We changed the small base 40 watt bulbs to 60 watts ( 4 bulbs per fixture) and the lights popped when we turned them on. The bulbs are still good and did not pop. Is there a trip or reset in the new Hampton Bay ceiling fan light kits or did it fry the fixture? It obviously will not take a 60 watt bulb.

Put the 40 watt bulbs back in the fan.

Your fan is designed to withstand the heat generated by the 4o watt bulbs. Using 60 watt bulbs will generate more heat than the design allows for and may result in damage or fire.

Alternately you can use LED lights or Compact florescents that use less power and generate far less heat than incandescents.