Need help troubleshooting my fog machine - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Kiukle
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 09, 2024, 08:48:02 pm
content: I have a JinYu Lighting Limited FM-700 fog machine that has stopped heating after we did something we shouldn't haveWe had it inside a casket sized wooden box with not much space between the slats. It was also plugged into the same circuit as out other Halloween lights, and it tripped the powerstrip's protection. After that it no longer heats up or draws power when plugged in. I did see this thread (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/replacing-thermal-fuse-in-a-fog-machine/25/) and I am curious if mine would have a thermal fuse that might be the issue, since I'm sure putting it in the box heated it up good. The original poster never showed where he found the second fuse (thin thermal fuse), but I think I found it in my machine under what might be a heatsink type piece of metal? Can anyone help me try to figure this out? My brother tested all the wires which seemed fine (if he did it right), but the machine draws no power when plugged in. It also doesn't even have an indicator light that turns on when plugged in to say it's getting power so that's not helpful. Here is a little video of the insides and a picture of what I think could be the thermal fuse... if it is how would I test it?Video of the inside of my fog machine :https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QTEidZLisVpFhD4VX_kpcj23zJJGXKtj/view?usp=sharingImage :https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mq2ESQestcPxvE6o0s3SKBRr7WgYOiEZ/view?usp=sharing

author: Jeff eelcr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2024, 12:17:46 am
content: I do not know your model but be careful dissassembling/reassembling do not flip parts around.I got 1 washer type part reversed and it would not work, it took hours to figure out why and for my mistake.Jeff

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2024, 05:44:43 am
content: G'day Kiukle,Is your brother an Electrician?I think I can see a panel mount fuse in your video so I assume you checked that first up.If you refer to the attached you have a temperature switch, Heating Element and maybe something mounted under that bracket at the bottom.The temperature switch should be closed until the fog cylinder reaches a preset temperature.A few simple checks with a multimeter, by someone who has an Electrical background, should quickly find the fault.

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 10, 2024, 05:47:04 am
content: I had a closer look at that bracket at the bottom and it is only there to support the wiring.

author: Kiukle
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 10, 2024, 07:19:12 pm
content: Quote from: Poroit on November 10, 2024, 05:47:04 amThere is definitely something in the bracket, not sure if it is a small thermal fuse like the other thread I linked in my post. Seems possible as it looks like the same type of wire covering I see that OP had cut to get to it, but I want to make sure first.My brother has some electrical background, but not an electrician. How would we properly test the temperature switch? Is that the round thermostat on the top? I know he tested all the wires and they all still...conduct? Not sure what wires should have what kind of reading to point to a problem.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2024, 02:57:46 am
content: I think there is a thermal cutoff inside the silicone sleeve that is clamped to the heating chamber.Check it for continuity or measure Ohms across the wires connecting to it.If it has gone open circuit, then take it apart. t should slide out if the bracket is loosened, screw taken out.

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2024, 05:31:57 am
content: I thinkfloobydustis correct about a thermal fuse as there is a pic of something similar on the Halloween Forum.With no power connected:The Temperature switch should be Normally Closed at Ambient Temperature so you can check it with your Multimeter set on the Ohms range and it should be a short circuit.Ditto for the Thermal Fuse.What is that lower cable connected to below the fuse holder?Powered Up Measurements (BE CAREFUL)If you set your Multimeter to AC Volts you could connect one probe to the Neutral connection and use the other probe to test for AC Voltage to all the components.You should measure 120V AC on both lugs of the Temperature switch and also on the element connection.

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2024, 06:01:06 am
content: I had a look at a few other fogger models and I see that they have remote controls.I guess yours has one also.The lower cable is the Power.You would need to check the remote to ensure it is OK.

author: Kiukle
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 14, 2024, 02:48:26 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on November 11, 2024, 02:57:46 amAlso replying to Poroit, thank you both for your help. My brother is away for work for a few more days so I will update again once he is back and we get to look at the machine again. I appreciate your guidance.