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If you are new to the wide world of cooling, you may wonder how to bypass a ceiling fan switch. Some of the best fans, after all, hang from the ceiling, and these models occasionally need to be bypassed. So, why would you engage the bypass switch, and how do you do it? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Bypassing a ceiling fan switch, including a pull chain, is useful when installing another circuit if you are concerned after learning how much electricity does a ceiling fan use. Basically, this will allow you to operate the fan via methods other than the pull chain, so you can learn how to change the fan speed on a smartphone or via a smart assistant.
Insider Tip
Make sure to keep your fan blades clean to ensure a noise-free and efficient operation.
Of course, this procedure is of no use when learning how to assemble a standing fan, per se, unless you want to radically change the control scheme. However, it can be useful if you just learned how to calculate the CFM of a fan and are looking for ways to increase energy efficiency.
This is a labor-intensive and potentially dangerous job involving live electrical circuits and climbing up ladders. In addition to that, all fans are designed differently, so the procedure varies from model to model. Here are some tips to get this done simply and efficiently.
Remember when we said this was a difficult and dangerous job? We weren’t kidding. Protect yourself and ensure a desirable outcome by contacting a professional electrician. At the very least, they can give you a proper diagnosis and some DIY-friendly tips for your specific fan model and ceiling setup. Most electricians worth their salt can complete this job in an hour or two, while it would likely take an inexperienced consumer four to five times that.
If your ceiling fan switch is acting up and not allowing you to change speeds or power the unit on or off, it may be time for a replacement instead of worrying about wiring a bypass. Modern ceiling fans are outfitted with all kinds of bells and whistles, allowing for multiple control options that go far and beyond that old-school pull chain. As long as you get a pro to install it for you, you won’t have to deal with junction boxes, wires, and dangerous electrical signals.
STAT: An existing wall dimmer switch must be replaced with a single ON/OFF wall switch before installing a fan to ensure consistent power flow from the switch to the fan. You cannot operate a ceiling fan with a wall dimmer switch. (source)
