Using Dimmer Switch For Fan Speed Control

The control features a small rocker switch to turn the ceiling fan on and off and a slide knob for fan speed control.

Using dimmer switch for fan speed control.

I know intuitively it seems like it would work but its not a good idea. Rate controls for home use are usually either triac or vfd variable frequency drive. The skylark fan control is designed to conveniently the skylark fan control is designed to conveniently set the speed of a ceiling fan. A dimmer switch for motor speed control can be installed with a few precautions and considerations in mind.

If your ceiling fan has wiring already in place where you have a separate switch for fan control then you can have the separate controls wired to independent switches. Provides control of one ceiling paddle fan and 3 quiet fan speeds provide increased comfort. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. A fan that has no speed control when manufactured has copper windings inside that determine speed and horsepower.

Ceiling fan motor speed controls and dimmer switches a fan speed control may be used for a compatible ceiling fan motor. Make sure the switches are fully compatible with the ceiling fan part and the size for the control component. 4 speed with off fan control 1 5 a rating for paddle type ceiling fans. Installing dimmer switches is a seemingly easy way to control a ceiling fan and or a lighting fixture.

A fan speed control is not the same as a dimmer switch. Led dimmer for led cfl and incandescent halogen bulbs 75 w of led cfl. Not for use with bathroom or exhaust type fans. Available in gloss satin colors.

It can have a big impact and be an inexpensive way to control the fixture. For a switch to effectively slow down that type of motor it requires a variable frequency drive vfd or a triac with some extra circuitry. Thanks for the shout. Don t try to use a dimmer switch as a fan speed control.

Continuing the discussion from fan light dimming aeon labs aeotec z wave micro dimmer. Leviton fan speed controls change the level of power in the fan motor to control the speed of your fan. Yeah basically you need to read the manufacturer s directions for the fan and check that against the manufacturer s directions for the dim control. A typical ceiling fan motor is an ac induction motor.

A triac controller varies only the voltage. In this circumstance the light kit could be connected to a dimmer switch and the fan motor connected to a toggle switch.