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Kind of a dumb question, but my ceiling fan stopped working. I think the fan failed first, and then the lights. I need to check if is not getting voltage, or if it is actually dead. Problem, the bottom of the fan is about 14 or 15 feet up. It seems crazy to rent a scaffold just to check the thing out. Is there a cheap, easy option to get access that I am not thinking of?
Thanks.
Best,
Aram, always learning
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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(09-08-2018, 01:56 PM)Aram Wrote: Kind of a dumb question, but my ceiling fan stopped working. I think the fan failed first, and then the lights. I need to check if is not getting voltage, or if it is actually dead. Problem, the bottom of the fan is about 14 or 15 feet up. It seems crazy to rent a scaffold just to check the thing out. Is there a cheap, easy option to get access that I am not thinking of?
I was going to suggest checking at the wall switch, but since the fan went first then the lights, it sounds like it's in the unit. Is there a single wall switch, or two switches for fan and light, possibly on dimmer(s)? Or no switch with remote control only?
Tom
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09-08-2018, 02:23 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-08-2018, 02:24 PM by Aram.)
(09-08-2018, 02:05 PM)TDKPE Wrote: I was going to suggest checking at the wall switch, but since the fan went first then the lights, it sounds like it's in the unit. Is there a single wall switch, or two switches for fan and light, possibly on dimmer(s)? Or no switch with remote control only?
Two wall switches. I checked both (with a cheap multimeter), got an odd reading on one, paid a pro a few bucks to double check with his Fluke. He claimed they were fine.
The fan goes on and off with a remote. New batteries didn't help. Obviously I can't know if the remote is working correctly, but the red LED does flash on when I push the fan buttons.
Best,
Aram, always learning
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You replaced all batteries in the remote correct? Buddies fans had flashing lights but batts were low enough to not send signal far enough.
Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.
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(09-08-2018, 09:19 PM)BloomingtonMike Wrote: You replaced all batteries in the remote correct? Buddies fans had flashing lights but batts were low enough to not send signal far enough.
Yes, I did.
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Aram, always learning
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(09-08-2018, 11:25 PM)Aram Wrote: Yes, I did.
The receiver in the fan could be the culprit.
Mine went out. New receiver was over half the cost of the fan. Got a new one without remote.
WoodTinker
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(09-08-2018, 01:56 PM)Aram Wrote: Kind of a dumb question, but my ceiling fan stopped working. I think the fan failed first, and then the lights. I need to check if is not getting voltage, or if it is actually dead. Problem, the bottom of the fan is about 14 or 15 feet up. It seems crazy to rent a scaffold just to check the thing out. Is there a cheap, easy option to get access that I am not thinking of?
Thanks.
A rental of a tall ladder would probably be cheaper than scaffolding, and easier to set up. More wobbly though.
I have to get to the 14' ceiling of my garage sooner or later. My plan is to park a tractor in there with the bucket raised and lean my sliding ladder against it. I don't think you can park a tractor in your living room.
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I had to do this not too long ago. My wife's family was remodeling a house for sale after the grandfather passed. One of the fans was a good 20 feet up as the room was designed to be a "great hall".
As the electrician in the family, it was my job to replace it. I'm not crazy about ladders, but I managed with my father-in-law's giant A-frame (he's a roofer). It's pretty high up there, but big A-frames have wide steps and are very stable.
From an actual fan perspective, I'd get rid of the remote. I have none in my home now and I don't miss them. My old house had remotes, and having to change the receiver frequencies because of military airfield interference was a huge pain. I'd always find out at 3 AM too when the light came on full brightness and the fan stopped.
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(09-11-2018, 09:44 AM)crokett™ Wrote: My plan is to park a tractor in there with the bucket raised and lean my sliding ladder against it.
Can you get a pic when you do this? Sounds like the perfect pic to add to the "why women outlive men" memes!
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(09-12-2018, 01:22 PM)Cdshakes Wrote: Can you get a pic when you do this? Sounds like the perfect pic to add to the "why women outlive men" memes!
That was considered an allowable method when driving ground rods in a field. You are not allowed to ride in the bucket though. Roly
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