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Ceiling fan dimmer control

| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on July 10, 2005 07:04am

Putting in a ceiling fan that will be about 10 ft to the blades, and the client doesn’t want a long pull chain.  Found a Lutron dimmer controil advertised for a fan, but it says 1.5A max.  The only label on the fan says 2.8A.  However, the fan comes with a four-light kit, and we aren’t going to use it.  So, does the label include the fan motor and the four bulbs?  And if so, will the 1.5A dimmer be suitable?  It’s a 54″ Hunter.

 

I’m sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

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  1. User avater
    IMERC | Jul 10, 2005 07:06pm | #1

    Hunter makes an excellent controller for that...

    my instincts tell me to find a heavier duty switch...

     

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | Jul 10, 2005 07:35pm | #2

    If it is a fan speed control then that is only for the fan, not the lights.

    There are also single units that have both fan speed controls and light dimmers in them and each function would be rated separately.

    But I think that 1.5 - 2 amps is common for the "basic" fan speed controls.

    But you can get ones that are designed for multiple fans.

    Here are two,

    http://www.buychoice.com/prodDetail.cfm/29762,%2322394%20Multiple%20Fan%20Speed%20Control,MX0

    http://www.formplusfunction.com/2478.htm

    1. FastEddie1 | Jul 10, 2005 09:22pm | #3

      They had a coiuple of dimmers on the shelf, soem that were made for fan and lights.  This one is for a fan only, which is what we need.

      I guess my question relates to the fan motor ... do you suppose it draws more than 1.5A by itself?

       I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Jul 10, 2005 09:47pm | #4

        "I guess my question relates to the fan motor ... do you suppose it draws more than 1.5A by itself?"I don't know. If the lights are add-ons I suspect that is just for the fan.Can you post make and model number of the fan?And full label wording?

  3. Walker1 | Jul 10, 2005 10:38pm | #5

    Don't waste your time putting that Lutron switch on,the fan motor will hum. They say it's made specifically for ceiling fans,it's not.The switch has to run at the same frequency, hertz or whatever as the fan motor. I'm sure Hunter can advise. I ended up installing solid state rotary dial switches on mine they work great. Even the cheaper 3 speed rotary switches work well ,as long as they are rated to handle the load. Never install an under rated switch. Somebody did this in my mom's home before she moved in. One day she called me over to see why her wall was getting hot, and that was the problem. I fixed it right away,but it was scary to think what could have happened.



    Edited 7/10/2005 11:13 pm ET by Walker1

  4. csnow | Jul 11, 2005 05:06pm | #6

    Multi-speed switches are better for fans than dimmers.

    1. FastEddie1 | Jul 11, 2005 05:33pm | #7

      Ok, wrong terminology.  I have the package in hand ... quote:

      Lutron rotary fandial

      Fan control - quiet.

      3 speeds.

      quiet, won't cause fan motor hum.

      Includes radio frequency interference supression circuitry.

      Controls one ceiling paddle fan.

       I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

  5. User avater
    MikeS | Jul 11, 2005 09:07pm | #8

    Most motors draw more current at startup than they do at the running speed. 

    So if the fan's 2.8 amp rating only considers the running current and not the higher startup current your probably really pushing the limits of your controller. 

    Even if ther's no plan to currently install the lights, I'd get the right sized controller anyway, because someone might add the lights later   

    Take a look at the "3-Speed stepped control for Hunter Original fans Model #: 22691-A". The hunter web site doesn't give the current rating, but I think I've used it in the past for larger fans.   

    Mike

    It's O.k. to think out of the box,           Just don't walk off of the plank!


    Edited 7/11/2005 2:11 pm ET by Mike S



    Edited 7/11/2005 2:30 pm ET by Mike S

    1. FastEddie1 | Jul 11, 2005 09:33pm | #9

      The fan is being installed in a ceiling with several recessed lights, so the light kit is not needed, and has been thrown in the trash.  Yes, one could be added later, but not likely. 

      I guess I'm a little nervous about the low amp rating on the switch, so I'll probably find one with a highr rating.

       I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

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