I plan to have two directional fans on ceiling and I switched out two receptacles for them . Was going to go with just on and off but thinking variable speed would be better by just using variable switches . If reading right this is acceptable practices? Any thoughts? Thanks
Verying the speed
- Thread starter Sturgeon
- Start date
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
*varying
whats the HP rating on the fan motors?
whats the HP rating on the fan motors?
Zeke
Well-known member
No. Fan speeds are regulated within the fan body or adaptor (controller) placed above the fan on the ceiling. In both cases you must supply line voltage to the fan via the wiring box. IF you can run [wire size]-3 to the box, you can separate the light portion of the fan (if any) and use a dimmer at the wall. The fan part still needs 120v.
At least that has been my experience. Or 2 cents worth.
At least that has been my experience. Or 2 cents worth.
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^^^ above^^^
make sure you speak to your fan manufacturer first, most ceiling fans are not variable speed controllable with dimmers type "variable speed" switch. Most fan motor speed are multi tap ac motors that provide a set speeds only. dependents on which tab the electricity flows. newer ones might or might not have a controller build in for lights and set speeds. So ....
make sure you speak to your fan manufacturer first, most ceiling fans are not variable speed controllable with dimmers type "variable speed" switch. Most fan motor speed are multi tap ac motors that provide a set speeds only. dependents on which tab the electricity flows. newer ones might or might not have a controller build in for lights and set speeds. So ....
Not sure this makes a difference but no lights, fans only and I don't understand what the difference is if they come with a three speed pull cord why not install a variable speed switch on the wall? I guess going with remotes is a option but not what I wanted. Thanks
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You can do the wall control also, just make sure that it is compatible with your fan. I don't believe that a light dimmer will control the fan. Can you post up the fan mfg and model number?
lg
no neat sig line
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nadogail
Well-known member
Fans that change their speed by pulling on the cord typically switch taps on the motor windings.
I would visit the store in your W. Mt. location that sells and services fans, they may have an electronic speed control that can be varied with a hand held remote. You may be looking for a Full Voltage Pulse Width speed control.
I would visit the store in your W. Mt. location that sells and services fans, they may have an electronic speed control that can be varied with a hand held remote. You may be looking for a Full Voltage Pulse Width speed control.
speed control is achieved supply power to different winding of the fan motor. The pull cord is a switch that is probably multi position and supplies power to position 1,2,3 and off dependents on the pull... if there is a "remote" controller, it is utilizing relays to supply power to the fan motor winding dependents on button you press. pretty sure if you have pull cord, no remote will come with it. or the fan is just on/off 1 speed only. Call the manufacture before you dive into the wiring. I don't think I have seen a selector switch that does 3 or 4 positions. either cause if you found one then you will need to pull 3 wire plus neutral to the fan... 3 wires for powering different speed or winding...
Just saying know what you are getting into first. maybe you do have a special fan with a brushed (universal) motor that can do dimmer switches. or DC variable by pwm.
Ceiling fans will be plugged into receptacles on ceiling controlled by power on the wall. There are no lights associated with these fans. I was hoping to go from simple light switch to variable control but looking at Leviton swtches , it looks like I blew it with the cabling conductor size, not 3 wire but 4 wire. So it now looks like full on thru switch or control thru remote.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Big difference between the pull chain switch on the fan and a variable speed switch on the wall.
The pull chain switch built into the fan connects to all the taps in the fan motor. The switch on the wall does not
Zeke
Well-known member
Fans use an induction motor and dropping the voltage a la a dimmer is not how they are controlled. Hell, you can't even control a 3-speed box fan with a dimmer. Or a hood fan.
The only company that I know of that had an infinite variable speed was Casablanca. They had a pot and a huge heat sink plus other components. Normal life span was 5 years. They were discontinued 20 years ago and parts finally dried up. I had to convert to 3 speeds after 3 replacements.
Turns out the culprit was turning the fan on while set at low speed. I have a friend that bought one of the first Casablanca's and has never turned it off since 1980. Never needed the part replaced.
The only company that I know of that had an infinite variable speed was Casablanca. They had a pot and a huge heat sink plus other components. Normal life span was 5 years. They were discontinued 20 years ago and parts finally dried up. I had to convert to 3 speeds after 3 replacements.
Turns out the culprit was turning the fan on while set at low speed. I have a friend that bought one of the first Casablanca's and has never turned it off since 1980. Never needed the part replaced.
dcg9381
Well-known member
I'm glad I read this thread. I have 3 ceiling fans about 16' up on a single switch. I was going to put them on a dimmer. The last fan I owned was Casablanca. These are not Casablanca.
dave*99
Well-known member
Double post. My bad.
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dave*99
Well-known member
I have used fan speed controls to control the usual Hunter and Casablanca fans. No extra wires etc. I set the pull chain on the fan to high, and use speed controls like this. It is not a light dimmer. I probably installed a dozen over the years. They make rotary types, push button types and fan/light combos too. I never ran more than 3 wires to a fan with a light.
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