Can I Put A Dimmer On A Ceiling Fan

A dimmer switch should never be wired as the main controlling switch for a ceiling fan or ceiling fan remote control.

Can i put a dimmer on a ceiling fan.

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. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. 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.

You need to open up the switch box and or the fan connections to see. I know intuitively it seems like it would work but its not a good idea. Install a fan control switch. Hi todd sorry to hear about your ceiling fan and yes wiring a ceiling fan to a dimmer switch most likely burnt up your ceiling fan and here s why.

If there is only one switched wire going to the fan light combo then no. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan. A typical ceiling fan motor is an ac induction motor. Or something similar you should not use this dimmer with a motor load.

A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage. A dimmer switch should only be used for controlling lights that are compatible with the dimmer switch. 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. You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers.

Don t try to use a dimmer switch as a fan speed control. The new switch does require an additional electrical wire. Wiring ceiling fan switches. A broken ceiling fan motor and a house fire are obviously not ideal outcomes however there is some good news.

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. By all means you can connect a ceiling fan directly to a dimmer switch but you may run into problems along the way. Converting a three speed ceiling fan to variable speed is even easier if the original fan was wired to a light switch to turn. You can t put the motor on the dimmer.

That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house. 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. An example of this is that the motor in your fan could be damaged and rendered useless. If you see the text for incandescent only.