The Effects in the Steam Boiler if the Boiler Blower Is Overloaded

Blower Fans and Motors

• The blower consists of two basic components: the blower fan and the motor that powers it. These components are similar on almost all heating and cooling appliances, including boilers, furnaces and air conditioners. The blower motor, like any motor, is subject to a number of potential problems, including overloading. Common symptoms of an overloaded blower include a noisy motor or a motor that won't start.

Overloading and the Reset Button

• The blower motors on most steam boilers have an overload reset button or switch intended to stop the motor before it becomes damaged. Blower motors can become overloaded due to stress or overheating; when this happens, the reset button pops up and the blower shuts down. In most cases, the motor is allowed to cool down, and then the reset button can be pushed to restart the motor without any damage or long-term effects to the steam boiler.

Resetting the Blower After an Overload

• The location of the overload reset button varies among different boiler models; it sometimes can be hard to find, but in most cases it is fairly easy to locate. The blower motor itself is located in the air handler or blower compartment, and the reset button is typically somewhere near the rear of the motor. Look for a red or yellow button that is ordinarily flat against the motor's surface, but has popped out as a result of the motor overloading. It should be visible, but on some motors the button is located around the back of the motor and you will have to feel for it.

Considerations

• Pressing the reset button should restart the blower motor and return your boiler to normal operation. If your blower overloads again after pressing the reset button, or if pressing it fails to restart your motor, you may have a more serious problem causing your blower to become overloaded. Call a certified technician to inspect your blower motor and either replace or repair it if necessary.