[nhiller]

I just installed a new ceiling fan. My house is very old and only has the two wires coming out & no ground wire. I installed the fan easily, but when the fan runs the fan head gets very hot. I tried switching the black and whites but got the same result. I think it might have something to do with the fan being 110v and the wires being 220v or vise versa. How do I fix this problem or can I? Is it some other problem?

 

[rjniles]

If you are supplying 240 to a 120 volt fan it is a problem that will not last long. It will burn the motor out.

 

[Jump-start]

I just installed a new ceiling fan. My house is very old and only has the two wires coming out & no ground wire. I installed the fan easily, but when the fan runs the fan head gets very hot. I tried switching the black and whites but got the same result. I think it might have something to do with the fan being 110v and the wires being 220v or vise versa. How do I fix this problem or can I? Is it some other problem?

What makes you think you have 240 volts at the fan box? what was there prior?

 

[nhiller]

There was a ceiling fan there before. I just replaced it with a more modern one.
I'm assuming it's a voltage compatability issue based on the heat of the fan head and what ppl are telling me because I know I wired it properly.

 

[Jump-start]

There was a ceiling fan there before. I just replaced it with a more modern one.
I'm assuming it's a voltage compatability issue based on the heat of the fan head and what ppl are telling me because I know I wired it properly.

Dont ever assume. Always test with a meter first. Either way unless you are replacing an giant industrial fan I cant see a 240 volt circuit being run to that box in a US or Canadian dwelling.


I am willing to bet its normal. What we consider hot is well within tolerance for most electrical equipment.

 

[ChuckF.]

Can you research the old fan and find out what V it ran on? Model numbers, manufacturer, labels?

 

[joed]

How many breakers does it take to kill power to the fan?

 

[nhiller]

I just checked the voltage of the new fan, it's 120v. Is it possible the wiring is 240v!?
Maybe the motor is faulty? Maybe it's supposed to get that hot? When I say hot I mean hot, not warm.
It is a Westinghouse "industrial" silver metal fan 66$ on Amazon. But again, it's 120v.
Ty for all the insight.

 

[nhiller]

I'll check the voltage on the old fan

 

[Jump-start]

I just checked the voltage of the new fan, it's 120v. Is it possible the wiring is 240v!?
Maybe the motor is faulty? Maybe it's supposed to get that hot? When I say hot I mean hot, not warm.
It is a Westinghouse "industrial" silver metal fan 66$ on Amazon. But again, it's 120v.
Ty for all the insight.

Highly unlikely. Good chance the new fan would have smoked up by now. If you truly suspect something measure the wires at the J box with a meter.

When you say hot, how hot are we talking? 120*F 145*F 250*F?

 

[nhiller]

I'll have to get something to check the temp. But if you held your finger to it for 30seconds-1minute it my give you a slight burn

 

[SPS-1]

When I did a Google search on "Westinghouse industrial silver metal fan for $66 on Amazon" what came up was one that used a capacitor and 5 speed wall control.
So I have to wonder if it really is properly wired. Do you have a full model number or installation instructions to post?

 

[Jump-start]

I'll have to get something to check the temp. But if you held your finger to it for 30seconds-1minute it my give you a slight burn

I would not worry about that at all. Thats not hot for electrical equipment. Now if you could ignite paper or cigarette in that time frame then I might be worried.

 

[nhiller]

That is the fan. I did not install the 5 speed capacitor box though. I didnt touch the wall switch, it's the switch that was previously there...your normal on off switch.
The manual made it appear as an optional accessory.

 

[MrElectricianTV]

That is the fan. I did not install the 5 speed capacitor box though. I didnt touch the wall switch, it's the switch that was previously there...your normal on off switch.
The manual made it appear as an optional accessory.

Good call.

 

[nhiller]

Here's a couple images

 

[Jump-start]

Nothing unusual from here.

 

[beenthere]

So your running the fan without a capacitor?

 

[nhiller]

Yes I did not instal the 5 speed control box. It's just wired to the existing normal on off switch.

 

[Jump-start]

Yes I did not instal the 5 speed control box. It's just wired to the existing normal on off switch.

Instructions say its optional.