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.
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