Fans are the most important part of a small home to a large industry. We require these fans to operate at peak efficiency year-round to keep us as comfortable as possible.
However, these units can develop faults just like other electronic devices, and the fan motor is frequently the source of these faults.
It is very important to know about the fan and motor of the fan before testing it. I am here to assist you because many people struggle with properly diagnosing a problem using a multimeter. In this manual, I will show you how To Test A Fan Motor With A Multimeter.
Fan and Its Importance?
Fans are used for cooling from small mobile devices to big supercomputers and other automated digital devices. It is also used for cooling motors and transmissions, drying people, materials, or products, exhausting dust, and noxious fumes, conveying light materials, forcing drafts in steam boilers, and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
What is a Fan Motor?
The motor of the fan transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. The electrical current enters wire coils that are wound around a metal base as it travels to the motor. The magnetic field that is produced as this current flows through the wire further exerts force in a clockwise direction.
Structure Of The Fan Motor
Fan motors consist of synchronous and or asynchronous electric motors that contain a fan wheel associated with a shaft and connection lines. A fan motor contains a stator and rotating rotor inside, which is surrounded by pole pieces.
The fan motors come in a wide variety of sizes and types that greatly differ from one another. The location and efficiency of the engines are to blame for this. The more complicated the structure, the higher the performance. There are different types and sizes of motors are there in the market according to their use in different electronic devices.
Tool Needed To Test a Fan Motor
Testing electronic components, including a fan motor, is best done with a multimeter.
The best option for you is a digital multimeter because it is more accurate and simpler to read than an analog multimeter. For some tasks, a 12-volt battery may also be used.
Precautions
It is very important to use precautions before touching electrical devices like an electric motor as the motor heat up due to running and may remain energized after power is removed.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- The power source should be removed before testing the fan motor
- Use a Multimeter to confirm that the power source is OFF
Testing a Fan Motor With a Multimeter
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To test a fan motor with a multimeter, you will need a multimeter that is capable of measuring voltage. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
Set your multimeter to the “voltage” setting. This is usually indicated by a symbol that looks like a capital “V” with a line through it.
Probes of Multimeter
There are two leads in Multimeter the negative lead and the positive lead. The positive lead is called the anode and the negative lead is called the cathode.
Take the black multimeter standard test lead and touch the white wire with it. The multimeter should read around 12-14 volts.
Multimeter Adjustment
Set the multimeter to measure AC voltage.
Wires of Motor
Two brown and white wires are frequently present on fan motors. The capacitor is connected by brown cables. It is necessary to connect the black and white wires to the capacitor. Based on their intended uses, we’ll put the wires through their paces.
Continuity Measurement
Use a digital multimeter (U-V, V-W, W-U) to check the motor winding’s continuity from phase to phase. If the winding is allowed, phase-to-phase continuity must be preserved. If the continuity test fails at any point, your motor is probably burned. In a three-phase engine, the windings should read low but not zero ohms. The audible continuity indicator typically beeps when it is low enough (under 30).
Analysing Power Supply
The power source of an electric motor determines how effective it can be. The multimeter mentioned in the sentence can be used to test the power supply. Depending on the type of motor, different evaluation techniques and ratings should be used. You should check the expected supply voltage range for each motor to make sure the cables are in the right place. The necessary data for testing power will be included in your user manual, along with a more thorough tutorial.
Testing The Wires of the Fan Motor
There are 4 sets of wires in the electric fan Motor. We will check them step by
- Steps to check the first set of wires
- Set your multimeter’s ohms setting in place.
- With the black multimeter test lead, touch the white wire.
- Touch the white-brown wire repeatedly with the red multimeter probe.
- The measurements made at this stage should fall between 1-2 ohms.
- Steps to check the second set of wires
- Your multimeter’s negative (black) probe should be connected to the brown wire.
- Put the white cable under the red probe.
- Any value in the range of 32 to 40 ohms should be regarded as expected.
- Steps to check the third set of wires
- While the negative black multimeter test lead is still attached to the brown wire, remove the red test lead from the white wire.
- Now, place the red probe on the common wire.
- Values at this testing stage should be around 15 ohms.
- Steps to check the fourth set of wires
- While removing the black probe from the white wire, keep the red test lead attached to the black wire.
- Connect the white wire and the black probe.
- It is best to conduct this test without the moving blade.
- Around twenty ohms should be the reading on the multimeter.
If you get the expected reading, the motor is functioning with the motor. It is always a good idea to have a professional electrician properly. If the reading is not what you expect, there may be a problem check the motor if you suspect there may be a problem with it.
Why Does Fan Motor Fail?
Electrical issues may prevent the motor from turning on or may cause it to overheat and burn out. The motor’s bearings and other components may become worn down over time, making it difficult for the motor to turn. The insulation on the wires may become damaged if the motor becomes too hot, which could result in a short circuit that would shut off the motor. Have a professional check out your fan motor as soon as possible if you believe it to be malfunctioning.
They might be able to repair or replace the motor, or they might advise obtaining a new fan, depending on what went wrong. In any case, you should check the condition of your fan to avoid future problems.
Conclusion
Knowing how to test a fan motor with a multimeter will enable you to identify any problems with your fan and solve them quickly and effectively. You can ensure your fan runs efficiently and save from having to pay for repairs or a replacement by following these simple steps.
Note: When testing an electric motor, be sure to exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines. Do not touch the fan motor wires or attempt to repair the fan motor if you are not trained and qualified to do so.
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