Can You Use A Dimmer Switch To Control A Ceiling Fan

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

Can you use a dimmer switch to control a ceiling fan.

One of the things to do is if your ceiling fan is being operated by a dimmer set the dimmer to the highest setting to stop it from humming or replace the dimmer switch with a regular wall switch. A dimmer switch for motor speed control can be installed with a few precautions and considerations in mind. It can have a big impact and be an inexpensive way to control the fixture. Using a dimmer switch is not recommended for use with a ceiling fan.

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 cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers why. If your ceiling fan has wiring already in place where you have a separate switch for fan control then you can have the separate controls wired to independent switches. Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time.

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. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan. Installing dimmer switches is a seemingly easy way to control a ceiling fan and or a lighting fixture. If you try using a light dimmer switch on your fan you will most likely hear a loud humming sound on low speeds.

That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house a fan speed controller is a much more complex electronic device that reduces the amperage to the motor without reducing the voltage avoiding this kind of innocent mistake. Lately i ve noticed a few wifi smart switches being sold as fan controllers. Watch out for regular switches being sold as fan controllers. A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage.