Can I Put A Dimmer Switch On A Ceiling Fan

If you try using a light dimmer switch on your fan you will most likely hear a loud humming sound on low speeds.

Can i put a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan.

There is a growing misconception that this is safe to do but the logic behind it is flawed. The switch could damage the motor on the ceiling fan. By all means you can connect a ceiling fan directly to a dimmer switch but you may run into problems along the way. 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. A fan speed control is not the same as a dimmer switch. Lately i ve noticed a few wifi smart switches being sold as fan controllers. A broken ceiling fan motor and a house fire are obviously not ideal outcomes however there is some good news.

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. Installing dimmer switches is a common diy project that most homeowners can complete in just a few minutes. A regular dimmer switch simply reduces the voltage.

A fan speed control may be used for a compatible ceiling fan motor. That works with lights but will burn out a motor and maybe burn down the house. The new switch does require an additional electrical wire. Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room and help keep it comfortable in warm weather periods.

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. An example of this is that the motor in your fan could be damaged and rendered useless. Even worse the ceiling fan motor could be damaged over time. You cannot use a dimmer switch on a fan motor but you can find fan speed controllers.

Watch out for regular switches being sold as fan controllers. You cannot use a light dimmer to control a fan.