Unable to determine wiring of a 220 fan motor
#1
04-19-12, 03:42 PM
Unable to determine wiring of a 220 fan motor
I bought a shop fan years ago that came with a nonworking motor. I took the motor to have it checked. The shop added a missing capacitor start and lubed it. They also ran the motor while I was there. Once I got home with it I put it aside and never got around to installing the motor until now, 15 years later. The motor never had an electrical cord so I am attempting to wire one in but I am seeing only 2 wires on the motor, a black and white. I would think there should be 3 wires, 2 120v legs and 1 ground. Am I missing something here? The only numbering on the motor is 30961.
#2
04-19-12, 04:53 PM
I would think there should be 3 wires, 2 120v legs and 1 ground.
Last edited by ray2047; 04-20-12 at 07:52 AM.
#3
04-19-12, 05:09 PM
Wouldn't the ground normally be connected to a screw somewhere on the motor or frame?
I know it only NEEDS 2 hots.....but everything I've seen at least has a ground connection.
I know it only NEEDS 2 hots.....but everything I've seen at least has a ground connection.
#5
04-19-12, 10:59 PM
Not sure what the load amps are for this motor since there are no labels. The motor looks pretty old encased in a large cast iron housing. Going by your answer, I would need to run a pair of 120v wire to the black & white wires of the motor then connect ground wire to chassis.
#8
04-20-12, 07:50 AM
I would need to run a pair of 120v wire to the black & white wires of the motor then connect ground wire to chassis.
#9
04-20-12, 04:55 PM
Sorry for the misunderstading, I meant wiring the motor with both wire leads from the 240 ckt breaker. I looked for wiring diagrams but found none. The connection box has a homemade cover which I assume the original was lost. I went with the motor being 240v since that is what the shop had stated. At this point, I will do what you suggested and test it first with 120v. I'll post the results once I complete the test.
#11
04-23-12, 04:44 AM
Success! The motor ran fine with 120v and did not even try 240v. I know there are motors that can run either on 120v and 240v but would any one know what the wiring layout would be? I also had some concerns on the fan speed since it did not have a speed control but as luck would have it, the low speed setting was just right for a fan this size. Thanks for the great suggestions I am now ready for any heat wave summer can dish out.
#12
04-23-12, 08:25 AM
If it runs fine on 120v I would not advise you to test it on 240v. You could easily damage the motor before you could disconnect it. I think you misunderstood the motor shop or they gave you wrong info.
