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No. Anything used on a ceiling fan should be "motor rated".

Let me add that on the higher end fans this usually doesn't cause a problem. On cheap fans; however, this usually results in motor noise.

Just keep the dimmer set at full speed, and use the speed switch to control the fan speed.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

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14y ago
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10y ago

No. Use a solid state controller

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Q: Can you use a rheostat or a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan?
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My ceiling fan speed is stuck on high I am wondering if you can wire a voltage regulating switch that will allow you to vary ceiling fan speeds without damaging motor or causing other problems?

Light dimmer switch is okay for ceiling fan.


Can you use an AC Dimmer Switch on a DC fan?

No


Why does a ceiling fan beep?

If controlled by a dimmer, the selected setting will cause the ceiling fan to make a humming or buzzing noise due to the motor getting ruined. Oiling may be required.


Can I get my ceiling fan to turn on and off by using the light switch?

Yes. Simply turn on the ceiling fan while the light switch is in the "on" position. Adjust the spinning to the level of your choice. Now the fan will turn on and off when you switch the light on and off.


If one switch controls a fan and a light but the dimmer part for the light does not work and the switch gets warm after a while what could be the problem?

I'm going to assume that the switch that's getting warm is the dimmer. Even when a dimmer is working correctly it gets warm and that's just the electronic parts of it. The face of a dimmer is actually a heat sink to help remove excess heat. If you swap out the dimmer you will likely find your problem is resolved. Remember to de-energize the circuit by turning off the breaker before working on it. If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician. Andy Be aware that a dimmer for lights does NOT work for fans (though it may sometimes appear to work, you can end up with noise, problems such as the light attached to the fan not working, the dimmer getting overheated, etc). So even though it might seem to work at first, you'll have problems, and it's against code to put the wrong kind of dimmer there. You can purchase a dimmer which is rated for ceiling fans at Home Depot or Lowes, but they are more expensive than light switch dimmers. Of course, if there is a single on/off switch at the wall which controls the fan and its light, then you might be better off buying a remote control unit to install in the fan - it will allow you to dim the fan and light separately (and safely). Or purchase a new fan with a remote... ceiling fans are cheap enough now that if yours is old enough, it might be a nice time for an update.

Related questions

What is the cure for a humming ceiling fan?

One of the things to do is if your ceiling fan is being operated by a dimmer, set the dimmer to the highest setting to stop it from humming or replace the dimmer switch with a regular wall switch.


Can you control a ceiling fan with a dimmer switch that controls a light fixture?

not orden araly


My ceiling fan speed is stuck on high I am wondering if you can wire a voltage regulating switch that will allow you to vary ceiling fan speeds without damaging motor or causing other problems?

Light dimmer switch is okay for ceiling fan.


Why does your ceiling fan make noise with the lights OFF and no noise with the lights ON?

What kind of noise: A motor hum? A high-pitched sound? Which lights: the kitchen lights? The ceiling fan light? Sounds like you have your lights on a dimmer and that will cause a high-pitch sound. The noise is motor hum and a "clinking noise" almost like the glass domes are loose (they aren't). The lights I was referring to are the ceiling fan lights. I am not using a dimmer switch. Also, it is a Hunter ceiling fan (I don't know the model. It was a mid-range fan as far as price: $109.00)


I have a fan in my car and I'd like to control the speed with a rheostat switch. Is there such a gadget for a car that operates off a 12 volt car line?

Any light dimmer switch fomr in your house should work fine. The trouble would be how to mount it in the vehicle.


Can you reduce the speed of a fan motor with a dimmer switch?

no you can not


Can you use an AC Dimmer Switch on a DC fan?

No


Why does a ceiling fan beep?

If controlled by a dimmer, the selected setting will cause the ceiling fan to make a humming or buzzing noise due to the motor getting ruined. Oiling may be required.


Why does your ceiling fan makes a buzzing sound?

There are many reasons why your ceiling fan could buzzing. One reason can be losse screws. Tighten the screws in the blades. If you have found the screws are loose in the blades, this could be the main cause or only cause of your problem. You can find more info about stopping your ceiling fan buzzing on this website: http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com/noisy-ceiling-fan.html


Can you use a fan control switch as a dimmer switch?

Probably not, since a volume control switch is designed for extremely low current measured in fractions of a watt, while a dimmer switch is typically capable of handling several hundred watts.


Where is fan control switch located?

Depending on what type of fan, the fan control switch can be located on the wall for a ceiling fan. Each type of fan will have a different location for the fan control switch.


Can I get my ceiling fan to turn on and off by using the light switch?

Yes. Simply turn on the ceiling fan while the light switch is in the "on" position. Adjust the spinning to the level of your choice. Now the fan will turn on and off when you switch the light on and off.