Can You Use A Dimmer Switch To Control A Ceiling Fan

You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan.

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

Using a dimmer switch is not recommended for use with a ceiling fan. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time. A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage.

Watch out for regular switches being sold as fan controllers. 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. In this circumstance the light kit could be connected to a dimmer switch and the fan motor connected to a toggle switch. 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. 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. Lately i ve noticed a few wifi smart switches being sold as fan controllers. 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.

You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers why. A fan that has no speed control when manufactured has copper windings inside that determine speed and horsepower. When using a remote control fan speed control or a dimmer switch the pull chain switches on the ceiling fan should be in the full on position. A dimmer switch for motor speed control can be installed with a few precautions and considerations in mind.