Adding a ceiling fan? Don't make this mistake!

There are times I definitely think I need my head examined. About six years ago, as part of a moderate-scale house renovation, we added a remote-control Minka ceiling fan/light to our bedroom. For reasons that I no longer recall (and can't possibly explain), we allowed the fan to be installed without a separate power switch. So, the only way to control it is via the remote. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Predictably, last night the remote stopped working, of course while both the fan and the light were on. So, the only way to shut them off was via the circuit breaker (which, of course, controls various other lights, outlets, etc.). We've tried whatever troubleshooting steps we could find but to no avail. The remote itself blinks when its buttons are pushed, so I doubt it's the battery. Not being techie, I'm figuring it's a receiver problem. This morning I will call Minka, but I'm guessing we'll now need an electrician once to take the fan down and a second time to put it back up after repair or replacement.

As I said, there are times I really need my head examined. What was I thinking? (And why didn't the contractor six years ago warn me this was a terrible idea?)

I understand it not having a wall switch, but it doesn't also have pull chains in addition to the remote? Or is it too high up? I've seen fans with no wall switch but with chains, and also fans with no chains but with a wall switch. Are you saying your fan has neither and only used the remote?

ETA: And if it does turn out that you have neither chains nor remote, then I agree that the contractor really dropped the ball.

Our Minkas have a special wall switch which is awesome, especially for shorties like me who can't reach a chain. You can also just buy another fan remote, they are pretty universal (our remote for the den works the fan in our master as well!).

Good luck

http://www.lumens.com/wall-control-wcs212-by-minka-aire-fans-R053262.html?utm_term=&utm_medium=PLA&utm_source=google&kwid=productads-plaid%5E87663156351-sku%5ER053262-adType%5EPLA-device%5Em-adid%5E51925504

I used to add lengths to the pull chains so they were in reach.

Unfortunately, no chain or switch. Remote control only. (@wendyn: cool wall switch; wish I had it!)

We called Minka tech support. Tried re-linking transmitter and receiver in case it's a lost connection. No dice. Tech guy said then it's the receiver, which needs to be replaced. We have a call in to nearest Minka dealer to obtain the part. Then I guess we need an electrician or handyman to swap out the receiver.

Good news: If indeed it's the receiver, we don't need to take the whole fan down.

Bad news: Receiver only covered for one year under warranty. Of course.

Worse news: No way to turn the darn thing off except to turn off the breaker (which also controls our bathroom lights!) or disconnect wiring inside fan (way beyond my capabilities).

Sigh. Live and learn.

I would try changing the battery, too. My tv remotes turn the tv on and off when battery low, but wony change the channels. Worth a try

If you do end up needing to take the fan down, be sure to put a wall switch in.

Good thought. Tried it. Nope.

Glover said:
I would try changing the battery, too. My tv remotes turn the tv on and off when battery low, but wony change the channels. Worth a try

Oh well

any way you can take the bulb out?

any chance turning off the breaker would power it off? at least you can turn off the breaker and take the bulb out....and turn on the heat if the fan makes it too cold!

or maybe you can remove the blades?

The breaker turns fan and light off, but also knocks out a number of other lights in the house. We've ordered the replacement part (7-10 days), and in the meantime we'll just have to make do. The rooms that lose power with the breaker off still have a couple of working outlets even though the main fixtures won't work. So, with those outlets we can plug in lamps as needed.

Luckily no essential item is knocked out as far as I can tell (e.g., fridge, sump pump, etc.).

Always interesting, isn't it, when you start flipping breakers to see what works and what doesn't?! Our electrical panel is very inadequately labeled, so it's always a surprise. One of these days I'm going to position a family member in every room, turn on every light and appliance, and provide fully detailed labels for all 30 or so breakers!

jmitw said:
any way you can take the bulb out?


any chance turning off the breaker would power it off? at least you can turn off the breaker and take the bulb out....and turn on the heat if the fan makes it too cold!


or maybe you can remove the blades?

[edited to remove accidental duplicate post]

Perhaps you can remove the fan housing so as to reach the two powers lines (white and black) and disconnect while power is off (and then cap wires with wire nuts).

Every time we get electrical work done it never fails that no one marks the panel for the breakers

Good luck with your fan. The one we have does have a wall switch and a remote but the company has gone out of business so we're out of luck for parts. At least it was free from a friend

but when you turn the breaker back on, does the fan come back on or stay off?

Comes right back on.

At this point, I'm just going to wait till the part comes in and then have someone install it. Meanwhile, we can use lamps to light areas as needed, and I don't feel comfortable messing with wiring or taking the fan apart.

jmitw said:
but when you turn the breaker back on, does the fan come back on or stay off?

Is the light portion of it a piece added on below the fan? Usually, light kits can be swapped out without getting a whole new fixture... Maybe you could replace just that part with a light that has a pull chain? (I realize that might not work at all and won't turn the fan on or off -- just thinking out loud.)

I had a related situation: just know that there is a chance that you can't use a regular wall switch unless you have separate wiring for the fan and the light going to the switch area in your wall (which I believe is pretty rare). The solution to that is buying a conversion kit, which essentially is a remote that is built into a wall switch. Minka and Home Depot (only by phone) sells them for about 36 dollars. Capital lighting also may sell them for slightly more. Also remember that the receiver in the fan has a particular channel and the remote/transmitter has to be synched with that. Feeling your pain....good luck

Thanks. We were out of town, but are back now and will have to deal with this ... assuming the part came in...