Your Essence is not shutting down when the alarm is tested? Follow these troubleshooting steps.

1. Turn the breaker to the fan OFF.

2. Verify if the yellow and blue wires located at the end of the gray low-voltage control cable are terminated to the relay correctly. If not, terminate them per the electrical installation instructions for the Big Ass Fans supplied relay. The fan requires a Normally Closed (N.C.) configuration for run-enable. Turn the breaker ON and test the fan. If this resolves the issue, you are finished.

3. If the above steps did not resolve the issue, turn the breaker OFF and check the Big Ass Fans supplied fire relay coil to see if it is holding the connection closed for run-enable and releasing the connection when the condition is met for opening the connection. Replace the relay if it is not performing correctly.

4. When using a programmable Dry-Contact relay, ensure that the connection programming is configured for Normally Closed (N.C.). If you confirm it is set for N.C., test the Dry-Contact relay to verify functionality and replace if necessary. Also follow NFPA guidelines and ensure the Dry-Contact relay is within 10 feet of the fan.

5. In the extreme case that the relays are found to be functioning correctly and the fan is not responding to shut down, test the yellow and blue wires at the point where the relay attaches to the gray low-voltage cable for persistent continuity between the two using a voltmeter. If continuity is detected, follow these steps:

A. Turn OFF the breaker and remove the silver switch plate on the extension tube (leave it plugged in as the green status LED is needed for verification). Disconnect the gray low-voltage cable from the motor pigtail. Is the green status LED flashing seven times? If yes, the gray low-voltage cable has been compromised and is causing the continuity. If no, the pigtail may have been pinched during installation, compromising the cable, or there may be a “stinger” (wire filaments touching together) on the green connector behind the motor wiring service cover.

B. Remove the four staggered screws at the top to access the motor wiring service cover and expose the connections. Examine the yellow and blue wires for stray wire filaments (“stingers”) touching together. Pull the connector and ensure there are no extraneous filaments across the pins. Use a voltmeter to check for continuity on the yellow and blue wires on the pigtail connection. A positive indication of continuity on the pigtail will require the motor to be replaced.