I have a ceiling fan with lights and it has a dimmer switch. I would like to use fluorscent bulbs because they are more cost efficient compared to regular bulbs. Where can I find a switch where one controls the light and the other controls the fan?

Currently I replaced the regular bulbs with fluorscent bulbs and the light blinks. I was told from a friend it is because of the dimmer switch.

Thank you,
Karen

What make and model fan, what make and model switch do you currently have?

Ceiling fan remote controls, remote kits, speed controls, dimmer switches and more - at Ceiling Fans 'N More

I just bought this house about 6 months ago and have no idea what make or model it is.

What was on the wall were 2 knobs on a switch plate. Both of them are dimmers. I switch it to compacted fluorscent light and at times the light blinks until I turn one of the knobs to stop the blinking. Someone told me that was because it was dimmer switch I have and need to change to a on/off switch. Not having any knowledge on electrical stuff, I bought a switch with 2-on/off on a plate (It is called double pole). After I have switch to on/off switch, I got the light to work but not the fan. This is for the dining room.

In the kitchen, there was a switch already for the ceiling fan with lights using 2-on/off switch. One controls the light and the other controls the fan. I pulled out the wiring and I try to mimic it. It didn't work.

I've been trying to look online for more information about wiring thinking I might have done something wrong and I have ask around but not a lot of people know wiring.

I really appreciate your help. Thank you.

Send me pictures of the fan and switches.

I am thinking you might have wired the replacement switch wrong, but I want to identify everything first.

Do you know that most compact fluorescent bulbs are not to be used with a dimmer? Did you buy bulbs specifically labeled for a dimmer? Please tell us more about the dimmer, is it 3 steps?

I am going up to the house this weekend and I'll take some pictures of the fan and the light switch. If I can not post the pictures here, could I send it directly to your '[email protected]' account? Thank you for being patient.

Ballengerb1 - I would try to change the switch plate first before buying about 15 compact fluorescent bulbs. I have to 5 ceiling fans to deal with. It would cost me a pretty penny and budget is a little tight at the moment. If the switch plates does not work, then I would have to resort to buying the dimmerable compact fluorescent bulbs... but as the very last resort.

Thank you.

My Yahoo is fine.

I have taken a few pictures. I'll try to load it up.

Did you send me pictures of the fan with the issue, or the fan you were trying to mimic?

Yes, I have sent the pictures yesterday late morning or early afternoon. It was from the account kw##@sprint.blackberry.net. I believe there were a total of 7 pictures.

I need to see the pictures of the fan with the issue, NOT the working fan. I believe the pictures you sent me are from the working switch/fan set.

Thanks for taking a look at the pictures I have sent you. I will go to the house on Memorial weekend and have a look at the wires again.

I still have the old switch and I'll take a picture of it. The old switch was the dimmer that had soldering on it.