Mr. Wiederhold,
About a year and a half ago, I installed a whole-house fan for a relative.
The unit was clearly labeled "inspect and lubricate annually". In addition,
there was a warning marked on the motor end bell about not attempting to
defeat the thermal cutout . Most locked rotor situations with fans occur
from a lubrication failure. I have actually seen people try to wedge the
thermal cutout reset button to prevent operation while troubleshooting. Not
a safe practice at all.
Scott Lacey
Test engineer
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2000 10:30 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Fires from Electric Fans
Posted on behalf of Mr. Wiederhold...
-----Original Message-----
From: eric wiederhold [mailto:[email protected]]
<mailto:[mailto:[email protected]]>
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2000 8:22 AM
To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Subject: Fires from Electric Fans
Mr. Busche,
I am assisting others in doing research on the potential for a
fractional
horsepower electric motor to catch fire after a locked rotor
situation
occurs.
In the course of my internet research I came across the Virtual
Conference
Hall live compliance talk that occured in early 1996, the web
address being
(http://www.rcic.com/cnf/emc-pstc/1996/list401.htm)
<http://www.rcic.com/cnf/emc-pstc/1996/list401.htm)> . Some of the
things
posed in that talk were of interest and in line with the research
being
performed.
In general, we have a situation in which a fractional horsepower
electric
motor was the driving force in a powered attic ventilator that was
itself
manufactured in the early 1980's. The PAV was installed within a
residential structure for a number of years, approximately 13-15.
We
believe that a locked rotor situation occured, caused the motor to
overheat,
(during which time the thermal protective device was either bypassed
or was
otherwise caused to fail), thus causing components within the motor
and PAV
to achieve a state that ultimately began the fire. The fire itself
was
contained to the attic area of the residence in question
but,unfortunately,
serious burn injuries were inflicted upon at least one individual as
a
result of this fire scenario.
I would like to exchange with you further on the subject of the
situation,
if you would be so kind. I am looking into any possible leads that
could
help in our understanding of the possibilities. Any specific
knowledge of a
substantially similar sitation would be of use. If this in not
something
that you can do but you know of another or others that could share
advice,
please feel free to pass that information along also. It would be
appreciated if you would respond to this message. My name is Eric.
Thank you for your time Mr. Busche.
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