Can You Use A Dimmer Switch To Control A Ceiling Fan

A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage.

Can you use a dimmer switch to control a ceiling fan.

You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers why. Step 1 set up. Start by turning off the light and ceiling fan at the fuse box. Lately i ve noticed a few wifi smart switches being sold as fan controllers.

Dimmer switch ceiling fan compatibility. Before you switch off the power have the ceiling fan set at the highest level. If you try using a light dimmer switch on your fan you will most likely hear a loud humming sound on low speeds. The more complicated answer we are engineers after all.

It can have a big impact and be an inexpensive way to control the fixture. A fan that has no speed control when manufactured has copper windings inside that determine speed and horsepower. When using a remote control fan speed control or a dimmer switch the pull chain switches on the ceiling fan should be in the full on position. You may need an electrician for this.

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. Converting a three speed ceiling fan to variable speed is even easier if the original fan was wired to a light switch to turn. The wall dimmer switch reduces power flow and interferes with the fan control. Using a dimmer switch is not recommended for use with a ceiling fan.

Replace the wall dimmer switch with an on off switch. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house a fan speed controller is a much more complex electronic device that reduces the amperage to the motor without reducing the voltage avoiding this kind of innocent mistake. A dimmer switch for motor speed control can be installed with a few precautions and considerations in mind.

Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time. Be aware that a standard light dimmer switch will not work with a ceiling fan. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan. This is potentially dangerous and you would need to buy a special dimmer switch and a fan speed control.

In this circumstance the light kit could be connected to a dimmer switch and the fan motor connected to a toggle switch.