If voltage is applied across two speed terminals on a fan motor, what is the likely outcome?

When voltage is applied across two speed terminals on a fan motor, the likely outcome is that the motor may attempt to operate in an unsafe manner, leading to a short circuit. This is because fan motors are designed to operate at specific voltage levels and configurations according to their wiring setup. When incorrect voltage or an unintended configuration is applied, the electrical system may become overloaded, resulting in a failure of insulation or even damage to the motor windings.

This scenario typically arises in situations where the motor is not designed to handle the voltage or where incorrect connections are made. The increased voltage can cause excessive current to flow through components that are not rated for that current load, leading to a short-circuit condition. Therefore, applying voltage across the wrong terminals can be detrimental and hazardous, casting significant risk on the motor and associated electrical systems.