Dimmer switch for fan speed control?

Disregard last rant......someone nicely pointed out that it will still work the way I had hoped. fingers crossed...............

well if all the electrical configurations match up you will be good,npot sure if u can burn out the fan by giving it less amperage but it probably just wont work properly, ever seen a fan or rather herd one that didnt move and sounded like buzzing. Also u can over heat your dimmer switch and make fires if not destroy it. So its dooable, but make sure you know what your doing and run it for a day while your home and watch the temps on the motor and the dimmer.

I did infact do this, but for some reason can't post pics in this section, or I'd show you. I ran it last night and no fires so far. I couldn't be happier with my decision. It really cuts down the noise and consumption of the fan. Let's not forget it was incredibly easy in my situation.


I'll be sure to post pics somewhere.


Happy Tokin' and Growin' :jointsmile: Bree

I was told that you need to use " a solid state fan control" to control an inline fan, and Iam not sure if the dimmer switch's are? Can anybody add to this...please.

a dimmer switch is not a solid state control - its merely a rheostat. Jack is almost right (You'll actually have higher amperage and lower voltage), you will probably burn out the fan or the switch in short order using a dimmer switch

Sigh, I was all excited because I thought it was going good. Well, is there anything that I can buy at a home improvement store that would work? Or do I need to just buy one online? The cheapest I've seen is 22.00 (plus ship and tx there for me)


I wish you would have seen the thread earlier....!

Thanks, :jointsmile: Bree

22$ sounds pretty reasonable - I don't recall seeing them at home dePOT or Lowes. Maybe a store that had a bunch of ceiling fans - Light bulbs etc, lamps plus...It's kinda like trying to find a mogul socket in a store - only specialty shops will have them. Is there an HVAC contractor near you?

We have a lighting and ceiling fan fixture store, I'm thinking. What specifically am I looking for? What would it be called exactly?

Thanks,:jointsmile: Bree

Just ask for a solid state fan control, an you can say it's for your booster fan that you are installing in your kitchen. you sould be able to get it at the store you mentioned above.