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Shabooty · Dec 19, 2007, 10:11 PM

My 3-speed 4-wire fan switch (Well-Tec) initially would not change speeds. It was stuck permanently at High even though the pull wire appeared to be working. We bought a new 4-wire switch (Westinghouse), and replaced it. We carefully noted which wire corresponds to which input and hooked it up. Now, though the fan speeds change, it does not turn off. When we switch through the speeds it goes High -> Med -> Low -> Med -> High -> Med... Never to OFF.

Any Ideas?

biggsie · Dec 19, 2007, 11:48 PM

There is a simple answer for the problem -- You have the wrong switch

It is a 3 position switch --- the original was a 4 position switch

***( high--med--low )*******( high--med -- low -- off )***

ceilingfanrepair · Dec 20, 2007, 01:40 AM

Biggies is correct, except that both switches are four position-- the new replacement switch is still not the correct switch. You need to obtain the correct switch. What make and model fan do you have?

Also, before you replaced the switch, did it turn off with the chain, or stuck on high no matter how you pulled it?

Ceiling fan pull chain replacement and repair - Ceiling Fans N More

Shabooty · Dec 20, 2007, 09:11 AM

We don't know the make and model of the fan (it came with the place & there is no logo or anything).
Also, the old switch would not turn off with the chain... it stayed stuck at high.

How do we know which is the correct type of switch then? The new switch says it is a "3 Speed Fan Switch." Should we be looking for something else?
Thanks.

ceilingfanrepair · Dec 20, 2007, 12:57 PM

If you don't know the make and model of the fan, check with the people at CeilingFanParts.com Home they can help you find the correct switch.

Stratmando · Dec 20, 2007, 05:18 PM

I would turn to High, remove chain, and install Fan Speed Control. The Variations of switches is probably unnecessary, if you found someone or some place with fan and could remove good switch, and test connections, all combinations. Then Duplicate.
Easier to leave on High and use control. Haven't seen anyone decypher the Fan Switch Switching yet. Still looking.

ceilingfanrepair · Dec 21, 2007, 01:23 AM

People don't always have a dedicated hot wire to put a control on.

There's no deciphering to be done. Just use the correct replacement switch, with the wires in the same positions. Problem solved.

Stratmando · Dec 21, 2007, 06:39 AM

If Fan has a pull chain, and it is stuck on high. It has a wire that when hot is applied fan goes to high, install a speed control as usual. That is What I would do.
Perhaps you can ask ceilingfan for source of replacement. I have YET been able to find, this site included, the various switches needed for speed control is very time consuming.
Update:
Try this:
Switches available at Ken's Electronics, (Wholesale & Retail Electronic Parts) Kalamazoo, Michigan
Click "Jump to pull chain switches", then scroll down to Well-Tec, ZE-268S6.
Hope this helps.
"People dont always have a dedicated hot wire to put a control on"
I never seen a Ceiling Fan That is stuck on High, That couldn't be controlled by a Fan Control. Unless you mean, No switch location on wall?

ceilingfanrepair · Dec 21, 2007, 12:32 PM

Or the switch location on the wall controls both the fan and light together.

CeilingFanParts.com Home makes it relatively easy to find the correct replacement switch.

If a fan is stuck on high, fix it.

Stratmando · Dec 21, 2007, 08:12 PM

CeilingFanrepair, I sincerely have to oppologize and appreciate the link on the switching, have previously missed somehow? Great Info. I try to help when I can. Wish You and Yours a Merry Christmas.

ceilingfanrepair · Dec 21, 2007, 10:14 PM

Strat, most of your answers are right on. But some of the time, I look at you like you're crazy. Merry Christmas!

Stratmando · Dec 22, 2007, 07:28 AM

If I say something someone doesn't understand, does it mean I am wrong or They just don't understand.
For several months, no one could explain the switch combinations, not so much the colors, but the switching like L=1, and 2+3 for low etc, in all those cases, if replacement switch was not available, and connections known, eliminating switch in the high speed combination could allow a Fan control to solve their problem, Sound Crazy? Probably.

ceilingfanrepair · Dec 22, 2007, 03:27 PM

There are many different switch combinations. The most common is L-1-2-3 or L-1-2-1+2, but there are countless others, particularly when you get into double pole switches. This is why I say it is much easier to simply match up the replacement switch and connect it the same.

johncoxme · Jul 22, 2012, 02:46 PM

I had the same problem.
Keep wires in same order, just rotate positions once.