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How to Wire an A/C Fan

Air conditioners are manufactured in capacities ranging from the largest commercial units to the smaller window-size models used in homes and apartments. An air conditioner fan motor draws heat from a room at the speed selected on the control panel. The fan motor can also serve to re-circulate air within the area if the air conditioner's cooling system compressor is not engaged. When a new fan motor has been installed, the proper wire connections must be made before installing the unit in its shroud. Proper tools and basic circuit knowledge is required.

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Socket-driver set
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check to ensure no power exists to the air conditioner unit. Verify that the circuit breaker is off or that the power cord is unplugged. If a circuit breaker is used, tag or mark it to alert others of the work being done.

    • 2

      Separate the color-coded wire leads from the air conditioner fan motor. The red and black wires intended for the speed control terminals will be paired together as will the white and brown power supply wires. The green wire with yellow striping is the ground wire.

    • 3

      Connect the red wire coupler to the speed control terminal marked "LO". Secure the connection using the appropriate screwdriver. Tighten clockwise.

    • 4

      Connect the black wire coupler to the speed control terminal marked "HI". Tighten the terminal screw with the screwdriver.

    • 5

      Connect the brown fan power supply wire coupler to the motor capacitor terminal marked "F". Tighten the terminal screw clockwise.

    • 6

      Connect the white fan motor power supply wire to the capacitor terminal marked "C". Tighten the terminal screw.

    • 7

      Connect the green with yellow stripe grounding wire coupler from the fan motor to the grounding post on the chassis. Tighten the ground post nut with the appropriate size socket driver.