[rmorgan513]

I have a light switch that controls the electrical sockets in the wall. I had an existing electrical box in the ceiling and I put a light up but it would not work. So I put up a ceiling fan thinking it would work because of the pull string. Well nothing is working and I don't know what I should switch out to get the ceiling fan to work. Can a light switch that that controls the electrical socket work for the ceiling fixture as well?

[bkdaniels]

If the light switch that controls the electrical socket will work for the ceiling fixture as well, you would know. That is, did the light in the ceiling come on when you flipped the switch before you installed the light.

If the switch didn't control the ceiling light and only the outlet, then there may be a problem else where i.e. no power. I would suggest that you ensure that there is power going to the ceiling electrical box where you installed the fixture and the ceiling fan.

There are some light switches that control an outlet and the ceiling light. But in any case, there should be power, even if you have to flip the switch to turn it on.

Be sure that ceiling light is not controlled by another switch a another near by location. Verify to see if the breaker hasn't flipped too; sometimes the breaker will "trip" as soon as you flip the switch - when a new fixture has been installed or is not properly grounded.

Hope this answers your question!

REFERENCE(S)

1. Home Tips, Ceiling Fan Doesn't Work(Online: Home problem Solver, 2006) http://www.hometips.com/home_probsol...ps_vent01.html