ceiling fan
#1
12-17-02, 10:55 AM
ceiling fan
I already have a dimmer switch in the bedroom where the ceiling fan is being installed. The paperwork for the fan states that you cannot use variable speed devices with the ceiling fan. My question is , in your opinion, would it damage the motor if the dimmer is not dimmed when the fan is running and then it would still be possible to dim the light? Or should I just reinstall a single pole switch?
Vicki
Vicki
#2
12-17-02, 12:38 PM
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I don't imagine that any damage to the fan would occur if the dimmer were only used for the light, but would every potential user know not to reduce the fan speed with the dimmer?
#3
12-17-02, 12:52 PM
ceiling fan
I did think of that. I was thinking I would be ok as long as I was the only one who could reach the manual pull switch to turn the fan on. But after more thought, we usually dim the light at night and that is also when the fan would be on. I think I will put a regular switch back on and use a table lamp with low wattage for a dimmer light in the kids room. Thanks so much for your help.
Vicki
Vicki
#4
12-17-02, 03:30 PM
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If you're going to do this, do it right.
Either replace the dimmer with an on/off switch, or run 3 conductors to the fan: one neutral, one "always hot" for the fan, and the dimmer output to the light.
That way, you'd have the dimmer control the light and the pullchain control the fan.
Either replace the dimmer with an on/off switch, or run 3 conductors to the fan: one neutral, one "always hot" for the fan, and the dimmer output to the light.
That way, you'd have the dimmer control the light and the pullchain control the fan.
#5
12-17-02, 03:30 PM
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Consider a remote control for your fan. This would allow you to dim your light without affecting the fan motor.
#6
12-17-02, 05:19 PM
Vicki,
There is another option. Several ceiling fan manufacturers sell a switch which is a combination light/fan switch which only requires the two wires you currently have. A separate module is installed at the fan box. Straight forward wiring.
I have one in my kitchen and it works fine. You don't have TOTAL dimming control, but three distinct fan speeds and three discrete light settings. As I recall, mine was about $25
Good luck.
There is another option. Several ceiling fan manufacturers sell a switch which is a combination light/fan switch which only requires the two wires you currently have. A separate module is installed at the fan box. Straight forward wiring.
I have one in my kitchen and it works fine. You don't have TOTAL dimming control, but three distinct fan speeds and three discrete light settings. As I recall, mine was about $25
Good luck.
