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    deanabb's Avatar
    deanabb Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 21, 2007, 07:31 PM
    So what exactly does happen with a dimmer switch / ceiling fan?
    I have read at the ceiling fan FAQ that one cannot use a dimmer switch with a ceiling fan. Well I just installed a cheap Hampton Bay ceiling fan (and light) with remote. We used to have an overhead light on a dimmer switch, so for now, I just have the switch on and full power. The install was painful, but that's perhaps another post.

    I tried using the dimmer just to see what would happen, and the light and fan both dim/slow just as I would expect. So my wife asked me "what exactly would happen if you used the dimmer/wall switch instead?" Well, I don't know, so I'm asking here.

    Dean
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #2

    Aug 21, 2007, 07:35 PM
    When you have the light and fan on at the same time, nothing, except the fan will be noisy.

    If you turn the light off and try to dim the fan.. . That's when bad stuff can happen. I've seen fans go up in smoke. I've seen capacitors melt. I've seen fans go even faster than high. AND it will be noisy.

    General rule, if a fan makes more noise than it is supposed to, something is wrong, don't do it.

    Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More
    Safety first's Avatar
    Safety first Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Aug 30, 2007, 07:06 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by deanabb
    I have read at the ceiling fan FAQ that one cannot use a dimmer switch with a ceiling fan. Well I just installed a cheap Hampton Bay ceiling fan (and light) with remote. We used to have an overhead light on a dimmer switch, so for now, I just have the switch on and full power. The install was painful, but that's perhaps another post.

    I tried using the dimmer just to see what would happen, and the light and fan both dim/slow just as I would expect. So my wife asked me "what exactly would happen if you used the dimmer/wall switch instead?" Well, I don't know, so I'm asking here.

    Dean
    Hello, and thanks in advance for any advice you may provide. I have a very similar situation to Deanabb;our contractor just installed numerous ceiling fans with cheap, regular dimmers. Mostly he was replacing fans that had lights but in several places there are now fans with lights where before there were none. I would like to have these fans with dimmer-switch lights, but I am worried about all the hazards you mention. Recommendation? Thanks!
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #4

    Aug 30, 2007, 08:05 AM
    On the lights, a regular dimmer will work. For a fan you need an inductive load dimmer. Here's one that receives x-10 signals. Home Automation Net.Com Discount Home Automation, Lighting Automation, Home and Theater Control Products

    I was using temperature control systems that had "industrial dimmers", a fancy word for a phase angle fired SCR unit operating into transformers (inductive loads) you need to incorporate a current limit to work, otherwise the dimmer self-distructs or the load self-destructs.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #5

    Aug 30, 2007, 01:42 PM
    For anything that is going to control the fan motor, you need a specific control designed for fans. For anything that is going to control the fan AND light, you need a specific control designed for fans. If you are controlling the lights separately you can use a regular dimmer switch if you are not using fluorescent bulbs.

    Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More
    Safety first's Avatar
    Safety first Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Aug 31, 2007, 05:58 AM
    You guys are great. Thank you so much!
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #7

    Aug 31, 2007, 06:06 AM
    FYI, there are some dimmers rated to handle fan motors. Be sure to read the instructions and/or specifications for any product.
    ceilingfanrepair's Avatar
    ceilingfanrepair Posts: 5,733, Reputation: 109
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    #8

    Jan 22, 2008, 10:25 AM
    Yes but they can only be used on 18 pole motors rated for use with solid state controls. Most ceiling fan motors are 16 pole and cannot be used with any sort of variable control.

    Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More
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