I’ve just installed 2 remote controls for ceiling fans in 2 bedrooms. Both are on AFIC circuits. These are two different circuits. When I use the remotes it trips the breakers. Using the pull chains all works fine. I’ve taken both off and looked for any place a wire could have been pinched or otherwise exposed and can find nothing. Is there something in the inner workings of the remotes that confuses the AFICs? Just seems strange that two different installations on two different circuits are acting the same way. The brand name of the remotes in Harbor Breeze if that makes any difference. I put a regular breaker in place of the AFCI and all works well.
Any suggestions?
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It sounds like the remote speed control is confusing the AFIC and making it think there is an arc. My understanding is that the switch on the fan uses different windings in the fan to change the speed. The remote uses an electronic speed control. The electronic speed controls change the speed of the fan by chopping the sinewave AC power going to the fan. This is probably generating enough of a spike to trip the AFIC.
I would think that the ideal answer would be for the AFIC to control the outlets in the room, and the fan and lights to be on a seperate breaker. This may not be all that easy to correct at this point in time.
Thanks for the imput. I was also wondering if the light dimming feature was messsing things up as that is electronic also. Keeping the light circut seperate isn't an issue as they are appart from the outlets. I just didn't see anything in the instructions mentioning a potential problem and no answer from Hunter on an email inqury.
There is your problem, Hampton Bay dimmer and Hunter fan. Basically joking but it could be a problem. I used to swear by Hunter fans but last 5 I have put up got sweared (swore) at more. I love the Hampton Bay easy install ones. The recent Hunters had more darn screws and pieces than an erector set. To tighten the fan blades if they ever come loose you have to remove the light kit.