I’m installing two 60“ industrial ceiling fans in my new pole barn. I see most switches are rated up to 1.5 amps. A single fan, on high speed, uses 1.04 amps. Will the switch “burn up” if I install 2 fans on 1 switch? Basically 2 amps on high through a 1.5 amp switch.
Ceiling fan control, multiple to 1 switch?
- Thread starter chedv
- Start date
You want to run 25% over what the switch is rated for? And ask if it will fail? Maybe not right away, but faster that if you used a switch rated for the load.
Are you sure on your numbers? Most switches I think are much higher rated than that. Most I see are rated for either 15 or 20 amp. Your ratings on the fan draw seems very low also. What brand and model are they?
I did look and found a couple fans with 1 amp ratings. Still a 100w light bulb draws almost one amp so double check your switch ratings.
I did look and found a couple fans with 1 amp ratings. Still a 100w light bulb draws almost one amp so double check your switch ratings.
Last edited:
fan speed switches are in the 1-1/2 amp range that I've seen
sparky 1971
Well-known member
Are sure that's not 15 amps? Most residential grade switches are 15 amp. There are commercial switches that are 15, 20, and 30 amps. Or, are you referring to a specific speed controller switch that came with the fan? If so, just use two of the switches. I don't know about all of them, but I have installed fans that came with speed switches that I wired to come on together. If I remember correctly, I could only get two fans to a switch the time I installed six in a barn. The owner didn't like having three speed controls, but he also didn't like the idea of having to buy a better controller.
wssix99
Well-known member
You need an "Industrial" "Multiple fan" control. The industrial controls will get you above 1.5A on the motor control and you will need a specific "multiple fan" control if you are running multiple fans off a single switch. Even if you can find a switch with the needed amperate, it will make a horrible humming noise unless it is rated for multiple fans.
Here is an example of what you need: https://www.canarm.com/hvac/mc-industrial-ceiling-fan-speed-controls.html
^ BTW - I recall these have large heat sinks on the back side of them, so you may need a large or special box.
Here is an example of what you need: https://www.canarm.com/hvac/mc-industrial-ceiling-fan-speed-controls.html
^ BTW - I recall these have large heat sinks on the back side of them, so you may need a large or special box.
Thanks guys. Here is the switch I was looking at:
And the fan:
I would run them on low/medium the majority of the time (keeping it under the 1.5amp rating) but I don’t want to create a hazard. Thanks for the link to the industrial control. Be nice to run one switch and circuit for both fans.
And the fan:
Hampton Bay Industrial 60 in. Indoor/Outdoor White Ceiling Fan with Wall Control, Downrod and Powerful Reversible Motor 52860 - The Home Depot
Enjoy a powerful cooling breeze with this elegant Hampton Bay Industrial White Ceiling Fan. Provides superior air movement.
www.homedepot.com
I would run them on low/medium the majority of the time (keeping it under the 1.5amp rating) but I don’t want to create a hazard. Thanks for the link to the industrial control. Be nice to run one switch and circuit for both fans.
wssix99
Well-known member
I tried this on similar fans with a similar switch. It burned up. (Like all motors, there will be a surge of power as it starts up.) It also hummed before we got the smoke and sparks.
I decided to go cheap and landed on a 2.5A Lutron switch. We still get the humm, which is horrible but we never use the fans. ... So, we haven't been compelled to buy a proper switch.
It looks like Lutron has the SFS-5E, which should do the trick for you. https://www.lutron.com/en-US/pages/SupportCenter/support.aspx?modelNumber=SFS-5E&Section=Documents
I don't think you will find it in the Decora line, but the Lutron will fit a Decora plate.
This is the one I was planning on using in my shop to run 2 fans. I like the price of the Lutron better, but I like the On/Off button on this one.
wssix99
Well-known member
Dang! Thanks for letting me know. How are you able to tell?
Still on the hunt then I guess...
wssix99
Well-known member
Unless it says "multiple fan", it doesn't have the electronics to handle multiple fan motors on the circuit. When I was looking for controls a few years back, I wasn't able to locate any options from Leviton. Lutron was the only option I came across in a residential style. <- BTW - These switches also have big heat sinks on the back of them. So, having a large box is essential. For a single gang box, I highly recommend using a 4X4 with a mud ring. Shallow/small boxes won't work.
Perfect! Thanks for the info. I might have to change around my switch configuration a little I guess then so I can use the deeper box
Noltz
Well-known member
We have Canarm fans in the shop, 5 of them wired to one variable speed switch and 2 connected to a different switch. They're reversable from the switch too. Looks like this; https://www.grainger.ca/en/product/p/LDRCNFRMC5.
fitter30
Well-known member
Baomain Changeover Switch Control Rotary SZW26-20/0-3.2 4 Postion 8 terminals Cam Switch 660V 20A
Zeke
Well-known member
Seems like I just read on another thread the phrase, "You are overthinking this." Yes. Why not 2 switches? It can't cost that much and you have individual control which might come in handy.