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crazy1 · Oct 28, 2006, 06:22 PM

Hi, I was wondering if it was any way possible to hook up 2 control switches to 1 ceiling fan? The fan is at top of stairs and connected to a high ceiling so if this were possible it would be so much of a convenience instead of always running up the stairs to turn on fan. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

tkrussell · Oct 28, 2006, 06:33 PM

Unless there is a wireless remote that can be used, to hardwire two switches can be done as in the photo of a 3 way switch diagram, just eliminate the 4 way if is does not apply.

ceilingfanrepair · Oct 28, 2006, 06:58 PM

Understand that these are basic on-off switches. It becomes a different story if you are talking about being able to control speeds from two switches.

crazy1 · Oct 29, 2006, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by ceilingfanrepair

Understand that these are basic on-off switches. It becomes a different story if you are talking about being able to control speeds from two switches.

Actually yes, that is what I wondering; if that is at all possible? Someone had told me at Lowe's to use 2 3way dimmer switches but can't figure out how to hook them up. I have 14-3 wired to both switches.

tkrussell · Oct 29, 2006, 11:54 AM

Be careful of using dimmers , be sure it is rated for fan motors. Not sure if they make speed controls in 3 way but some dimmers can handle fans.

Check here:
www.lutron.com

For two 3 way dimmers to control a fan, there should be three wires, one is the common, and wire as the diagram. You will find sample wiring diagrams for the dimmers at Lutron site.

There are many to chose from.

ceilingfanrepair · Oct 29, 2006, 05:27 PM

Using a 3 way control, you would be able to control speeds from one location, and only switch on and off from the other. Do NOT use dimmers.

The only way to get speed control from two locations is to use a remote kit with two switches.

tkrussell · Oct 30, 2006, 03:53 AM

Yes, you may need or could use a remote, as ceilingfanrepair mentions. Or you can use X-10 devices.

The remote may be better and/or cheaper. Check with ceilingfanrepair thou as to their reliability.

ceilingfanrepair · Oct 30, 2006, 12:24 PM

Never thought about X10. I know they didn't used to have dedicated ceiling fan speed controls, do they offer that now?

You're pretty much SOL as to finding a reliable remote kit, but you can improve your chances. Go with the kind where the switches hard-wire into the wall, since this is what you want anyway. Don't get Hampton Bay (or Harbor Breeze) if you can help it, you're better off with a name brand like Hunter or Emerson. At least, I hear about the "H"s failing all the time and have rarely heard of a Hunter, Emerson etc remote failing.