how to repair a standing fan that is not rotating

Repair a Fan That Won't Turn

• Step 1: Start to Dismantle ...
• Step 2: Disassemble the Plastic Motor Covers. ...
• Step 3: Taking Apart the Motor and Checking the Capacitor ...
• Step 4: Take Out Rotor and Clean Bearings ...
• Step 5: Reconnect Capacitor and Re-fit in Plastic Covers ...
• Step 6: Re-attach Rear Fan Guard, Fan Blade and Front Guard ...

Full Answer

How to fix a fan that won't turn on?

Repair a Fan That Won't Turn Step 1: Start to Dismantle. Take off the front guard of the fan cage and remove the fan blade by turning the hand nut... Step 2: Disassemble the Plastic Motor Covers.. Once the rear guard is off you are just left with the plastic motor... Step 3: Taking Apart the Motor ...

What to do if your fan is broken?

When broken, a fan can be noisy or dysfunctional. Here are repair tips for two common fan issues. 1. Fan Head No Longer Rotates The set of gears that controls fan head rotation, known as the gear assembly, may need repair if your fan is no longer rotating properly. Unplug the fan, remove the fan grille and find the motor casing.

Why is my fan blade not spinning?

A dried out or sticky pin is one of the most common reasons for blades to stop spinning. If they spin easily and there’s no resistance, try turning your fan on and see if the pin spins. If it doesn’t, the problem isn’t the pin and there is probably a short in the motor.

Can a broken oscillating fan be repaired?

An oscillating fan may require repair in various ways. When broken, a fan can be noisy or dysfunctional. Here are repair tips for two common fan issues. The set of gears that controls fan head rotation, known as the gear assembly, may need repair if your fan is no longer rotating properly.

How do you fix a fan that won't spin?

Over time, the lubricant on the pin wears down as the fan blades rotate. Re-oiling the pin will usually solve this problem. A dried out or sticky pin is one of the most common reasons for blades to stop spinning. If they spin easily and there's no resistance, try turning your fan on and see if the pin spins.

What causes a standing fan not to rotate?

If there is sticking or too much resistance, you may just need to lubricate the fan shaft. Over time, the lubricant on the standing fan shaft will wear out as the standing fan blades turn. Re-oiling the fan shaft usually solves the problem. Dry, sticky fan shafts are the most common cause of blades not spinning.

How do I fix my stand fan not oscillating?

ConclusionMake sure it's plugged in.Check your circuit breaker.Make sure your outlet is working properly.Confirm that the fan's thermal fuse is working.Replace damaged cord.Clean your fan.Lubricate the motor and bearings.

What makes a standing fan rotate?

Each fan uses a motor within the fan's housing behind the spinning blades. The motor begins rotating when the on switch activates, causing the attached blades to spin as well. The oscillating feature also uses a motor attached to the main rotating blade motor.

How do you fix a stuck fan?

0:401:41Fixing a seized oscillating fan motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow I just use wd-40 on there which is not the best permanent lubricant. So I'm just going to addMoreNow I just use wd-40 on there which is not the best permanent lubricant. So I'm just going to add some three in one household oil on here and spin that a bit and let that get into the bearing.

How long do standing fans last?

Standing fans (or pedestal fans) usually last up to 3-5 years. Pedestal fans can tip over more easily, leading to damage that requires repair.

What is the problem with a fan that does not rotate unless rotated manually to start?

A fan rotates using electromagnets and thus require additional power to start rotating. As the capacitor is blown, the fan is not receiving this additional power to start its rotation. When you rotate the fan manually, you provide this additional energy.

How do you fix a fan motor?

2:476:32Broken fan motor diagnosis for repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have to take these screws out and then pull off the cover pull the roller out lubricate. TheMoreYou have to take these screws out and then pull off the cover pull the roller out lubricate. The bearing in the back here and lubricate the bearing in the front.

How do you oil a standing fan?

1:574:13How-To: Clean and Oil your Cinni Oscillating Fan - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust put a few drops in you don't need much in these motors they don't hold a lot of oil. The otherMoreJust put a few drops in you don't need much in these motors they don't hold a lot of oil. The other oil port is here at the front of the motor behind the blades.

What is the problem with a fan that does not rotate unless rotated manually to start?

A fan rotates using electromagnets and thus require additional power to start rotating. As the capacitor is blown, the fan is not receiving this additional power to start its rotation. When you rotate the fan manually, you provide this additional energy.

How do you troubleshoot an electric fan motor?

2:476:32Broken fan motor diagnosis for repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the motor will not start off it'll just sit there and it'll be stuck. So any an easy thing to doMoreAnd the motor will not start off it'll just sit there and it'll be stuck. So any an easy thing to do is to take the motor apart. You can try dripping oil in here.

Step 1: Start to Dismantle

Take off the front guard of the fan cage and remove the fan blade by turning the hand nut clockwise to loosen it. Behind the fan blade you will find another plastic nut the can be removed by turning it counter clockwise. You might need to use a pair of hose clamp pliers if it's too tight. Once the nut is removed, you can remove the rear guard.

Step 2: Disassemble the Plastic Motor Covers

Once the rear guard is off you are just left with the plastic motor covers. It comes apart in two halves. There is a screw that holds the rear piece to the motor and there are two screws that hold the front piece to the motor. These need to be removed. Pull off the on/off speed control assembly knob.

Step 3: Taking Apart the Motor and Checking the Capacitor

This motor is called a single phase, capacitor start, induction motor. The capacitor is the small black box with the two wires coming out of it. The purpose of this is to create a phase difference between the stator voltage and the rotor voltage. This voltage phase difference is called "slip" and creates the torque in the motor.

Step 4: Take Out Rotor and Clean Bearings

Gently take out the rotor and clean both ends with methyl hydrate. Do the same to the bearing that they fit into. Once clean and dry, coat both bearings with a layer of grease. Also clean inside of coils and make sure there is no debris in there. Also clean areas around bearings. Put assembly very carefully together examining wires for any breaks.

Step 5: Reconnect Capacitor and Re-fit in Plastic Covers

Re-solder any wires that have been removed from the capacitor and if it was necessary to re-spice any wires, do this now. take the plastic assemblies and attach them with the one screw on the big piece and two screws on the big plastic piece. Once everything is together, the fan assembly can be mounted on the pedestal.

Step 6: Re-attach Rear Fan Guard, Fan Blade and Front Guard

Re-attach the rear fan guard with the finger nut making sure to not over tighten. The fan blade should now be attached with the backwards hand nut. Now re-install the front guard carefully. The repaired fan is now complete.

How to fix fan that is sticking?

Turn the pin on the front of the fan with your hand to see if it rotates. Use your hand to try turning the pin in the middle of the fan. If it’s sticking or resisting, the pin probably just needs lubrication. Over time, the lubricant on the pin wears down as the fan blades rotate. Re-oiling the pin will usually solve this problem.

Why is my fan not spinning?

Whether the blades aren’t spinning or the fan is making tons of noise, most issues with an electric fan are caused by poor lubrication or blockages in the vents. To solve most problems with an electric fan, disassemble the fan, lubricate the central pin and bearings, and clean out the vent and motor case. Repairing an electric fan can be tough if the problem has anything to do with the motor itself, which may be dead if the fan makes no noise when it’s turned on and the blades don’t turn at all after cleaning and oiling the pin. Since electric fans tend to be inexpensive, it’s usually not worth it to bother trying to repair the motor on your own and you should consider simply buying a new fan.

How to unscrew a fan pin?

With the pin exposed, there may still be 1-2 metal bolts locking the pin around the frame of the fan. Use a wrench to unscrew these pins and loosen them. You don’t need to remove the completely, but you do need to be able to get underneath them to reach all of the pin.

What is the pin on a fan?

If it loosens, unscrew it and set the front of the blade case down. The pin is the piece of metal in the center of the fan that the blades and case rotate around. The blade guard, or blade casing, refers to the plastic or metal case that keeps people from getting hurt by the blades.

How to remove fan blades?

Turn the blades or washer in the center of the fan counterclockwise to remove them. Every fan is different, but the blades are either locked in place with a small washer on the pin or by the case of the pin itself. If there is plastic blocking the center of the blades, twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose and slide the blades off. If there is no washer, twist the base of the blades while holding the pin in place to loosen them off of the pin.

Why does my fan blade stop spinning?

Over time, the lubricant on the pin wears down as the fan blades rotate. Re-oiling the pin will usually solve this problem. A dried out or sticky pin is one of the most common reasons for blades to stop spinning.

What is the latch on the side of a fan?

Depending on the model of your fan, there may be a latch on the side of the pin locking the blades into place. This latch usually slides back and forth to lock or unlock the blades.

What causes an oscillating fan to fail?

Most oscillating fans use AC (alternating current) electricity from a basic wall outlet. However, a pinched or damaged wire within the power cord can cause intermittent or complete fan failure. Verify that the wire's length is free from visible cuts and extreme pinches, such as stuck under a table leg. Wiring within the motor housing can also cause failure. Motor overheating, from bad motor bearings, can damage sensitive internal wiring.

How does a fan work?

The motor begins rotating when the on switch activates, causing the attached blades to spin as well. The oscillating feature also uses a motor attached to the main rotating blade motor. Water and moisture should not enter either of the motors. Any moisture within the motor's mechanical parts can corrode the internal bearings. Corroded bearings will eventually seize, causing fan turning failure for both the oscillating feature and blade movement.

What is an oscillating fan?

An oscillating fan moves the fan head from side to side in a slow motion, forcing more air circulation within the immediate area. However, the mechanical nature of the oscillating feature can fail and stop turning. Advertisement.

What is a tower fan?

A tower fan is a narrow, vertical fan assembly. Its design is meant for small spaces. A spinning internal tube within the middle forces air out the front grates, creating the air movement. A pedestal fan is a traditionally designed fan head. A thin, vertical support extends from the base. The support attaches to a large, circular fan head enclosed within two connected grates. Desktop and table fans also have the same fan head shape as the pedestal type, but on a smaller scale for comfortable spacing on a work desk.

Can a motor housing cause electrocution?

The motor housing has electrical components that can cause electrocution if mishandled. Confirm that the fan is unplugged before attempting to open the housing. Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home.

Do fans have oscillating features?

On a warm day, fans circulate air within a home, especially if equipped with an oscillating feature. An oscillating fan moves the fan head from side to side in a slow motion , forcing more air circulation within the immediate area.

How to replace a capacitor in a motor?

Replacing the Capacitor: 1. Disconnect power. 2. De-solder (or cut) the wires at capacitor terminals and connect them to a new capacitor (same type). 3. Power up the fan. If the motor still refuses to rotate then I believe the problem is with the motor windings and it's time to say bye-bye to the fan. Ask Question.

How to troubleshoot a thermal fuse?

The colors of the wiring used in my fan may be different from yours, so make a note. Troubleshooting the Thermal Fuse : 1. Disconnect power to the fan. 2. Open up the control unit cover. 3. Take your time to trace the wiring and note down its color and location. It should be similar to the schematics above.

What to do if your fan is noisy?

If the motor is noisy or doesn't work, you should take the fan to a repair shop. Repairing a wobbly tube or worn adjustment mechanisms that don't remain tight is not difficult. In a short time, your fan will be circulating the air to your liking.

How old was William Machin when he started working on pedestal fans?

William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school.

How to secure nylon nut to bracket?

Put a dab of quick-drying glue on the base of a nylon nut, and thread the nut onto the outer end of the stem. Tighten the nut knob to secure the nut at the bracket. Allow the glue to dry.

What are the components of a pedestal fan?

Typically, the more reliable components of a pedestal fan are the base, fan and motor. Conversely, the more unreliable components are the height and angle-adjustment mechanisms on the tube of a pedestal fan. A broken fan-blade assembly is easily replaced with a new one. If the motor is noisy or doesn't work, you should take the fan to a repair shop.

Can you run a pedestal fan without grills?

Never operate a pedestal fan without the front and back grills in place or you risk injury and damage to flooring and furnishings.

How to fix a fan that won't work?

If your fan still doesn’t work after you try it in a different outlet and check the fuse, carefully inspect the cord. Is it frayed? Has it been chewed on by a curious pet? Are the prongs bent? Is the cord securely attached to the fan body, or is it loose? If you suspect a problem with the cord, you can replace it fairly easily. Buy a matching cord with the same type of plug and same gauge wire at your local hardware store — bring your fan along to ask for help finding a match if you’re not sure. From there — and with the fan unplugged! — you can remove the cord receptacle cover with a screwdriver or pliers, then remove the cord by untwisting the connecting wires. It can be helpful to snap a photo of the way the cord is attached to the appliance so you can refer to it as you attach the new cord.

How to fix a fan motor that keeps falling out?

1. Check the Cord. It sounds simple, but your first step should be to make sure the cord is securely plugged in. Over time, vibrations from a fan motor can loosen a plug from an older outlet, so check this first. If your plug keeps falling out, you may want to replace the receptacle for a nice, tight fit.

How to tell if a fan is working?

If you’ve tried both of these steps but your fan still won’t work, try plugging your fan into a different outlet. If it works, this is a sign that you have an electrical problem. You can test the flow of power to your outlet by purchasing an inexpensive receptacle tester. If you discover that your outlet has no power even after resetting the circuit breaker, call an electrician for help.

How to check if a fan is plugged in?

Check Your Circuit Breaker. If your cord is plugged in but nothing happens when you turn on your fan, check to see that you have electricity running to the outlet. To do this, open your breaker panel and look to see if the circuit breaker has been tripped.

How to clean a fan that is stuck on dirt?

Sometimes your fan blades can seize up if they are stuck on dirt and debris that builds up in the fan. Use an air compressor or the crevice tool on your vacuum to carefully clean away excess dirt from all parts of your fan. Once you du st off the outside, remove the metal or plastic fan blade cover and clean dust from the blades, paying special attention to the place where the blades connect to the rear bearing and motor. (Make sure your fan is unplugged before you do this — you don’t want it to accidentally turn on and give you a shock or set the blades in motion while your hand is inside!) This may be enough to remove dirt from the moving parts to allow your fan to turn again.

Why do fans have a thermal fuse?

Like the circuit breakers in your house, these fuses are designed to break the electrical connection when too much electricity causes your fan to overheat.

Why use a floor fan?

You can even use a floor or table fan on a low setting to help circulate heat in the winter time — a particularly effective method for making a pellet or wood stove work harder in your home.