fan controller with two fans

[brent5631]

I've currently got wires run for two ceiling fans in in my shop. I have it run back to a single box for one switch to control both. I'm looking to use the industrial type fans that I have read about here on gj.

Question is can two ceiling fans be wired to a single fan controller?
Ideally I'd like something small that will fit in a two gang box with the light switch next to it.

Thanks,

 

[gungatim]

I did just this, but the controller burned out after about 6 mos. and only worked on high. not sure if it was because of both fans or not, but I just replaced it again and so far it is still working...

 

[Ainsley]

I setup quite a few Dayton fans like this where I work. Just check the amperage or wattage of the fans compared to the capacity of the variable speed control.

 

[brent5631]

So the fan appears to be 60w. No specs I can find on the included controller.

I did find some slider fan controllers for up to 5A. I'm assuming that will work.

 

[brent5631]

Ok so I'm looking at this fan.

And this switch.

Anyone see any problems hooking up two fans. Switch says it's good to 5 amps. Fans are 60w or .5amp.

 

[dfiler2]

It should work fine.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

That is a light dimmer, not a fan speed controller. You will burn up something using that. Not designed to regulate fan speed.

Earlier discussion on fan speed controllers. Includes a link to an even earlier thread on fan controllers.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180484

Charles

 

[brent5631]

Sorry meant this one.

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/products/Pages/standalonecontrols/fancontrols/glyder/overview.aspx

 

[wssix99]

Question is can two ceiling fans be wired to a single fan controller?

Yes, but...

You need to make sure you have a multi-fan controller and also make sure it is sized for your fans. These can be hard to find - you won't find them on the shelf at Home Depot, etc. A regular control will burn out if you wire more than one fan to it.

The other issue is that most reasonably priced multi-fan controllers WILL make the motors hum. (Even if the fan is quiet when wired by itself to a normal control.) If you dig deep and look hard, you can find no-hum multi-fan controls, but they are $$$.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Sorry meant this one.

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/products/Pages/standalonecontrols/fancontrols/glyder/overview.aspx

This link does say "Fully variable control for one for more ceiling fans or exhaust fans". No reason to think it would not work if the amp draw is below the specs of the speed control.

I installed the three separate ones that I pictured above, they came with the fan, and am quite happy.On occasion I need to speed up or slow down just one fan, and this allows me to do that.

One breaker supplies the master switch to the right, and then it supplies power to all three controllers. They are all on one conduit, so I carried one neutral and three hots (one from each speed controller) thru the conduit, pigtailing off the neutral at each fan and ending a hot at its appropriate fan and carrying the remainder thru to the next one.

Charles