Can I Run A Ceiling Fan On A Dimmer Switch

A fan speed control is not the same as a dimmer switch.

Can i run a ceiling fan on a dimmer switch.

A dimmer switch should not be used as a motor speed control. Not wireless of course but wireless ones can be hokey. It can also cause problems for the ceiling fan if it is directly connected to it. There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed.

Otherwise that thing will have to go. A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage. Most ceiling fan remote controls have the capability to control the speed of the motor and dim the light fixture. The problem with a dimmer switch is that it can be easily overloaded.

That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house. But an old fashioned ceiling fan can only be operated using annoying pull chains or wall switches. A ceiling fan can bring much more comfort and convenience to a room by allowing better control of temperature and air circulation. The switch could damage the motor on the ceiling fan.

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. If any wires bypass the thing you can use that. Replace it with a switch or blanking plate. An example of this is that the motor in your fan could be damaged and rendered useless.

How to wire a single switch ceiling fan subscribe for weekly. A broken ceiling fan motor and a house fire are obviously not ideal outcomes however there is some good news. By all means you can connect a ceiling fan directly to a dimmer switch but you may run into problems along the way. Not all receivers have dip switches restore power to fan and re install batteries in the remote control.

Power your fan off using the wall switch or circuit breaker. Some can even operate a dimmer on the lights. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan. You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers.

If the switch is overloaded it could heat up and start a fire. A fan speed control may be used for a compatible ceiling fan motor. Possibly a shame the thing may be a better fan controller than what you just bought. Both are bad outcomes.