To some, the idea of five spinning wooden overhead blades sounds like a terrifying experience yet millions of people worldwide continue to love their ceiling fans. This does, of course, come with the expectation that their fans will not break or fall from above. Fortunately, it is pretty uncommon for a ceiling fan to fall. Instead, it is more likely to stop running or shake in place.
As long as a ceiling fan was properly installed using the right equipment, it should run for many years without ever breaking. However, if someone accidentally knocks the fan blades, they can slip out of balance and shake in place. This is generally easy to fix and shouldn’t cause the fan to break or fall from the ceiling.
Although some fans do fall from time to time, no one has ever been beheaded by their ceiling fan. Keep reading to learn why it is rare for ceiling fans to break, what to do if your fan is shaking, and how to maintain your fan to keep it in top condition for years to come.
How are Ceiling Fans Held in Place?
Ceiling fans are held in place by a few different methods. The most common is by suspending the fan from a metal bracket that is attached to an electrical box. The box is then mounted to either wood or metal support beams in the ceiling.
Another installation method is by using a hanger bar. This bar is also attached to the electrical box but it hangs down from the ceiling a few inches. The fan is then attached to the hanger bar.
The third installation method is the least common but it is also the most secure. This method uses a metal bracket that is mounted directly to a support beam. The fan is then attached to the bracket and suspended below.
Yet, no matter which installation method they use, construction teams always balance and test the ceiling fans to guarantee safety. Before a home can be put on the market, a housing inspector must ensure that the building is up to code and safe for inhabitants.
Common Reasons Why a Ceiling Fan Might Break
The most common reason for a ceiling fan to break is because it was not installed properly. If the electrical box is not mounted correctly, the entire fan could come crashing down. This is why it is important to always hire a professional to install your ceiling fan.
Another common reason for a ceiling fan to break is that it was not maintained properly. Over time, the fan blades can become unbalanced which will cause the fan to shake. If this is not fixed, the fan could eventually break.
The last common reason for a ceiling fan to break is because it was hit by something. For example, if your children hit the ceiling fan with a basketball or a Frisbee, it can easily become unbalanced and start to shake. If this happens, it is important to fix the problem right away.
How to Fix a Shaking Ceiling Fan
If your ceiling fan is shaking, it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible. A shaking fan can become unbalanced and eventually break. The first thing you should do is turn off the power to the fan. Then, check to see if the blades are loose. If they are, tighten them.
If the blades are not loose, check to see if the fan is unbalanced. To do this, hold the fan in place and spin the blades. If the blades are not level, adjust them until they are. If the fan is still shaking, it is possible that the electrical box is not mounted correctly. This is a serious problem and you should call a professional to fix it.
How to Maintain Your Ceiling Fan
The best way to prevent your ceiling fan from breaking is to maintain it properly. Here are a few tips:
- Clean the fan regularly: Over time, the blades can become covered in dust and dirt. This can throw off the balance of the fan and cause it to shake. To prevent this, clean the blades with a soft cloth.
- Check the blades regularly: If you notice that one of the blades is bent, it is important to fix the problem right away. A bent blade can cause the fan to shake and eventually break.
- Be careful when using the fan: If you are going to be using the fan in a room with low ceilings, be careful not to hit the blades with anything. A ceiling fan is not a toy and should be treated with care.
By caring for your ceiling fan like any other appliance, you can ensure that it lasts for many years without any trouble.
Concluding Thoughts
Ceiling fans are surprisingly sturdy and it is rare for them to break. However, if they are not installed or maintained properly, they can become unbalanced and start to shake. If this happens, it is important to fix the problem right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many people are beheaded by ceiling fans every year?
No one has ever been beheaded by a ceiling fan. The blades are not sharp enough, nor do they spin fast enough to behead someone. Roughly a dozen people are killed every year by a falling ceiling fan but the odds of this happening are lower than winning the lottery.
2. Can dust affect a ceiling fan’s balance?
Although it may seem unbelievable, if you allow dust to build up for many years, it can cause some of the blades to become heavier than others. This will offset your fan and cause it to spin out of balance.
3. Can I rebalance my fan by hand?
Yes, you can rebalance a ceiling fan by hand using a ruler and a level. This will take some patience but it is a relatively easy fix and will save you the cost of hiring a professional to do it for you.
Take a look at our other most recent blog posts below:
- Green Bathroom Tile Ideas
- Blue and White Bathroom Ideas
- Black And White Bathroom Ideas
- Bathroom Tile Ideas
- All White Bathroom Ideas
