Help!!

[Rlm]

Although I haven't used my fireplace since last winter, the fan is coming on and there are sparks, pops and smoke coming from around the switch which is manual and in the off position. The switch is located on the bottom front of my fireplace. I had to flip the breaker off.

 

[MAD MARK]

Isn't nothing we can do without YOU pulling it and showing us some pictures.

 

[Ludlow]

Have any mice?

 

[begreen]

What is the make and model of the fireplace?

Sounds like the switch will need replacing and possibly some of the wiring. Can you access the switch and post some pictures of what is there?

 

[Rlm]

It is an intertherm bm36hcd in a manufactured home. The doors and louvered panels do not come off like normal fireplaces. I'm not sure I can get to the blower at all!

 

[webby3650]

It’s most likely your rheostat has failed or shorted out for some reason. Without further info, no one can really help you.

 

[Rlm]

Thanks for trying to help. I am clearly not a mechanic, just a female first time home buyer! I have reached the fan!! Can I just unplug the whole assembly from the electrical outlet? I dont need it and would need to know about wiring to fix it and I certainly don't think i'm ready for that!! I'm smart enough to see those plugs look horrible!

 

[bholler]

Thanks for trying to help. I am clearly not a mechanic, just a female first time home buyer! I have reached the fan!! Can I just unplug the whole assembly from the electrical outlet? I dont need it and would need to know about wiring to fix it and I certainly don't think i'm ready for that!! I'm smart enough to see those plugs look horrible!

Yes just unplug it for now. Those fan plugs are obviously burnt and probably shorting out

 

[spudman99]

Good job on opening the unit up and finding the plug. Don't demean yourself when you say "just a female first time homebuyer". You saw a problem, reached out for help, opened it up and made is safe for now. Step back and think about this feature. Lots of information on this forum and lots of really smart people can help you figure out what might work for you. Good luck

 

[Ludlow]

Just a woman, eh? Just a woman with more initiative than most men I know. Can the unit safely be used without the fan running? That's a question for the members who would know. I am sure the wiring can be fixed in the meanwhile. Congrats on the home purchase!

 

[webby3650]

Just a woman, eh? Just a woman with more initiative than most men I know. Can the unit safely be used without the fan running? That's a question for the members who would know. I am sure the wiring can be fixed in the meanwhile. Congrats on the home purchase!

The blower are an option. They don’t do much but make noise anyway.