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lobbdude
Jun 21, 2007, 11:30 AM
Hi all. After two days of reading posts here off and on, I am have a much better understanding and much more conversant on this topic (all the better for the readers):D

The condenser fan on my Haier 2 ton AC is not running.

What I know:

The compressor runs fine
There is 220 at the contactor and the contactor is operational
The fan capacitor has been replaced

I was so concerned about getting shocked by the capacitors that I didn't document, and therefore am not certain that I got the wires back exactly where they were.

It did run today with what I believe is the correct wiring, after a kick start with a stick

Fan motor wires:
Purple(run ?) on post 1 of the capacitor, along with a jumper wire from this post to the hot(red) side of the contactor
Brown(start ?) on post 2 of the capcitor
Black to common ground side of contactor
green to chassis ground

When I tested the fan leads a couple of days ago, I had continuity between the black and the purple, but the brown had no continuity with either black or purple.

My take on all this is that the boost/start component of the condenser fan is bad, and that the fan needs to be replaced. $105 for a new after market fan, kinda ouch.

I appreciate your insights as to: IS MY WIRING CORRECT? and DOES THE FAN LEAD TEST CONFIRM THAT THE FAN IS BAD?

Thanks a million.

Stratmando
Jun 21, 2007, 11:41 AM
Is there a diagram on fan motor showing capacitor?
Some motors have 2 wires that can be switched that will reverse direction?
Other Homes nearby Use the same unit?

lobbdude
Jun 23, 2007, 09:30 AM
Stratman, thanks.

I haven't been back to her house since your answer was posted. The unit was installed two years ago, at a 30 year old house, so the idea of another similar unit nearby is unlikely. But it's an awesome idea I hadn't thought of. The wiring diagram doesn't show specifics on the capacitor unfortunately.

I do know that all of the wires were attached, so this isn't a case of a two directional fan. The choices seem in my head to be that the "extra" wire is either an indication of a two speed motor, or a start feature. There is only one contactor, and no other signs of something that could manage a signal to change speeds, so I am still leaning towards the start feature.

Thanks for your help. Anyone else with ideas, please bring 'em on. The heat and humidity in KC are starting to crank up!

Are there any other details that would assist in the understanding of my problem?

Look forward to hearing from you guys (and gals).

Thanks.

Stratmando
Jun 23, 2007, 09:36 AM
Couple of good AC guys on this site, could tell immediatlty with your wires listed.
What is manufacturer and model of motor?

hvacservicetech_07
Jun 23, 2007, 01:11 PM
First, if this is a split capacitor, it should be labeled, HERM (compressor), FAN (Fan), and C. Do you see this on the capacitor?

T-Top
Jun 23, 2007, 07:41 PM
Looks like a bait, hook, line and sinker job to me.

lobbdude
Jun 24, 2007, 11:53 AM
First, if this is a split capacitor, it should be labeled, HERM (compressor), FAN (Fan), and C. Do you see this on the capacitor?

There are two capacitors. One is clearly wired for the compressor as described, it is a two pole capacitor. The other capacitor is for the fan only, an 8 mfd 450 volt, also two pole.

The make is Haier and the model # is HC24A1VAR. Hopefully this intel, which should have been included by me in the beginning, will help you folks help me.

I appreciate the assistance, please keep it coming!

HVAC Helper
Jun 27, 2007, 09:43 AM
Black wire is L1 side of 230 volt or the common circuit for the motor.
Purple wire is L2 side of 230 volts or the run circuit in the motor.
Brown wire is the start circuit that goes to fan run capacitor opposite the terminal that has the red wire going to contactor.

Sounds like you have an open start winding in the motor. This can be verified by taking an ohm meter reading.

Disconnect all power to unit. Disconnect all wires from motor.
Take ohm meter reading between Black and Purple. NOte number.
Take ohm meter reading between Black and Brown. Note number.
Take ohm meter reading between Purple and Brown. This number should be the sum of the above two checks.
If you do not get an ohm meter reading on all these checks then you motor has an open winding.
Buy another motor.

lobbdude
Jul 9, 2007, 01:42 PM
Thanks everyone for your help.

The replacement fan was aftermarket, with different wiring specs. With the knowledge garnered here I figured it out and the A/C is working awesome.

I really appreciate those who chimed in with their knowledge. I am out $90 instead of a $250 service call.