+9 votes
by (360 points)
Have been having trouble with ge smart switches that are controlling my ceiling fans. After a while they just stop working and say device unavailable in both smartthings apps, and you cant manually switch them on. I have physically taken them out and put them into another spot in the house and they work fine. The identical light switch right next to it and on the same line works just fine. Any ideas?  
Have been having trouble with ge smart switches that are controlling my ceiling fans.

8 Answers

+1 vote
by (220 points)
There are specific ones for fans that let you do speeds. Personally I’ve had a hell of a time with the one (relay) Ge switch I have.  
by (15.3k points)
@univalve when did it start. Which version of ghe switch Have you tried ZWave repairs?  
by (220 points)
@anatolia7046 my issue is with the switch relay just quits or gets stuck. It clicks but the lights stay on.  
by (15.3k points)
@univalve ah different issue then. I had one of those and ended up sending it back for a replacement
+3 votes
by (1.6k points)
Are you using the one made for fan switches? I've had one in the same box as a GE regular smart switch and they've both worked great for years.  
+4 votes
by (920 points)
3-way problem? Is there a 2nd switch for fan?  
+6 votes
by (320 points)
A 3 way typically uses another switch that would control the same light like in a hallway that has a switch on each side of the hall. For it to work properly you need the Add-on Switch for best results. Sound like you need to buy the switch specifically for a fan. GE makes them, I see them at Lowe’s.  
by (320 points)
A 3-way doesn’t mean 3 things to control. It means 3 ways to share one power source, 2 light switches to one light. The picture above is the add on switch you need with a 3-way. Designed to spilt power to one area.  
by (360 points)
@wendolyn91051 the priblem with those is they are paddle switches. I have already installed toggle switches throughout the house, dont want to mix toggle and paddle.  
by (920 points)
@presidium You can get a toggle switch add-on too. But if you have 3-way switch with improper add-on, it's definitely going to give you problems.  
by (320 points)
@presidium they make them in both styles. I just sent a pic of the first add on switch I saw on the Lowe’s app.  
+6 votes
by (630 points)
I have had horrible experience with that line of ge smart products. I changed brands and solved my nightmare
by (320 points)
@aphonia I have 12 of them and never had a problem.  
+4 votes
by (360 points)
Tripped the breaker, still didnt work, tripped it again, left it off for a minute, then the seitch started working again
+7 votes
by (2.5k points)
I was using one of these to control a bathroom exhaust fan, I had the same issue. I removed it from the fan and used it elsewhere. My bathroom fan isn't smart anymore and I need to find a new way.  
+8 votes
by (1k points)
I had a similar problem with a different brand and actually blamed the brand for it. In retrospect, I may have just tightened down the face-plate or switch assembly too much and bent it enough to interfere with the relay's action. Whatever the case, I put those exact switches in to replace the others and they've worked flawlessly ever since. Also, with fans, it's a good idea to check amperage required. Some fans draw quite a bit and the switch may not have enough to do it (or do it safely). That's one reason my bathroom fan is still manual. (The other is that it has two switches, mounted vertically in one space. )
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