Fixing a Ceiling Fan Not Spinning

ceiling fan not spinning

If your ceiling fan stops spinning suddenly it can be a little more complicated than simply re-adjusting the directional switch. In some cases, the motor can break down or a component within it might have stopped working due to overheating or age. A few quick tests can help you figure out what is going wrong with your fan, and in most cases it can be fixed fairly easily by a professional that provides residential electrical services.

The first thing you will want to check is the circuit breaker that powers the fan, and the wall switch that controls it. Flipping the breaker off and on can sometimes solve this problem, so be sure to do that before moving on.

Next, if your fan is getting power but the blades still won’t turn, listen for a humming sound coming from the motor housing. This is a sign that the motor capacitor is blown due to overheating. It is easy to tell if this is the case because the capacitor will usually seem melted or burned.

The best way to fix this is by removing the capacitor from the motor assembly and replacing it with a new one. Be sure to match the voltage and current ratings of the new capacitor with the original. Once you have a replacement you can reattach the old wires to the new capacitor, seal the base and mount it back onto the motor. If the new capacitor doesn’t fix your ceiling fan issue, it is probably best to call a licensed electrician to handle more complicated electrical repairs.