All residential Bionaire window fans come with safety fuses.
To ensure that your fan runs smoothly and does the best job at cooling your house, it’s helpful to know a few things about them.
What Is a Bionaire Window Fan Fuse?
A fuse is a small wire encased in a micro glass tube that fits inside the plug of most window fans. The fuse automatically shuts off power if the fan becomes overloaded or starts to overheat.
This prevents your fan from short circuiting and causing a fire.
The fuse is replaceable, and new fuses may be found online or at almost any hardware store.
What Causes a Fuse to Blow?
There are a few common reasons why a fuse might blow.
One reason is if there is too much current draw on the circuit. For example, when too many things get plugged into the same outlet.
If you’re using more than one appliance in the same room, it’s important to make sure that they are all plugged into different outlets.
Another common reason a fuse might blow is if there is a short circuit somewhere in the wiring. This can be caused by a frayed wire, a broken socket, or any number of other problems.
If you suspect that there is a problem with your wiring, it’s best to have an electrician take a look at it.
How To Tell if a Bionaire Window Fan Fuse Is Blown?
If you’re not sure whether your fuse is blown, there are a few ways to tell.
Three ways to tell if your fuse is blown:
- Testing another appliance
- Replacing the fuse
- Checking the plug
You can try plugging something else into the outlet and see if it works. If the other appliance works, then the window fan fuse is probably blown.
Another way to tell is to try replacing the fuse.
Some fans come with extra fuses and it is easy to find replacements.
The third way to tell if a window fan fuse is blown is by simply unplugging the fan and checking the plug itself.
If there are no visible signs of damage, the fuse might not be blown.
What Size Fuse Does a Bionaire Window Fan Take?
The vast majority of Bionaire window fans take a 5 amp, 125 volt fuse.
When purchasing a replacement fuse:
- Get the right size
- Get the right voltage
If you don’t use the right size or voltage, there is too much current draw, which can cause another fuse to blow, or it could even cause your fan to catch fire.
It may seem like a good idea at the time to buy an inexpensive fuse that isn’t exactly the right size, but this can be dangerous and will likely not work for you.
To correctly replace your window fan fuse, check the instruction manual.
Here is a list of Bionaire window fan instruction manuals:
- BWF0502E-WU – BWF0502E-WU
- BWF0522M – BWF0522M
- BW2100R-U – BW2100R-U – Window Fan with Remote Control
- BWF0910AR-WCU – BWF0910AR-WCU
- BWF0522M-WM – BWF0522M-WM
- BW2300 – BW2300 – Window Fan with Remote Control
- BWF0522E-BU – BWF0522E-BU
Where Do You Get a Replacement Fuse for a Bionaire Window Fan?
There are several ways to get a replacement fuse:
- Call 1-800-253-2764 (per Bionaire window fan manual instructions)
- Contact the company at Bionaire.com
- Use the online replacement parts company that Bionaire suggests
- Go to your local hardware store
How To Replace a Bionaire Window Fan Fuse (Plug Fuse)
The most common place to find your fuse is in the plug.
However, some Bionaire window fans include fuses inside the fan itself.
To replace a Bionaire window fan fuse, you’ll need the right materials, a replacement fuse, and the proper instructions for your particular fan.
Materials you’ll likely need:
- The window fan
- A replacement fuse or two
- A screwdriver
- Safety gloves
Here are the simple steps to replacing your safety plug fuse:
- Put on safety gloves
- Remove the plug from the outlet
- Open the outer fuse cover (usually pops right off)
- Slide open the internal plug cover
- Remove the blown fuse (looks like a miniature glass tube) using your gloved fingers or a flathead screwdriver
- Place the plug on a hard, flat surface
- Insert the new fuse (make sure that it fits well into the groove of the plug)
- Slide the internal plug cover closed
- Replace the external fuse cover
- Plug your fan into the outlet
- Turn on and test your window fan
Watch this very informative video showing you how to find the plug fuse:
How To Replace a Bionaire Window Fan Fuse (Inside the Fan)
Here are the general steps for replacing the fuse inside of a Bionaire window fan:
- Put on safety gloves
- Unplug your fan
- Remove the front grill
- Locate your Bionaire window fan fuse
- Open the fuse cover
- Remove the fuse
- Insert new fuse
- Close fuse cover completely
- Replace the front grill
- Plug the window fan back into an outlet
- Turn on and test the fan
Now, let’s add a bit of detail in case you encounter any trouble.
Unplug Your Fan
Put on your safety gloves and remove the plug from the outlet by grasping the plug. Never pull on the cord.
Pulling on the cord can unintentionally damage the plug or the outlet.
Remove the Front Grill
Remove the front grill of your fan by sliding it straight forward and pulling it away from the front of the fan body.
Use moderate pressure. If you apply too much pressure, you might break the fan.
Locate Your Bionaire Window Fan Fuse
The fuse might be located on the side of the fan body. The instruction manual for your specific fan will identify the precise location.
The fuse will be a small, cylindrical object with two metal prongs extending from it.
Open the Fuse Cover
You might find a small cover on the side of the fan that houses the fuse. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry it open. Be careful not to damage the cover.
Once you take off the cover, set it somewhere nearby.
Remove the Fuse
With your fingers or a screwdriver, remove the fuse from its housing.
Be careful not to touch the metal prongs with ungloved fingers. If they do get touched, you may receive an electrical shock.
Insert New Fuse
Carefully insert a new fuse into the fuse housing. The new fuse should fit snugly. If fuse does not fit, you may not have the right size for your window fan model.
Never attempt to use the wrong size fuse.
Close Fuse Cover
Once your new fuse is secure, you can close the cover again.
If it doesn’t want to go back on easily, make sure you aren’t trying to force it closed. You are already replacing the fuse. You don’t want to have to replace the cover.
Replace the Front Grill
Slide the front grill of your fan back into place over the front of the fan body. If needed, replace screws.
Make sure the cover is firmly locked into position.
Plug Your Fan Back In
With your safety gloves removed, plug your window fan back into an outlet and turn the power on.
Your window fan should work perfectly!
Final Thoughts: Bionaire Window Fan Fuses
If your fuse keeps blowing, don’t keep replacing it.
There is usually a deeper issue that only an electrician or nearby fan expert can fix for you.
Related articles:
- Are Window Fans Safe in the Rain? (Answered)
- 4 Most-Common Problems With Bionaire Window Fans (SOLVED)
- Is It Safe To Sleep With a Fan in the Window? (Solved)
- What Is a Window Fan? (Explained for Beginners)
