Verifying Fan Connections With A Wiring Diagram

Wiring a Table Fan Motor with Capacitor
Electrical Question: I am rewiring a Table Fan Speed Control Switch.

• I have a Bionaire brand table electric fan.
  • It has a 3 speed fan motor.
  • The electric motor is a BM-122 Decomin brand 3 speed motor.
    • There are 6 wires:
      • Red wire.
      • Black wire.
      • White wire.
      • Yellow wire.
      • Gray wire.
      • Blue wire.
        • The motor has a 4mu 250volt capacitor.

• This fan has an oscillating grill with independent sync motor, and timer circuit.
• Something was wrong with the solid state circuitry (everything worked but the motor!), but a quick test of the motor indicated it does work.
• The motor uses a start and run capacitor.
• I decided to change controls to a simple mechanical switch and fore go for now anything beyond 3 speeds.
• The printed circuit board shows the following connections:
  • Black wire
  • Blue wire
  • Yellow wire
    • Are respective for the:
      • High fan motor speed
      • Medium fan motor speed
      • Low fan motor speed
• I think the gray wire goes out to the oscillator motor.
  • The Red wire is marked as Line, for the power source.
• All wires are in continuity with each other EXCEPT RED is not with any other wire.

I see you’re a contractor, so this question might be a little out of your ballpark, but might you help me figure out how to direct wire to a mechanical switch.

Thanks.

Background: Eddie, a Homeowner from Houston, Texas.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Eddie.

How to Verify Fan Motor Wiring Connections

• Checking the Motor and Capacitor Connections
• Double check your connections using the fan wiring diagrams.
• You should see that there is a separate motor winding for high speed.
  • The concern is that there is a capacitor for the motor.
  • So I’m thinking that the motor may have to start with the slower speeds first.
  • and not start in the high speed because the motor or capacitor has not been designed for that type of operation.

More about Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagrams

• Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects.
• An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical Wiring

• Make sure not to miss these Resources for: Wiring Diagrams

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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