Slow Ceiling Fan Restored Back To Life
Where we live in Australia, the temperatures can range from 10̊ C in the winter to 40̊ C in the summer. We do use the ducted air-conditioning when needed but prefer to use ceiling fans as they provide better flow and are easier on the wallet. Our loungeroom ceiling fan was not up to the challenge and for some reason, the fastest speed was not doing its job.
After testing the remote with another one from a different room (adjusting the DIP switches to match the lounge one), it proved that the fault lay with the fan itself, not the remote.
After safely turning off the circuit breaker and testing for power with my Fluke non-contact voltage tester (I have previously worked as a domestic electrician and have quite a range of tools), I lowered the fan to gain access to what I suspected was the fault.
Removing the upper cover of the fan motor exposed the component that needed to be tested.
This capacitor is used to control the fan’s speed by varying the amount of capacitance in the circuit. The capacitor stores and releases electrical energy in a controlled manner, which affects the timing and phase of the voltage applied to the fan’s motor windings. This, in turn, determines the fan’s speed. Different capacitors with varying capacitance values can be used to achieve different fan speeds. This was the best place to start testing.
After removal, I tested the capacitor and no surprise, I found that the capacitance was out of range.
It was rated at 1.5 μf, but tested at only 0.9 μf. I had a spare fan capacitor from a previous repair. This was rated at 2 μf but would be well within the acceptable range.
It was a simple job to install and then after refitting the fan to the ceiling, I could confidently switch the circuit breaker back on.
After testing all the speeds, the fan was now back in service, ready to cool the air during the heat of the day.
This article was prepared for you by Mark Rabone from Australia.
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Note: You can check out his previous repair article on Roborock H6 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Burning Hot
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Albert van Bemmelen
December 14, 2024 at 4:29 pm
These AC capacitors in fan's always cause problems in time and indeed are of too low capacity causing the fan to even stop rotating. Sadly my only electronics shop in town probably won't have these for replacements. So we have to order these online. And 10 degrees in winter to 40 degrees in summer is my kind of temperature! (here it is at the moment at least about 10 degrees less in winter time just above zero).
So we really do not need any fan's here but most houses use airconditioning to save on energy cost by using the airco to heat up the rooms in wintertime and cool them down in summer time.
Mark
December 14, 2024 at 9:41 pm
I just happened to have a spare one in stock from another repair. It's up to full speed again, thankfully - tomorrow is 35 degrees. During the week it will get up to 37 degrees!
Waleed Rishmawi
December 14, 2024 at 5:02 pm
very good repair job. yes i experienced this kind of fault in fans that come with a stand ( used a lot in my hometown). thanks for sharing and have a blessed day
Mark
December 14, 2024 at 9:42 pm
Thanks Waleed,
It was just a simple repair, but worth sharing.
Parasuraman S
December 14, 2024 at 11:37 pm
Very good dedicated service done and thanks for sharing! Very useful info shared too on the use of these AC capacitors in the fan!
Mark
December 15, 2024 at 8:30 am
Thanks Parasuraman,
I appreciate that you are the Master of the Capacitor!
Tito Kanshulu
December 15, 2024 at 4:34 am
Times have passed without hearing from you Mark. Thanks for your comeback. This cap is indeed the main cause of fan not rotating. Thanks once more
Mark
December 15, 2024 at 8:31 am
I will try and put out more articles. I have my automotive workshop, teaching at the college, my YouTube channel, writing for companies to do as well. I am trying to get more electronic business, so hopefully I will have more content to use.
Alfonso
January 5, 2025 at 6:52 am
Muchísimas gracias. Mark. No importa de que sea la reparación.ya sea autos, electrodomésticos,PC, TV, radios, desktops. Neveras, etc. Lo que importa es que sirva de ayuda para alguien que lo necesite, y pueda resolver algún problema que tengan. Saludos y éxitos en esos nuevos proyectos
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Thank you very much, Mark. It doesn't matter what the repair is, whether it's cars, appliances, PCs, TVs, radios, desktops, refrigerators, etc. What matters is that it helps someone who needs it, and can solve some problem they have. Greetings and success in those new projects.
Mark J
December 15, 2024 at 4:39 am
Mark Rabone good job on the repair. I always fix the remotes. Never came across that problem yet with the fan itself.
Mark
December 15, 2024 at 8:33 am
Yes, the remote was the first testing I did, but I did suspect the capacitor from the start, but wanted to test the easy things first.
Yogesh Panchal
December 17, 2024 at 1:18 am
Good Job! Mark
PHILIP
December 17, 2024 at 4:57 pm
Thank you. A good marks article. Since you operate a car repairs shop I hope one of these days you will, if allowed, present a case from the automotive repairs. Cars have lots of electric and electronic circuits that sometimes fail.