Can I Install A Dimmer Switch On A Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room and help keep it comfortable in warm weather periods.

Can i install a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan.

Don t try to use a dimmer switch as a fan speed control. 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. If the dimmer has a separate wall plate tighten the mounting screws that hold the wall plate to the switch. It can also cause problems for the ceiling fan if it is directly connected to it.

A remote can speed up or slow down the fan turn the fan on and off or turn the lights connected to the ceiling fan on and off. You can install a ceiling fan light dual dimmer switch to operate the fan speed and light intensity from the original wall switch location. The problem with a dimmer switch is that it can be easily overloaded. 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.

A dimmer switch as the name suggests lets you control the intensity of the light produced from the light to which it is connected such as a ceiling fan with a built in lighting fixture. The switch could damage the motor on the ceiling fan. The new switch does require an additional electrical wire. If you don t enjoy using your ceiling fan s pull levers to control the light and speed of the fan you can always install a dual dimmer switch instead to give you more customization of your ceiling fan.

Installing dimmer switches is a common diy project that most homeowners can complete in just a few minutes. Tighten the screws holding the dimmer to the electrical box. A wall mounted ceiling fan motor speed controller may be installed to control the fan motor when a separate wire is provided for the fan motor only. If you are installing a dimmer that has a removable knob remove the knob from the dimmer by gently pulling outward before attaching the wall plate.

A typical ceiling fan motor is an ac induction motor. Some can even operate a dimmer on the lights. This will allow you to control the light intensity and the fan speed which can not be achieved if you re only using the fan s chains. I know intuitively it seems like it would work but its not a good idea.