Flickering, buzzing, and other warning signs
When a fan or light needs an electrician.
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Warning signs
NFPA says to call a qualified electrician for flickering or dimming lights, a burning or rubbery smell, discolored or warm wall outlets, sparks from an outlet, or breakers that trip often. The CPSC lists dim or flickering lights, sizzles or buzzes, overheating parts, and odors as warning signs of electrical hazards.
A humming fan motor
ENERGY STAR says running a fan on a conventional dimmer switch could make the motor hum. Ask your electrician whether your control is made for fans.
Bulbs and heat
The CPSC says bulbs of too high a wattage can cause overheating. Check the maximum wattage label.
What to do
Turn the fixture off. Stop using it. Call a licensed electrician.
FAQ
General information only. Ceiling fans and light fixtures are electrical equipment. Hire a licensed electrician for any installation, wiring, electrical box, switch, or light kit work, and follow the fan maker's manual and your local electrical code. Before cleaning, changing a bulb, or checking a fan, turn it off and let the blades stop and the bulbs cool; turn off power at the circuit breaker before any work near the fan's wiring. Use a stable ladder, and if you are not comfortable working overhead, call a pro. Never use a bulb above the maximum wattage marked on the fixture. If a fan or light flickers, buzzes, smells hot, or trips a breaker, stop using it and call a licensed electrician.
Next: fan controls
Chains, remotes, walls.
