Attic fan dead? (i.e. probably electric motor problem)

[millinghill]

Hi,

My attic gable vent fan stopped working and so I went upstairs to find a plastic bag tangled in it. It's this model:

I removed the bag, but nothing happened. I unmounted the fan, took it to the garage, and found that power still gets to the motor, but... it just doesn't do anything. I don't see or smell anything burned. I don't see any fuses. Any ideas of whether/how I can fix? Thanks

Theodore

[trader_4]

IDK what kind of thermal protection they have, but it might be a thermal fuse. If it does and you can find and test it, it might be blown. HD and similar also sell replacement motors that I think run ~$40 that fit many of the fans, but for that type fan, it may not make much difference in price or ease of installation. For roof mounts, it does.

[Stormin Mormon]

I'd check for continuity. Might be as Trader says, thermal fuse. If the thermal is open, I'd be sure to replace it, not just jump out. Might save you from a fire, if the motor over heats the next time.

[trader_4]

And if it's a motor that's seen a lot of service and given the application, I'd just replace the motor or the whole fan. It's a tough environment and no one is going to see or smell a smoking motor that's about to catch fire.

[Stormin Mormon]

While OP is going through all that work, a $112 fan sounds like a pile of money. Might be cheaper than the fire later.

[TomR]

In news:lq8o7m$9kj$ [e-mail], HomeGuy"

[HomeGuy]

Since you're in North Salem CT, you might want to call these people:

Industrial Electric Motors Incorporated Electrical Motor

85 Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, CT 06810 Between Jansen St and Cross St

[phone]

And ask them how much a 1/8 or 1/10 horse-power attic fan would cost.

Most likely your fan is burned out, or the internal thermal fuse is blown (and is non-resettable).

You could unscrew the 4 long screws and pry the case open and check the windings. You might be able to find the thermal fuse (I'm assuming there is one) and remove it (bypass it).

[Stormin Mormon]

[trader_4]

[millinghill]

Hi Everyone. I'm the OP. Thanks for all the good technical advice. I will definitely not be reusing the fan, as it's not worth the risk or the effort to repair. At least it's worth something for scrap. Thanks again! Regards, Theodore