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.

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

A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage. Using a dimmer switch is not recommended for use with a ceiling fan. In this circumstance the light kit could be connected to a dimmer switch and the fan motor connected to a toggle switch. 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.

Watch out for regular switches being sold as fan controllers. You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers why. 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 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. Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time. One of the things to do is if your ceiling fan is being operated by a dimmer set the dimmer to the highest setting to stop it from humming or replace the dimmer switch with a regular wall switch. Converting a three speed ceiling fan to variable speed is even easier if the original fan was wired to a light switch to turn.

There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. If you try using a light dimmer switch on your fan you will most likely hear a loud humming sound on low speeds. It can have a big impact and be an inexpensive way to control the fixture. 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.