Rotary fan control trips circuit breaker
#1
09-23-03, 07:38 AM
Rotary fan control trips circuit breaker
On occasion my rotary ceiling fan control will trip the breaker (usually when turning fan off and in between medium and low settings). I have looked at the wiring to the swtich and it is done correctly and tight, etc. Is this normal with these type of controls or should I be concerned.
Also I am getting an audible humm from the fan when it is running, especially on low.
Also I am getting an audible humm from the fan when it is running, especially on low.
#4
09-23-03, 11:29 AM
Member
Two things commonly trip a breaker: (1) a short circuit, or (2) an overload.
Rule out the overload first, by determining everything that is on this circuit and how much power it takes and comparing that to the capacity of the circuit.
If you're okay on load, then you should probably replace the fan and/or switch, since it could very well be a hazard.
Another outside chance is a bad breaker. But be aware that breakers don't go bad very often.
Rule out the overload first, by determining everything that is on this circuit and how much power it takes and comparing that to the capacity of the circuit.
If you're okay on load, then you should probably replace the fan and/or switch, since it could very well be a hazard.
Another outside chance is a bad breaker. But be aware that breakers don't go bad very often.
#6
09-23-03, 02:20 PM
Member
Oh. I should have put four things on my list. (3) A ground fault if a AFCI or GFCI breaker. (4) An arc fault if an AFCI breaker.
My guess is that the AFCI breaker isn't compatible with the fan control switch. AFCI breakers are not common enough for us to know all the possible negative interactions. I've not seen this interaction before, but anything is possible with new technology.
My guess is that the AFCI breaker isn't compatible with the fan control switch. AFCI breakers are not common enough for us to know all the possible negative interactions. I've not seen this interaction before, but anything is possible with new technology.
