Ceiling Fan Light Crossed Wires
#1
09-07-22, 04:25 PM
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Ceiling Fan Light Crossed Wires
Hi! Thank you for reading my post!! I have a general question about possibly shorting my ceiling fan due to crossed neutral and hot wires. I have a "regular" 3 speed ceiling fan without any remote, etc. I wired it to work as a light with the wall switch and as a fan by the pull chain. It's been working fine for the last 15 years...recently I decided to change the light kit. Today when I was removing the old light, the hot and neutral (blue and white) light wires touched before I could cap either...and the wall switch was in the "on" position. Duh. Anyway it made a big spark and tripped the circuit breaker. After finishing the new light install the fan will (no surprise) not work. (The light does however work) No further sparking etc.
My question, which is more likely- I burnt the capacitor or the motor windings? I have changed capacitors on the a/c compressor and other fans, so I'm ok with that. I'm just worried I have to replace the whole fan. (I have not tested with the meter yet due to having to get the ladder back out and disassemble the dang light kit again.) At this point I'll just order a new capacitor or a new fan depending on what y'all advise.
Thank you!
My question, which is more likely- I burnt the capacitor or the motor windings? I have changed capacitors on the a/c compressor and other fans, so I'm ok with that. I'm just worried I have to replace the whole fan. (I have not tested with the meter yet due to having to get the ladder back out and disassemble the dang light kit again.) At this point I'll just order a new capacitor or a new fan depending on what y'all advise.
Thank you!
#2
09-07-22, 06:22 PM
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First, I would check for power to the fan using a meter (not a non-contact voltage tester) to confirm you indeed have power to the fan. The short could have opened a weak splice or you could also have two circuits there.
#3
09-09-22, 07:00 AM
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Thanks Tolyn, Yes there is power at the fan...but I cannot tell if there's a broken circuit in the motor/to the motor. The light is working, wouldn't that mean the house to fan circuit is intact? This is a 70+ year old house and the wiring was original, I don't remember 2 circuits...I think that was why I wired it as I did. For more in depth checking I have to get up on the ladder and take the fan apart. Seeing as this is the logical next step, I've gone ahead and ordered a capacitor to replace while I'm up there.
#4
09-09-22, 04:44 PM
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After checking the wires with the non-contact volt tester I had power in all the right places. (even checked the switch)... The capacitor tested good too. Turns out the directional flip switch was right in the middle, preventing the fan from starting. There you go- stupid is as stupid does.
I must have accidentally nudged it when the wires sparked and I jumped. All done, over and out. Thank you!
I must have accidentally nudged it when the wires sparked and I jumped. All done, over and out. Thank you!
#5
09-09-22, 08:21 PM
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#6
09-10-22, 04:35 AM
Group Moderator
First, I would check for power to the fan using a meter (not a non-contact voltage tester) to confirm you indeed have power to the fan
