Can I Put A Dimmer Switch On A Ceiling Fan

You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers.

Can i put a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan.

Installing dimmer switches is a common diy project that most homeowners can complete in just a few minutes. Quick facts about ceiling fan controls. A fan speed control is not the same as a dimmer switch. A dimmer switch should not be used as a motor speed control.

That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. A broken ceiling fan motor and a house fire are obviously not ideal outcomes however there is some good news. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan.

The problem with a dimmer switch is that it can be easily overloaded. If you have a ceiling fan you can install a dimmer or speed control switch for it. Watch out for regular switches being sold as fan controllers. An example of this is that the motor in your fan could be damaged and rendered useless.

If you try using a light dimmer switch on your fan you will most likely hear a loud humming sound on low speeds. Most ceiling fan remote controls have the capability to control the speed of the motor and dim the light fixture. You can install a ceiling fan light dual dimmer switch to operate the fan speed and light intensity from the original wall switch location. A fan speed control may be used for a compatible ceiling fan motor.

Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time. Lately i ve noticed a few wifi smart switches being sold as fan controllers. By all means you can connect a ceiling fan directly to a dimmer switch but you may run into problems along the way. The new switch does require an additional electrical wire.

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. A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage.