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    johnp1785's Avatar
    johnp1785 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    May 29, 2012, 04:57 PM
    Ceiling fan dimmer switch hot
    Hello

    I have a ceiling fan dimmer switch controlling 1 fan/light w/ 3 40w inc lamps, the first dimmer I installed, I back fed the wiring and the switch got hot. I read that you should never back feed a dimmer switch so I put the wires on the screw terms, it still got hot and arc'd.

    I went to HD and got a new dimmer switch, all they had were factory back wired.

    I installed it, and the cover plate screws are hot

    Is this normal or any suggestions?
    homemedic's Avatar
    homemedic Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #2

    May 30, 2012, 09:52 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by johnp1785 View Post
    Hello

    I have a ceiling fan dimmer switch controlling 1 fan/light w/ 3 40w inc lamps, the first dimmer I installed, I back fed the wiring and the switch got hot. I read that you should never back feed a dimmer switch so I put the wires on the screw terms, it still got hot and arc'd.

    I went to HD and got a new dimmer switch, all they had were factory back wired.

    I installed it, and the cover plate screws are hot

    Is this normal or any suggestions?
    Most fans are not designed to use a dimmer switch to control the fan, This is due to most fan motors do not have variable speed motors.But if you have a separate switch for the lights you should be able to use a dimmer switch for the lights.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    May 30, 2012, 09:55 PM
    Fan motors need a special speed controller, not a dimmer switch. Lights can use a dimmer.
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