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pbbrent · Mar 11, 2007, 11:59 AM

I successfully installed a Hampton ceiling fan about three maybe four years ago and it has worked just fine up until about 4 months ago when the lights would start going off and then sometimes come back on intermittently. Suspecting a loose connection, I removed the light housing and found that one of the blue wires that had the plastic connectors on it was not making a solid connection. I then cut the plastic off the blue wires, hard wired together and put wire nuts on both pairs. After reassembly the lights (and fan) worked fine. About a week ago, the lights quit working again and all the wiring seems snug and intact. What's the problem? How do I fix it?

Thank you,

P. B. Brent

ballengerb1 · Mar 11, 2007, 12:07 PM

Does it make any difference if you use the remote or the wall switch?

labman · Mar 11, 2007, 12:17 PM

Sounds like bad connections somewhere. Maybe check the bulb sockets themselves.

To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.

The voltage detectors are slick. You can even tell a burned out bulb is getting power.

ceilingfanrepair · Mar 19, 2007, 04:47 PM

Is it a remote fan?

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