Hood Fan for Your Kitchen

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Keep your kitchen clean and your home's air fresh by understanding all the options for ventilating via a hood fan

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Love to Cook? You Need a Fan. Find the Right Kind for You

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Don't send budget dollars up in smoke when you need new kitchen ventilation. Here are 9 top types to consider

LIGHTING House Hunting? Look Carefully at the Light

By Alison Hodgson

Consider windows, skylights and the sun in any potential home, lest you end up facing down the dark

KITCHEN DESIGN 7 Magnificent Oversize Backsplashes

By Christine Tusher

They go up to the ceiling and don’t fall short on making a major impact. Are you ready to hop on the big-backsplash bandwagon?

ADDITIONS Room of the Day: Light-Filled Addition Connects Floors

High ceilings, clever storage features and a beautiful walnut staircase make this London project anything but ordinary

Sponsored

Urban Upkeep LLC

6 Reviews

Columbus High Quality Painting Expert

More Discussions

3-in-one lamp-socket splitter - for basic torchiere

15

LED Light bulbs not lasting very long

10

Electrical Question

2

Unexpected voltage drops

1

20 year old GE undercabinet lighting replacement linking cord

1