Having one standard brightness level is okay but could be an eye soar as time passes. On the other hand, having various brightness levels by installing dimmer switches lightens the ambiance and sets the mood.
So, can you put a dimmer switch on the ceiling fan?
Yes, you can put a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan. In theory, a standard dimmer switch controls the ceiling fan. However, it is not advisable because the connection could overheat and start a fire.
Select the best dimmer switch setup that suits your ceiling fans’ specifications to prevent these issues.
Can I Install a Dimmer Switch On a Ceiling Fan Light?
You can install a dimmer switch on your ceiling fan light to control the area’s brightness. Theoretically, you can control the main power and fan speed, aside from the ceiling fan brightness.
When installed in a ceiling fan light, every dimmer switch generally has this capability. Still, it is not highly recommended because of the potential issues it could create, especially if you fail to install the right dimmer switch.
Remember that this particular installation piece is specially designated to manage the brightness of the ceiling fan light.
And if you interconnect them with other circuits inside the junction box, it is likely to lead to an overload of the system that could cause fire or irreparable damage to the ceiling fan’s motor.
While combining the functions of the fan speed and dimmer switch has benefits, the potential danger is not worth the risk.
Will a Dimmer Switch Control Fan Speed?
As mentioned in the previous section, you can interconnect the fan speed, the on and off switch, and the dimmer switch.
Installing a dimmer switch creates a warm and comfortable ambiance in any room where a ceiling fan with a single overhead or junction box is installed. As mentioned, it only has a single apartment, so the wires inside are interconnected.
This means that you can control three of the primary functions of the ceiling fan, which include the speed, brightness, and main power switch.
However, a huge disadvantage of this setup is that it will likely overload and short-circuit if it overheats.
Although it would deliver the convenience and aesthetic you seek, it possesses several hazards that could jeopardize your family’s safety.
What Is the Difference Between Light Dimmer And Fan Speed Control?
Even though a light dimmer and fan speed switch wires are in the same junction box and interconnected, you have to note that they have different control regulators.
For example, the dimmer switch function reduces the voltage generated by the ceiling fan. On the other hand, fan speed control regulates the electricity your ceiling fan generates by reducing the amperage.
The control directed to the fan rotor regulates the speed of the fans at your disposal by increasing or decreasing the electric current or amperage.
The components inside the overhead box responsible for amperage and voltage are called regulators. As a result, voltages adjust the electric current flowing to the fixture.
The electric current flow is high when the voltage is equally high. In contrast, the electric current drops if you turn the voltage down.
In addition, you have to consider that the ceiling fan’s rotor requires a high influx of electric current to power on. And then regulates the fan speed to low, med, or high.
In contrast, the dimmer switch is installed in the circuit, allowing it to regulate voltage. So once you turn the switch lower, it should emit dimmer light. And as you increase the voltage by raising the bar, you also increase the brightness in the process.
Although you can place the dimmer switch and fan speed in one box, so to speak, they won’t work well with ceiling fans as a whole because of the voltage variance between the light and circuit wire.
Note that the higher the voltage the fixture requires, the higher the current variance between the two factors mentioned.
How Do I Install a Dimmer Switch On a Ceiling Fan?
Separate the switches is the safest way to install a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan.
And in installing and wiring the dimmer switch, the fan speed control switch is not directly attached to those above. To accomplish the task, follow the steps provided—
- First and foremost, turn off the main power line for your safety.
- Connect the wires with the colors yellow/green from the fan’s circuit to the ground wire that is located on the main board.
- Afterward, you must convert the blue wire from the fan’s circuit to the distribution board.
- Rewire the brown cable as life to accommodate the single-way switch and regulators of the fan speed.
- The joint wiring nut previously connected to the incoming live wire must be transferred to a single switch linked to the on/off switch.
- The brown and black wires should be separated—fan speed control and brightness level control, respectively.
- Lastly, use wire caps to connect the bare conductors, then put the wires back in the junction box and turn on the main electric box.
