A real mystery to me.
’70’s tract house with a nice Master Bedroom Suite arrangement added about ten years ago, not too long before I bought the house. We’ve got the usual treadmill in the bedroom, but use it a lot, not just for hanging clothes! Matter of fact, I had to order a replacement walking belt – I wore the old one out! First time the local Sears people had ever ordered a replacement tread belt.
Three way switches at the hall door and the outside door control the overhead lights and ceiling fans. The fan controls are on seperate switches from the lights.
This morning, when I flipped off the fans as I left the room, the TREADMILL started running! And wide-open, although the slide control/rheostat was OFF. I could gently rock the three way switch on the wall and it would run intermitently. “Wide-open” is South Georgia speak for full-blast, high RPM. ; >)
This happened one time before, maybe a year ago, and at that time, I couldn’t make it repeat.
I haven’t shut off breakers, I would assume that the lighting circuit would be seperate from the outlet circuit. But in this case, I don’t see how it could be. Even if it is all on one circuit, how can a switched off appliance come to life?
Can anyone shed any light on this?
Greg
Replies
bad switch in treadmill ?
It sounds to me that you have more than one problem. First the treadmill must be getting the current back through the neutral, and into the ground, which could by-pass the switch.
I don't know what to tell you about the house wiring, but maybe to see if that outlet was wired for a lamp that could be controlled by the switch. If someone wired that three way with two wire conductor with ground, rather than three wire w/g, they may be using a white leg for one of the switched leg, and gotten it mixed up with the neutral somewhere else.
If you look at the wires coming out of that switch, and there isn't a red wire coming out, you will be on the right track.
"And wide-open, although the slide control/rheostat was OFF. I could gently rock the three way switch on the wall and it would run intermitently."
Does it "CLICK OFF" or do you just run it down to zero?
Either it does not have a true mechanical switch/disconnect or that switch is broken.
The remainder of the control is electronic and the electrical noise from switching the lights is triggering the electronics.
That makes sense, Bill. When I took the treadmill apart to install the new belt, I was amazed at the electronics. No, the switch doesn't "click" off, it's just an infinite slide deal. No firm "off" position.
My cousin had a kitchen fire about 20 years ago that started from a plugged-in electric can opener.
I'll test the neutral vs. ground and the switch wiring tonight.
Reminds me of the old lady that got a new hearing aid, only to learn it was on the same frequency as her television remote. Every time she turned to a different channel, she CHANGED HER MIND ! ! ! !
Greg
I agree with the electrical noise theory. I've experienced two older Casablanca intellitouch fans that will turn themselves on at high speed whenever there is a storm that causes momentary power surges. I called Casablanca and they said that they had identified and corrected the problem and sent me varistors to install in the fan circuit to eliminate the problem. Worked like a charm.
If the problem just started, I would say try replacing the wall switch (it may be wearing out and the arc is making the electronic noise). If that doesn't work then trouble-shoot the appliance.If you haven't drawn blood today, you haven't done anything.
Thanks for the tips, guys. I haven't had time to try any of your solutions, but I'll give 'em a shot soon.
Greg