Dimmer switch for fan speed control?

[Bree1978]

Can I use a light dimmer switch on my fan? They are rated 120V, and for 600-800w (fans are only like 80w right?)... I'm going to be plugging/wiring my fan into where an old fluff fan used to be, and I was hoping to wire a dimmer switch to it, to control speed (where currently there is a light switch). For all you electrical guru's, is there any modifying I need to do to the switch?
I could buy the ones that they sell at garden stores, but they are three times the price.

Thanks, :jointsmile: Bree

Bree1978 Reviewed by Bree1978 on 03-08-2007. Dimmer switch for fan speed control? Can I use a light dimmer switch on my fan? They are rated 120V, and for 600-800w (fans are only like 80w right?)... I'm going to be plugging/wiring my fan into where an old fluff fan used to be, and I was hoping to wire a dimmer switch to it, to control speed (where currently there is a light switch). For all you electrical guru's, is there any modifying I need to do to the switch? I could buy the ones that they sell at garden stores, but they are three times the price. Thanks, Rating: 5

[trynagethigh]

Bree thats exactly what i am going to do. first thing im gonna have to do is check the amperage draw for a light as in reference to what a fan pulls in amps. if the amps are below what the dimmer can handle it should be good.i think i would probably go with a dimmer for a ceiling fan though seeing that they are built for dimming a motor instead of lights. dont know if it makes a difference but it sounds logical to me...LOL. any electricians out there help us out.

:jointsmile: nothing like a wake and bake, whew!

[dusto2k3]

my buddy said you can do that. He's an electrician. If you look at the post i put up about Fan Wiring, you will see.

[Bree1978]

Well the ones i saw that were for ceiling fans were like 1.5 amps....I believe you need at least 3-5 amps, right? That is why I was asking about the light dimmer switch. If you find a fan one that is more 3, let me know.

Anyone else have experience with this?

[Bree1978]

Okay dusto, I'll look up the fan wiring right now!!! Thank you.

[dusto2k3]

It's a smallewr fan, and it has only two non polarity leads coming from it.

[Bree1978]

I'm getting to get a vortex 449CFM. Wire that to where the fart fan is now (unused bathroom) then wire the dimmer switch to my existing light switch-which is obviously already tied into the fan. Sound good? And as long as it is 120V for the dimmer, I shouldn't burn out my fan correct?

Bree

[dusto2k3]

I don't think you could even burn out your fan. I think if anything you would destroy the switch (copassitor or whatever) All it is doing is limiting the output. I think you would have to overload the fan to hurt it, which the switch cannot do.

[Bree1978]

Okay, that is awesome! I must be easily amused....Thanks for your help!

:jointsmile: Bree

[dusto2k3]

you gotta put up your restults tho.