This one needs a licensed pro
Stop: hot smell, burn marks or humming
A fan that hums without spinning, smells hot or shows burn marks has a wiring or motor fault. Switch it off, turn the breaker off and call a licensed electrician.
Why this happens
Hunter lists loose wiring, burn marks and no power at the switch among the problems that need an electrician. ESFI lists a burning smell as a warning sign of an electrical problem.
What to do right now
- If you see smoke or flames, get out, stay out and call 911.
- Switch the fan off at the wall.
- At the panel, open only the hinged door. Never remove the metal cover behind it; that cover is for electricians. Keep your hands dry and do not stand on a wet floor.
- Switch OFF the breaker for the fan and leave it off.
- Call a licensed electrician. Do not open the fan.
What to tell the licensed electrician
- What you noticed: humming without spinning, a hot smell, or burn marks, and where.
- Which breaker you turned off.
- The fan brand and model, and how old it is.
Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
Vent, Valve & Volt is published by the team behind FourHome. Browse all FourHome replacement faucet and shower parts on the FourHome Amazon store.