fan hum noise

[manminder]

HI, I installed 2 fans in my shop on one dimmer switch. The fans work good, however when on low speed, the fan makes a humming noise. If i increase the speed the noise goes away. What could be wrong? HELP!

 

[ddawg16]

Re: fan humm noise

Depends on the type of dimmer you used. It needs to be made for inductive loads. Most dimmers basically use and SCR which 'chops' the AC going to the fan....hence, the humming.

Go to the Lutron web site...they have some good info on the different types of dimmers.

 

[Ben Buck]

Re: fan humm noise

Go to the Lutron web site...they have some good info on the different types of dimmers.

Thank you John for that info! I too have a fan, inside the house that hums, when dialed down to low speed. What a racket. I thought the stupid thing forgot the words because it hums! I'll be looking into the Lutron's.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Re: fan humm noise

You need to use a proper fan speed control on a ceiling fan. Do yourself and the fan a favor and do not use a standard lighting dimmer.

Charles

 

[ddawg16]

Re: fan humm noise

Here is a Lutron reference...

http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/StandAloneControls/FanControls/Maestro/Overview.aspx

 

[wyliesdiesels]

It's crazy how many service calls I get every week related to this exact issue. This shouldn't amaze me, because of the depressed economy, but it does. Unqualified and inexperienced people, doing remodels and flipping foreclosures, are installing lighting dimmers thinking they will work to control the fan's speed..... I know. I know. I shouldn't be complaining but it just always eerks me when I see electrical that was done wrong!