Ceiling Fan trips switch


  #1  
Old 06-12-03, 09:12 AM
ikasse02
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Ceiling Fan trips switch

Hi,

I recently installed 2 ceiling lights/fans in separate rooms. I am now having trouble with the 3rd.

We installed the fan which works great until we turn the wall switch off. It must also be connected to a safety outlet on the opposite side of the wall because that outlet trips and we have to push the reset button for it to turn on again.

This does not happen every time.

We opened everything up and made sure nothing is in contact.

More information on wiring: the original wires were only black and white (no ground). The ground wire is connected to the mounting box as instructed. The black and white wires are not clearly marked. Is it possible that we accidentally switched the 2?

Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 06-12-03, 04:49 PM
J
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Are you talking about a reset button on a GFCI? A lot of people have trouble trying to run a ceiling fan downstream from a GFCI.

Please give us some history. What existed prior to this project, and what cable and boxes did you add? Is there some way you can get power from other than downstream of the GFCI (which is a code violation anyway if this GFCI is on a circuit serving a kitchen, bathroom or dining room)?

Help us explore the possibilities for getting this fan off the GFCI.
 
  #3  
Old 06-13-03, 05:17 AM
ikasse02
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I believe it is a GFCI but it serves a bedroom and a living room so I do not think it is a violation. I cannot change the wiring pattern. I do not mind hitting the reset button since this does not happen every time and if this problem does not indicate that this is a dangerous situation...

Is it possible that the light switch is coincidentally broken since it cuts out when I turn the switch off?

Thanks for your help!
 
  #4  
Old 06-13-03, 05:18 AM
ikasse02
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PS - I didn't add or change anything I was just replacing an existing light fixture with the fan (it has the appropriate mounting frame I believe)...
 
  #5  
Old 06-13-03, 06:23 AM
J
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If you don't mind pressing the reset button every once in a while, then you can just leave everything alone. Buy a spare GFCI receptacle so you have it handy when the one you have quits working.
 
  #6  
Old 06-16-03, 01:48 PM
ikasse02
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Problem Solved (kind of)

So, we comprimised and are leaving the ceiling fan/light wall switch on and controlling it with the pulley switches on the fan.

It works perfectly...

Thank you so much for your help!
 
 

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