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    DLC-Vermont's Avatar
    DLC-Vermont Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 12, 2007, 09:45 AM
    Ceiling Fan and Light Don't Work
    I have a Hampton Bay combo fan & light. They each operate on a different switch. Switches are side by side. One day they both worked fine, the next day I go to turn them on and nothing. Checked the breaker, checked the bulbs.
    ac101's Avatar
    ac101 Posts: 463, Reputation: 57
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    #2

    Sep 12, 2007, 09:52 AM
    Did you just look at the breaker or did you actually turn it off and back on again?
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    DLC-Vermont Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Sep 12, 2007, 09:55 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ac101
    Did you just look at the breaker or did you actually turn it off and back on again?
    Yes, I switched the breaker off then on again.
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    ac101 Posts: 463, Reputation: 57
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    #4

    Sep 12, 2007, 10:02 AM
    IF you own a multi meter or electrical tester and know how to use it I would test for power at the switches. At least that's where I would start. Since tis will need to be done with the power on If your not sure how to do this or at all uncomfortable with it please consider calling a pro. If you have any other questions please feel free to post back.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #5

    Sep 13, 2007, 01:31 PM
    Is it a remote fan? Assuming it's not.. .

    If both the fan and light are not working, and they are on separate switches, other there is a loose connection at the switches (or before, leading back to the power source) or a problem with the neutral.

    General ceiling fan troubleshooting and help FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More
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    DLC-Vermont Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Sep 13, 2007, 01:44 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair
    Is it a remote fan? Assuming it's not . . .

    If both the fan and light are not working, and they are on separate switches, other there is a loose connection at the switches (or before, leading back to the power source) or a problem with the neutral.

    General ceiling fan troubleshooting and help FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More
    Thank you for the response. Not sure I understand the answer completely. What's a "Neutral"? Do you mean the ground wire? The light and fan on are separate switches in the same box.
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    ac101 Posts: 463, Reputation: 57
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    #7

    Sep 13, 2007, 02:47 PM
    The nuetral(almost always white) is used to carry current away from a device and back to the main panel. The ground wire (usually bare copper) is used as a safety device along with the circuit breaker in the event of a problem helps to trip the breaker. I hope I explained this adequately if anyone has a better or easier explanation please post. This is just my best explanation as there are certainly mor knowledgeable people than I here on this site. Do you know if you have power at the switches ? Last but certainly not least I can't say it enough if your not sure what to do or are uncomfortable doing this please get help from someone with experience.
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    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #8

    Sep 14, 2007, 06:34 PM
    Ok, here is our thinking:

    Since BOTH the light and fan are not working, it has to be something they both share. That would be the power leading from the breaker box to the two wall switches, and the neutral (white) wire leading from the bottom of the fan housing back to the breaker box. Your problem is somewhere along that path. You will have to examine it to determine where. A volt meter will help.
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