To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Fan control switch ideas

alex2929

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2015
Messages
201
I have 4 fans in my shop. I was considering wiring them in pairs. 2 per switch. I am using EMT/metal boxes. Any thought on a switch for them? I have one like the switch below but not sure it will work with a double box? Use two single boxes?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6578.png
    IMG_6578.png
    1.1 MB · Views: 17
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
Celling fans? If you are wiring ceiling fans through the same switch, you will need to:
1) Rob a bank.
2) Go out and purchase a special "multi-fan" switch that can handle the amperage of your fans.

If you don't have a multi-fan switch, they will hum/screach like you won't believe.
 
OP
A

alex2929

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2015
Messages
201
That can arm brand makes switches for up to 10 fans depending on the model. They aren't terribly priced....$40 or so
 

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
If you go with those switches, you'll want to note the size and space they need to mount in. I recall they take a gigantic box and may have volumetric requirements (for heat, etc.) beyond what they physically fill.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

aka Larry

Well-known member
Joined
May 2, 2012
Messages
8,062
Location
Eastern, NC
Celling fans? If you are wiring ceiling fans through the same switch, you will need to:
1) Rob a bank.
2) Go out and purchase a special "multi-fan" switch that can handle the amperage of your fans.

If you don't have a multi-fan switch, they will hum/screach like you won't believe.


I have three ceiling fans in my shop. The fans came with this ugly, prehistoric-looking surface mount speed control switch. Since I didn't need them to run at less than wide open, I wired all three to a single toggle switch. They all seem too slow to me. Is the switch the cause?
 

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
I have three ceiling fans in my shop. The fans came with this ugly, prehistoric-looking surface mount speed control switch. Since I didn't need them to run at less than wide open, I wired all three to a single toggle switch. They all seem too slow to me. Is the switch the cause?
For an old-school fan, I would expect them to run full-speed. Newer fans may operate through a remote control (even if hardwired). You'd have to look at the specific model or the guts of the fan to confirm.
 

wyliesdiesels

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
20,025
Location
Modesto, CA
I have 4 fans in my shop. I was considering wiring them in pairs. 2 per switch. I am using EMT/metal boxes. Any thought on a switch for them? I have one like the switch below but not sure it will work with a double box? Use two single boxes?
since you didnt tell us what size motor these fans have, theres no way anyone can help you. those dial switches dont handle a lot of current and are typically for low current ceiling fans in a bedroom.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom