# Why is my ceiling fan wobbling or humming? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Why is my ceiling fan wobbling or humming? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why is my ceiling fan wobbling or humming?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ceiling-fan-wobble-humming/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why is my ceiling fan wobbling? 2. Why is my ceiling fan humming? 3. Can I fix it myself? 4. What should I tell the electrician? 5. Why does it matter that the fan is secure? 6. What to note before you call 7. Frequently asked questions A wobbling ceiling fan is usually unbalanced or loosely mounted, and a humming one often has a problem with its speed control, capacitor or a dimmer that does not suit it. A loose fan can fall, so keep clear and stop using it. Fixing either problem should be left to a licensed electrician. ## Why is my ceiling fan wobbling? Some wobble is simply down to the fan’s balance. Blades can bend or collect dust unevenly, or fixings can work loose over time. Wobble can also mean the mounting at the ceiling is loose, which is more serious, because the whole fan is only as secure as the point it hangs from. A fan that wobbles strongly, clicks, sways more over time, or looks to be hanging at an angle should be treated as a possible fall risk. Keep people, especially children, away from underneath it. ## Why is my ceiling fan humming? A faint motor sound is normal, but a loud or changing hum usually points to the electrical side of the fan. Common causes include: - a failing capacitor, the part that helps the motor start and set its speed - a speed controller or wall control that does not suit the fan - a dimmer made for lights being used to control a fan - a worn motor or bearings You cannot tell from the floor which of these it is. Diagnosing it involves opening the fan and testing its parts and wiring, which is electrical work. Loose, sagging or smelling of burning If a fan is smoking, sparking or smells of burning, leave the building with everyone in it, including children and pets, and call 000. If a fan looks loose, is hanging at an angle or is making grinding or clicking noises, keep people and pets away from underneath it, do not touch it, and contact a licensed electrician. A loose fan can fall. ## Can I fix it myself? No. Working on a fan means working with its wiring, controls and mounting. In Queensland, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, and the Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator. A fan that is wobbling is also a mechanical safety question, because of its weight and height, so it is not a job to try from a stepladder. If the fan is still under warranty, the manufacturer or retailer may need to handle the fault. Check the manual or ask them, and tell them what you have noticed. ## What should I tell the electrician? The more clearly you can describe the problem, the faster it can be diagnosed. Details that help include whether it happens at every speed, whether it started suddenly or built up, and whether there is a remote or wall control. Do not touch the fan to find out. ## Why does it matter that the fan is secure? A ceiling fan is heavy, spins at height and hangs from a single mounting point. If that point loosens, the fan can come down. That is why even a job that looks like a small mechanical adjustment is not one to try yourself, as it means working at height beside live wiring with a moving part overhead. A licensed electrician can check the mounting, the blades and the electrical parts together and tell you whether the fan can stay in service or needs to be repaired or replaced by someone qualified. ## What to note before you call 1. Describe the movement or sound — Is it a wobble, a click, a hum or a grinding sound? Does it happen at every speed or only some? 2. When it started — Note whether it came on suddenly, got worse gradually, or began after a power event or storm. 3. How the fan is controlled — Note whether it uses a wall control, a remote or a dimmer-style switch. Photograph it, but do not touch or remove it. 4. Make and model — Copy the make and model from your purchase records or the manual. Do not climb up to look at the fan. ## Frequently asked questions - If it wobbles strongly, sways or looks loose, it is safest to keep clear and not use it. A loose fan can fall, so have a licensed electrician look at it. - Humming at low speed is often a sign of the speed control, capacitor or dimmer not suiting the motor. A licensed electrician can find which part is responsible. - A dimmer made for lights is not designed for a fan motor and can cause humming or other problems. A licensed electrician can advise what suits your fan. - It can be a sign of a failing part. If you notice heat, a burning smell or smoke, leave and call 000. Otherwise keep away and call a licensed electrician. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalCan I install a ceiling fan myself in Queensland?No: connecting a ceiling fan to mains wiring is electrical work that must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/install-ceiling-fan-yourself-queensland/) - [ElectricalWhy are my lights flickering? Causes and when it’s dangerousFlickering lights can come from the bulb, a dimmer, a loose connection or a street fault; crackling or a burning smell is an emergency.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/why-are-my-lights-flickering/) - [ElectricalCan I do my own electrical work in Queensland?No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-electrical-work-legal-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why is my ceiling fan wobbling? 2. Why is my ceiling fan humming? 3. Can I fix it myself? 4. What should I tell the electrician? 5. Why does it matter that the fan is secure? 6. What to note before you call 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/ceiling-fan-wobble-humming/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).