How To Tell If A Ceiling Fan Capacitor Is Bad

We hardly check on our ceiling fans because they're not easy to reach. This seeming hassle may pose risks if we forget to check it for routine maintenance. For your safety and the safety of people using it, we will teach you how to tell if ceiling fan capacitor is bad.

Tips For Basic Ceiling Fan Maintenance

Ceiling fans are often used comfortably in the home as efficient cooling devices. Since they're fixed to the ceiling, they're not accessible to children, making it safe but hard-to-reach devices. Checking on your ceiling fan for problems may not come as natural as other home equipment, but we should know how to tell if ceiling fan capacitor is bad.

What Is A Ceiling Fan Capacitor

Ceiling fans use a 'permanent split capacitor motor' that starts and runs winding with two coils. Basically, this mechanism helps keep the fans running.

The Signs Of A Bad Capacitor In A Ceiling Fan

When you start noticing these signs on your fan, you may have a problem with its capacitor:

• The fan is too slow or does not run in spite of speed changes 
• The fan does not start unless it is manually spun first 
• Different choices of speed are slow 
• There is a buzzing sound in the motor, but it does not spin

The only way to know how to tell if ceiling fan capacitor is bad is by being observant of any functional changes on your ceiling fan. Before it gets worse, you should consider having it replaced as soon as possible.

How To Replace A Ceiling Fan's Capacitor

1. Locate the capacitor in your ceiling fan. It is a black box inside your fan's switch housing.
2. Check for signs of damage like burns or areas that melted.
3. If the capacitor is the problem, work on replacing it as soon as possible.
4. Before starting, ensure your ceiling fan is switched off and that all power to your room is cut off by switching off the breakers in the electrical panel.
5. Prepare a few of the tools for installment:
   • Fan 
   • Wire Cutters 
   • Wire Strippers 
   • Screwdriver and Screws
6. Access the ceiling fan with a stepladder and make sure you practice safety precautions.
7. Make sure you have the correct value of the capacitor. If this information is not available, you may check with the fan's manufacturer.
8. Determine if your capacitor is two-wire or three-wire.
9. Ensure that you connect the wires correctly so that you join the right cord to its proper value. Wire colors may not be so reliable. For these cases, call your fan manufacturer for assistance or refer to the manual.

Conclusion

Ceiling fans may be efficient, hassle-free cooling devices for the home, but when they have problems, it's not so easy to detect it. Now that you know how to tell if ceiling fan capacitor is bad, you can keep your ceiling fan in top shape.