Can a dimmer switch control a ceiling fan speed?

A dimmer switch can be used to control a ceiling fan’s speed and turn it on and off. In theory, any dimmer switch has these capabilities, but in practice, there can be issues if you don’t use the right kind of dimmer switch for your fan.

Can you put a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan with a light?

Ceiling fan lights can be dimmed, but only with a switch compatible with their wiring. Using a dimmer switch without being sure it won’t damage your ceiling is hazardous and could quite literally burn your house down.

Can you control fan speed with a switch?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Then turn off the electric. And then you're going to wire your switch. And then you're going to be able to control the fan speed from a fan control switch.

What is the difference between light dimmer and fan speed control?

Talking about the differences between a dimmer switch and a fan speed regulator, the basic one is that the dimmer reduces the voltage. In contrast, the fan control reduces the amperage. The fan speed controller regulates the rotor’s speed by increasing or decreasing the current, or amperage, available to the rotor.

How do you make a dimmer switch a speed controller?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Because every dimmer switch I've seen needs to be grounded. And then a plastic electrical. Box so what I did is I took this extension cord and I cut it in half and then fed the two halves.

Can you use a smart dimmer switch on a ceiling fan?

A smart dimmer switch should not be used as a fan speed control. I know intuitively it seems like it would work, but it’s not a good idea. A typical ceiling fan motor is an AC induction motor. For a dimmer switch to effectively slow down that type of motor, it requires a variable frequency drive (VFD) or a TRIAC.

How do you wire a dimmer switch to a ceiling light?





Installing a Dimmer Switch

  1. Select a dimmer switch that has a rated capacity high enough to handle the combined wattage of all the bulbs in the chandelier added together.
  2. Turn the power off to the fixture at the breaker.
  3. Remove the cover and existing switch.
  4. Attach the dimmer to the wires using wire nuts.

What kind of switch do I need for a ceiling fan?

Most new ceiling fans can be wired to either a single switch or a double switch. With single-switch wiring, power to the fan is controlled by a standard single-pole wall switch, like a regular light switch.

Can you use a dimmer switch on a bathroom fan?

Can a Bathroom Fan Be on a Dimmer Switch. A bathroom fan or any motor should never be connected to a light dimmer switch. Even if it will work for a while the motor will overheat and could possibly even start a fire.

Can you put a dimmer switch on any light?

A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on or off switch is in place. Replacing the current toggle switch with a dimmer switch will allow you to change the lights’ brightness, so long as you are using a light bulb that is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.

Can you put a variable speed control on any motor?



– Variable frequency drives (VFDs): Variable frequency drives also control the speed of a motor, but they do so by changing the voltage and frequency and can thus only be used with AC motors. Variable speed drives supply specific amperage and voltage to a motor.

How do you slow down the rpm of an electric motor?

If you want to reduce rpm without compromising speed regulation then use a voltage regulator or PWM controller to lower the motor voltage. If you also want higher torque then use a gearbox (which increases torque by the same proportion as it reduces shaft rpm).

How do you hook up a speed control switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And go about a half inch down and strip the coating off there that way you can put your new speed control switch in with your wire nuts. Now after you've stripped all your wires.

How do you change the speed of a ceiling fan switch?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: For this job you'll need a couple tools you will need a pair of wire strippers electrical tape and wire nuts here we have our fan motor and underneath the fan motor is the housing for all the wires.

How do you control a ceiling fan with a light switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: For my light. Now all you do is you put it around the copper screw and tighten it up so your power comes in goes through the switch. Out here and to your light. And for your fan.

How do I adjust the speed of my ceiling fan?

Check the pull chain switch on the fan. A bad switch, or missing speed setting, will cause the fan to run slowly. Turn the fan off and allow it to stop moving. Pull the chain and turn the fan on the lowest setting, then listen to the fan motor as you pull the chain and move through the progressive speed settings.

Can you slow the speed of a ceiling fan?

Putting a capacitor in series is an efficient way to slow down many small fan motors. I did that with a large floor fan I have, so using your switch will likely work. A light dimmer may also work, but I experienced a annoying buzzing noise from my fan motor when I tried that.

How do I adjust the speed of my ceiling fan without a chain?



To control the fan speed without the switch, you’d have to apply current to the proper wires to get the speed you want. Since this is likely a mechanical device (not electronic), the only way to change the setting is to physically move the switch to another position.