Can I Install A Dimmer Switch On A Ceiling Fan

I know intuitively it seems like it would work but its not a good idea.

Can i install a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan.

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. It can also cause problems for the ceiling fan if it is directly connected to it. Installing dimmer switches is a common diy project that most homeowners can complete in just a few minutes. This offers many advantages not the least of which is that you don t have to keep playing with the cords on the fan to reach the speed you want.

The switch could damage the motor on the ceiling fan. If the dimmer has a separate wall plate tighten the mounting screws that hold the wall plate to the switch. This will allow you to control the light intensity and the fan speed which can not be achieved if you re only using the fan s chains. The new switch does require an additional electrical wire.

If you have a ceiling fan you can install a dimmer or speed control switch for it. Don t try to use a dimmer switch as a fan speed control. A dimmer switch as the name suggests lets you control the intensity of the light produced from the light to which it is connected such as a ceiling fan with a built in lighting fixture. If you are installing a dimmer that has a removable knob remove the knob from the dimmer by gently pulling outward before attaching the wall plate.

Some can even operate a dimmer on the lights. A typical ceiling fan motor is an ac induction motor. For a switch to effectively slow down that type of motor it requires a variable frequency drive vfd or a triac with some extra circuitry. A remote can speed up or slow down the fan turn the fan on and off or turn the lights connected to the ceiling fan on and off.

Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room and help keep it comfortable in warm weather periods. You can install a ceiling fan light dual dimmer switch to operate the fan speed and light intensity from the original wall switch location. Tighten the screws holding the dimmer to the electrical box. The problem with a dimmer switch is that it can be easily overloaded.