Can You Use A Dimmer Switch To Control A Ceiling Fan

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.

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

Lately i ve noticed a few wifi smart switches being sold as fan controllers. Using a dimmer switch is not recommended for use with a ceiling fan. The wall dimmer switch reduces power flow and interferes with the fan control. Start by turning off the light and ceiling fan at the fuse box.

This is potentially dangerous and you would need to buy a special dimmer switch and a fan speed control. It can have a big impact and be an inexpensive way to control the fixture. You may need an electrician for this. The more complicated answer we are engineers after all.

Watch out for regular switches being sold as fan controllers. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan. Be aware that a standard light dimmer switch will not work with a ceiling fan. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed.

Installing dimmer switches is a seemingly easy way to control a ceiling fan and or a lighting fixture. 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. In this circumstance the light kit could be connected to a dimmer switch and the fan motor connected to a toggle switch. Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time.

A dimmer switch for motor speed control can be installed with a few precautions and considerations in mind. A fan that has no speed control when manufactured has copper windings inside that determine speed and horsepower. A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage. If you try using a light dimmer switch on your fan you will most likely hear a loud humming sound on low speeds.

Converting a three speed ceiling fan to variable speed is even easier if the original fan was wired to a light switch to turn. Replace the wall dimmer switch with an on off switch. 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. Step 1 set up.

A wall mounted dimmer switch may be installed to control the ceiling fan lighting if the lights are compatible with the dimmer switch and there is a separate wire provided for the light fixture only.