Can I Put A Dimmer On A Ceiling Fan

Don t try to use a dimmer switch as a fan speed control.

Can i put a dimmer on a ceiling fan.

How to wire wall switches for a ceiling fan. By all means you can connect a ceiling fan directly to a dimmer switch but you may run into problems along the way. You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers. Or something similar you should not use this dimmer with a motor load.

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. If they ran two wires even if they connected them both to the switch you should be able to split off the light for a dimmer. If there is only one switched wire going to the fan light combo then no. A typical ceiling fan motor is an ac induction motor.

An example of this is that the motor in your fan could be damaged and rendered useless. The new switch does require an additional electrical wire. A dimmer switch should only be used for controlling lights that are compatible with the dimmer switch. You can install a ceiling fan light dual dimmer switch to operate the fan speed and light intensity from the original wall switch location.

Install a fan control switch. There are a few better options available to you. I know intuitively it seems like it would work but its not a good idea. Although this will eliminate your ability to dim the light on the ceiling fan it will also reduce the risks of damage to the fan or your home.

A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage. You need to open up the switch box and or the fan connections to see. The best option you have for a ceiling fan that is wired to a standard dimmer switch is to change it out for a simple toggle switch. Using a dimmer switch is not recommended for use with a ceiling fan.

Using a standard dimmer with a ceiling fan can damage the motor and or cause the dimmer and or motor to overheat and cause a fire. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan. That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house.

If you see the text for incandescent only. Converting a three speed ceiling fan to variable speed is even easier if the original fan was wired to a light switch to turn. Wiring ceiling fan switches. A dimmer switch should never be wired as the main controlling switch for a ceiling fan or ceiling fan remote control.