Distortion through speakers and subs from a ceiling fan

[thejknight]

I installed a fan to some existing wiring in my ceiling that was unused. When I switch the fan OFF using the light switch while the fan is still running a nasty clipping type of distortion comes through the stereo and subs.

No distortion occurs when I turn the fan on or while its running. If I turn the fan off at the fan then turn the switch off, there is no issue.

All the stereo equipment is plugged through an older Panamax surge protector.

I double checked all the wiring for the fan and it seems good. All the outlets in the run are working properly.

Any thoughts on what is causing this - is the fan defective or just crappy, or is there an issue elsewhere?

If it matters, this is the equipment:
Speakers are Final Sound 700
2 Final Sound S110 Subs
Adcom Preamp GTP600
Onkyo M504 amp
Onkyo CD player

 

[Cliff_is]

I am not an electrician, but you could always put a multimeter on the outlet your AVR is hooked to and see if there is any weird voltages coming through.

Also, does your Panamax filter EMI and RFI?

I think I ran into something like this at a client's home some time ago, and the issue was some mixed up wiring a few outlets down from the equipment.

Otherwise, maybe try a forum for electricians and report back what you find out if we aren't able to help.

 

[Rickster71]

The first thing I'd check would be arcing at the switch. I'm thinking it's either old or a cheap one.
There's a good chance replacing that light switch will solve the problem.

 

[ahblaza]

The first thing I'd check would be arcing at the switch. I'm thinking it's either old or a cheap one.
There's a good chance replacing that light switch will solve the problem.

+1, change the switch