Ceiling fans circulate air and provide a cooling effect in a room. Unlike traditional switches, dimmers regulate voltage within an electric circuit. As a result, they control the intensity of light in a space, creating ambiance and minimizing energy utilization in the process.
Dimmer switches can be used with ceiling fans. However, standard dimmer switches are prone to overload, overheating, damage to the fan motor, and fire outbreaks. To avoid this danger, use only those dimmer switches designed for ceiling fans. Also, have the setup installed by a qualified electrician.
In the rest of this article, I will review topics related to this question including, how dimmer switches work, why they are more superior to other standard switches, best installation practices, and why only a qualified electrician should install the switch. I will also disclose precautions needed to keep your ceiling fan from damage and prevent fire hazards.
Do Dimmer Switches Work Well With Ceiling Fans?
On average, households in the U.S. operate a ceiling fan for around six hours daily, translating to 99-kilowatt hours yearly. A ceiling fan has a unique aspect, i.e., a ceiling mounting. It circulates air by rotating its blades. When it gets hot, such as during the summer, air circulation from the fan evaporates your sweat and cools the body. Most of these devices have a light kit for providing light.
Thanks to a dimmer switch, you can control the light’s intensity from the lighting kit. While procuring one, check the wiring instructions that come with the packaging. Your unit might also come with a remote-control device. Hire a licensed electrician to check the wiring and handle all installation work.
First, here are the overriding thoughts:
- Dimmer switches enhance the appeal of a room
- A dimmer switch on a ceiling fan controls the fan speed within a predetermined range
How Does a Dimmer Switch Function?
A dimmer switch reduces the electric energy in a circuit resulting in reduced brightness. The concept involves a process where the device switches the light on and off. Also, the device dims or brightens your lights. Dimmer switches regulate power usage resulting in low power utility bills. There are four designs that you will come across:
- Integrated dimmers utilize wireless technology, although you can still operate them manually. You will find them in homes and security systems.
- Touch screen dimmers are installed on walls making them easy to use. Besides, they give a modern touch to your rooms.
- Slide dimmers are the most common category. To control brightness, you only need to slide the switch up and down. Some versions use a button to slide the switch back and forth automatically.
- Rotary dimmers are manually operated through an on/off switch.
Comparing Dimmer and Traditional Switches
Both dimmer and traditional switches are appropriate for lighting up rooms. Conventional light switches belong to an outdated technology, while dimmers are recent. Many users have installed them in their homes. Besides, they work much better and are energy efficient. Dimmer switches offer you the following benefits:
- Longevity: Dimmer switches make light bulbs to last long. Dimming your lights by 25% of its output extends their life significantly. A light bulb that lasts for four years can go for six if controlled by a dimmer switch. You end up purchasing fewer bulbs for your home.
- Savings: You are less likely to set your switch at full force. I hardly do that myself, so I know. With this switch installed, you can control the amount of light each bulb emits. A lower setting translates to less energy. You save up to 10 % on your energy bill.
- Control: Perhaps the best part of using a dimmer switch is always to control the amount of light. By simply turning a knob, you brighten or dim the lights. If you may, let me take you back to the types of switches I stated earlier. Yours can be the remote-controlled variant, utilize a knob or a sliding switch. Whichever option, you can change a room’s ambiance to suit your desire.
How Can You Make a Dimmer Switch Safe?
By Adopting The Best installation Practice
As I mentioned earlier, using a standard dimmer switch to control a ceiling fan’s motor is not advisable. You will end up with a damaged motor, overheating, and possibly a fire outbreak. You could opt for a replacement of a dimmer with a standard switch. However, after this replacement, you cannot dim the light, which beats the purpose since you need both the dimmed light and the fan.
Nonetheless, this does not mean that there are no safer alternatives to using dimmer switches on ceiling fans. To avoid getting into problems, consider the prospect of installing a dimmer device only to control the lights. On the other hand, never install the switch as the primary control for your ceiling fan. For safe ceiling fans and dimmer wiring installation, hand over the task to professionals.
By Outsourcing Services of Only the Qualified Electricians
Installing a ceiling fan is a fundamental task that you can perform without electrical skills. After all, the internet has plenty of resources that you can utilize. Online videos like the one here are most helpful. Check out this three-minute eHow video resource on installing a ceiling fan and a dimmer switch:
Notwithstanding whether you succeed or not, I strongly advise allowing licensed electrical contractors to handle these tasks. A certified technician is also a good option. I recommend that you do the same. Electrical installation professionals are trained and certified. Besides, they have the tools necessary for every job. What is more, they can troubleshoot problems and solve them.
The Verdict: Dimmer Switches Can Be Used With Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans, mounted on ceilings, use their rotating blades to enhance air circulation. As the blades rotate, they create a cooling effect in a room. A ceiling fan has a light fixture located at the midpoint that you can use as the primary or alternative light source. Having a ceiling fan in your living room or elsewhere improves your interior décor.
Since ceiling fans are electrically powered, they must have a switch to turn them on or off. The switch component also comes with a mechanism for controlling the rotation speed. The customary button will only turn the ceiling fan on but with no variation in brightness, and this is where dimmer switches come into the picture.
Dimmer switches on ceiling fans help spice up things. The device helps create ambiance while also increasing or reducing speed. Besides, dimmers do not require a complicated installation process. It takes a qualified electrician a short time.
Nevertheless, if you overload a fan’s dimmer switch for too long, it will damage the rotor motor. As an alternative, consider separating the wiring for the fan from that which controls the light bulb. A toggle switch helps regulate the fan’s speed, while a dimmer switch controls the lighting level.
Final Thoughts
Ceiling fans cool a room. They also feature a lighting kit where you install a bulb. Dimmer switches regulate both the fan speed and brightness of the light. However, standard dimmers are prone to overload and overheating, resulting in damage to the fan or a fire outbreak.
If you install a dimmer switch that is compatible with the ceiling fan, you are safe. I must stress here that it would be best to allow a professional electrician to handle the installation and wiring. Follow these precautions, and you will never worry about using a dimmer switch with a ceiling fan.