Can a condenser fan run backwards?

Since the OEM capacitor in the unit is only 5 MFD, the new motor will randomly run backward and it will run with far less than its rated HP. Also, you should connect the new motor to run on LOW (red wire). These universal replacement condenser fan motors are not really multi-speed motors.

What would cause a fan motor to run backwards?





Watch out: yes it is indeed possible for some electric motors to run “backwards” following damage to the motor’s start capacitor or windings. We’ve had an occasional report of an HVAC motor running “the wrong way” or sometimes starting to run the the wrong way.

Which way should a condenser fan run?

From what we’ve learned on this subject, an AC condenser fan should spin in a particular direction. Your AC condenser fan generally spins clockwise. However, for clarity, you can check the electric motor data tag on your motor to see if it should run clockwise (labeled ‘CW’) or counterclockwise (labeled ‘CCW’).

How do you wire a 3 wire condenser fan motor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Most of the time the brown wire is the capacitor wire on a 3 watt motor and we're going to hook it on to the terminal level fan. Simple enough so that's just they just with two more wires to go.

How do you change the direction of a condenser fan motor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Your disconnect and then discharge your capacitor holding only the insulated part of the screwdriver. And discharge all of them just to the shape. You got to do is separate these.

What happens if you wire a fan backwards?





A LOT of fans (like 95%+) will NOT work with the polarity reversed. In any case, if yours does, theres a chance that not only will the leds not light, they could burn out. LEDs won’t burn out.

How do you wire a condenser fan motor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So the way these motors are wired is very simple basically the brown wire on a three wire motor is always going to go to the fan section on the dual run capacitor.

How do you wire an aftermarket condenser fan motor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: What you can do is you can actually take this former motor. Take the brown wire the white stripe. And just tape up the end tip it out of the way. And then yet that will leave you with three wires.

Are condenser fan motors interchangeable?

They are not interchangeable. If you can’t read the label on the old motor, take it apart and look at the number of poles.

How do you wire a 5 wire AC condenser fan motor?



Wiring Instructions for a Rheem 5-Wire Condenser Fan Motor

  1. Install the new capacitor. …
  2. Connect the brown wires to the new capacitor. …
  3. Connect black fan wire to the black hot wire. …
  4. Connect the orange wire to the contactor. …
  5. Connect the white wire to the contactor.


How do I know if my fan is CW or CCW?

Look at the blade that is in the 12 o’clock position. One side of the blade will be resting on the floor and one side will be raised. – If the Right side is raised, then your fan is Clockwise. – If the Left side is raised, then your fan is CounterClockwise.

When replacing a fan motor in an HVAC condenser What else should you replace?



Every time you replace a condenser fan motor, you should also replace the A.C.’s run capacitor, which is a cylinder-shaped device that helps to start or run motors. To replace it, again take down all technical data on the unit, and note wiring colors and positions before removing it with a screw driver.

How do I know if my condenser fan motor is bad?

7 Signs and Symptoms of a Bad AC Fan Motor

  1. AC Fan Doesn’t Start. Even though you have the AC turned on, the fan does not start.
  2. AC Fan Doesn’t Stop. …
  3. Slow Rotating Blades. …
  4. Outside Fan Blades Are Still. …
  5. Rattling, Humming, and Buzzing Noises. …
  6. AC Runs Intermittently. …
  7. No Cold Airflow.


How do you wire a 4 wire AC condenser fan motor?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If you don't know which wires are coming from the condenser fan okay over to the capacitor. You can actually just look at it look inside the condenser from up top and trace the waters.

How much does it cost to replace a AC condenser fan motor?



AC Fan Motors Cost



Replacing the condenser fan motor in an AC unit costs $400 on average, including labor. It might cost only $300 but could cost up to $600. However, if your AC is still under warranty the cost of the part is covered (but usually not the labor).

How long do condenser fan motors last?

The average lifespan of an AC fan motor is about 12 years. An AC fan motor can last more than 12 years if it’s kept clean and cooled as needed. On the other hand, without annual maintenance checkups, your fan motor may only survive between one and three years.

What causes AC fan motor to burn up?

Like any motor, an air conditioner fan motor can become overheated if it works too hard and doesn’t receive proper maintenance. If your AC has worked for you most of the summer, the stress could cause the fan motors to burn out.