Question for an electrician.

[Ferocious]

I just noticed that when I turn on my ceiling fan via a wall switch, I hear a crackling noise coming from one of my computer speakers in the same room.

The noise only happens while I'm flipping the switch.

Any thoughts?

 

[NeoPTLD]

It's an inductive kickback. You can add a 0.1µF 300+V film capacitor across the switch terminals at your own risk.

Is it more pronounced on turning off than on? This is the nature of an inductive device like a motor.

It should correct the problem, but I can't guarantee code compliance so you're on your own.

 

[AFB]

Try using your hands to complete the circuit instead of the switch, see if that helps




(Don't listen to me!!)

 

[Ferocious]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD
It's an inductive kickback. You can add a 0.1µF 300+V film capacitor across the switch terminals at your own risk.

Is it more pronounced on turning off than on? This is the nature of an inductive device like a motor.

It should correct the problem, but I can't guarantee code compliance so you're on your own.

Barely but yes it is more pronounced when turning off.

What risks are there with installing such a capacitor?

 

[So]

Originally posted by: Ferocious

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD
It's an inductive kickback. You can add a 0.1µF 300+V film capacitor across the switch terminals at your own risk.

Is it more pronounced on turning off than on? This is the nature of an inductive device like a motor.

It should correct the problem, but I can't guarantee code compliance so you're on your own.

Barely but yes it is more pronounced when turning off.

What risks are there with installing such a capacitor?

Meh...my ceiling fan at home does the same thing...just get used to it.

 

[TechnoKid]

Umm, maybe try using a voltage regulator? or a battery backup (UPS) with an emi/rfi and voltage regulability?

 

[Ferocious]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: Ferocious

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD
It's an inductive kickback. You can add a 0.1µF 300+V film capacitor across the switch terminals at your own risk.

Is it more pronounced on turning off than on? This is the nature of an inductive device like a motor.

It should correct the problem, but I can't guarantee code compliance so you're on your own.

Barely but yes it is more pronounced when turning off.

What risks are there with installing such a capacitor?

Meh...my ceiling fan at home does the same thing...just get used to it.

But I would think that if nothing is plugged in and turned on elsewhere in the room....all that power would eventually wear out the switch. For now my computer speaker which is always on is brunting much of it I guess.