Oscillating fan

[metrologist]

It's summer and I discovered my fan does not work. It's the oscillating kind with 4 buttons on the base (O123) and the fan (head) swivels. It acts like it's not plugged in.

I opened the base first and measured 120VAC on the power cord input at the switch block. I noticed that when I select one of the fan speeds, a metal piece pokes out a tiny bit from the switch case, right where the 1 of the three wires go from the motor into the switch . On each of these wires, I measure 120VAC when that speed is selected. I think the switch is working, but I was kind of expecting to read a different voltage for each speed setting.

The three wires plus neutral go into the motor, and there appears to be a large square capacitor also wired into the motor. I'd need to take the motor out and its housing apart to see anything more. Is there something I might be missing before I proceed? I was going to measure the cap, but it is sealed in epoxy with the wires coming out. I might poke through the insulation though. I need to look at it again, maybe it's not even a cap. 

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The switch isn't going to change voltage levels. It simply supplies power to a different winding of the motor depending on it's setting.

Bob

[metrologist]

OK. This might be too easy then. http://www.instructables.com/id/FAN-repair/?ALLSTEPS

[Gyro]

Certainly a possibility. If it is the thermal fuse then be very careful if you try to solder in a new one, they're very temperature sensitive (for obvious reasons). Use a heavy pair of pliers as a heat shunt, or better still crimp, as the original probably is.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Keep in mind that the fuse is generally dual purpose. It has a current rating and profile that relates to the way the motor operates. It has a temperature rating that relates to the insulation used in the motor. You want to be sure you get both parameters right.

Bob