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View Full Version : What ceiling fan capacitor do I need?


aka_the_noid
Jun 6, 2008, 05:59 PM
Ok, quick background info. I have an approx 2 year old Harbor Breeze ceiling fan (item 188780). After not using it much or at all over the winter we turned it on, but only the high speed would work. Thinking it was a switch problem, I bought a new switch at Lowe's and opened up the fan. Unfortunately the problem was the capacitor. Well, at least that's my guess with the half inch of solder sticking out of one side and a little bubbling out the other side.

Lowe's doesn't carry such stuff and holding on the 800 number isn't helping. I've left a callback number, but since they don't call back till the next day it doesn't help since I can't answer.

Anyway, can I safely order a replacement from CeilingFanParts.com - Switchco Products - 5-Wire Capacitors (http://www.ceilingfanparts.com/images/capacitor5.htm) or Capacitors - ceiling fans (http://www.eceilingfans.com/capacitors_-_ceiling_fans.html) or somewhere else? Or do I need to continue to try calling customer service? BTW, I'm calling Litex at 800 527 1292.

On my capacitor is: 4.5uF/350V 6uF/250V 6uF/250V

Do I need to be concerned about the V? They don't seem to list it on the above web sites. And if I can't match the uF exactly, is that OK? 4 6 6 seems much more common, would that be fine?

Thanks,
John

Stratmando
Jun 6, 2008, 07:18 PM
250 Volt Capacitor or higher is fine, could probabably go lower, no lower than 130. Since it sounds like you have 3 capacitors in 1 package. To the same value looks like 2 in series on 1 setting. You can replace the existing switch, or figure the one for high, leave it threre(hardwired/no switch), then use a Fan Control for Speed Control.

ceilingfanrepair
Jun 8, 2008, 12:34 PM
4 4 6 is fine, it may run negligably slower on some or all speeds.

Ceiling fan capactors - troubleshooting and resources - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-capacitors.php)

aka_the_noid
Jun 10, 2008, 03:25 PM
Ok, quick background info. I have an approx 2 year old Harbor Breeze ceiling fan (item 188780). After not using it much or at all over the winter we turned it on, but only the high speed would work. Thinking it was a switch problem, I bought a new switch at Lowes and opened up the fan. Unfortunately the problem was the capacitor. Well, at least that's my guess with the half inch of solder sticking out of one side and a little bubbling out the other side.

Lowes doesn't carry such stuff and holding on the 800 number isn't helping. I've left a callback number, but since they don't call back till the next day it doesn't help since I can't answer.

Anyway, can I safely order a replacement from CeilingFanParts.com - Switchco Products - 5-Wire Capacitors (http://www.ceilingfanparts.com/images/capacitor5.htm) or Capacitors - ceiling fans (http://www.eceilingfans.com/capacitors_-_ceiling_fans.html) or somewhere else? Or do I need to continue to try calling customer service? BTW, I'm calling Litex at 800 527 1292.

On my capacitor is: 4.5uF/350V 6uF/250V 6uF/250V

Do I need to be concerned about the V? They don't seem to list it on the above web sites. And if I can't match the uF exactly, is that ok? 4 6 6 seems much more common, would that be fine?

Thanks,
John
Thanks for the answers. After unsuccessfully calling around to several local stores and stopping by Lowe's and Home Depot, I tried calling Litex again. After a 15 minute call, about 14 minutes on hold, I have a new capacitor on the way, no charge. I wanted to get one right away locally, but I guess free and a week or two later will have to do. It seems like capacitor problems are not that uncommon, so it makes me wonder where repair men get replacements from.

KISS
Jun 10, 2008, 04:25 PM
It's usually easier and cheaper to just replace the fan if someone else is doing it.

ceilingfanrepair
Jun 11, 2008, 12:53 AM
I have not found a good source for capacitors other than out of fans I part out. Grainger has commercial versions.