Another Ceiling Fan Question
- Thread starter nswint
- Start date
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Don't get a switch made for "just" incandescent lighting. You will need a "relay" type switch and make sure it can handle the wattage/current of the fan motor.
If you need help, list some specs of the fan (amps/watts/etc...).
If you need help, list some specs of the fan (amps/watts/etc...).
It was installed when the home was built, but it's a similar model from 2 years ago
No Amp Specs
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US...84+4233&pos=n12
Hampton Bay
52 In. White Huntington III Ceiling Fan
Model B-552+4L14869/WH
Uses the Quick Connect system and installs in minutes. The reversible white/bleached oak blades slide and lock into place and have rubber cushions to minimize vibration noise. The 4 light alabaster glass light kit has spring clips that provide quick and easy glass installation and use four 60 watt bulbs, not included. Decorative canopy ring and coupling cover conceal any exposed screws and the slide-on mounting bracket provides quick, easy installation.
• Quick Install Application
• 4 Lt. Light Kit uses four included 60 Watt Medium Base Bulbs
• 5 Reversible White/Bleached Oak Blades
• Remote Control Adaptable
• Driven by a 153 x 18mm Motor for superior air movement
• Multi Capacitors and Double Sealed Bearings provide a quiet 3 Speed Reversible operation
• Lifetime Warranty
• Unit includes 54 In. Lead Wires for mounting on long downrod
No Amp Specs
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US...84+4233&pos=n12
Hampton Bay
52 In. White Huntington III Ceiling Fan
Model B-552+4L14869/WH
Uses the Quick Connect system and installs in minutes. The reversible white/bleached oak blades slide and lock into place and have rubber cushions to minimize vibration noise. The 4 light alabaster glass light kit has spring clips that provide quick and easy glass installation and use four 60 watt bulbs, not included. Decorative canopy ring and coupling cover conceal any exposed screws and the slide-on mounting bracket provides quick, easy installation.
• Quick Install Application
• 4 Lt. Light Kit uses four included 60 Watt Medium Base Bulbs
• 5 Reversible White/Bleached Oak Blades
• Remote Control Adaptable
• Driven by a 153 x 18mm Motor for superior air movement
• Multi Capacitors and Double Sealed Bearings provide a quiet 3 Speed Reversible operation
• Lifetime Warranty
• Unit includes 54 In. Lead Wires for mounting on long downrod
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
The ones linked above look like good choices, and both mention "no hum". I purchased a SWITCH from AutomatedOutlet, that CLEARLY stated that it could be used with ceiling fans:
Even though it states that it can be used with ceiling fans, it didn't just hummm... It would SING! :lol: I wound up using the switch on the flourecent lights in my kitchen.
So, if you get a switch for a ceiling fan, I would certainly say to stay away from the one that I got , and try one of the 2 listed above.
Even though it states that it can be used with ceiling fans, it didn't just hummm... It would SING! :lol: I wound up using the switch on the flourecent lights in my kitchen.
So, if you get a switch for a ceiling fan, I would certainly say to stay away from the one that I got , and try one of the 2 listed above.
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
JohnWPB:
Not an expert on ceiling fans, but the problem may be with your fan and not the switch. I remember buying one of those remote control devices for a ceiling fan, and it did the same thing, especially when I tried to change the speed.
Had something to do with that being an "Inductive Dimmer Switch" and not just an ON/OFF relay type switch. Supposedly the more expensive ceiling fans don't have this problem, but I don't know as this was a long time ago and I don't automate any of my ceiling fans now in this new house.
Not an expert on ceiling fans, but the problem may be with your fan and not the switch. I remember buying one of those remote control devices for a ceiling fan, and it did the same thing, especially when I tried to change the speed.
Had something to do with that being an "Inductive Dimmer Switch" and not just an ON/OFF relay type switch. Supposedly the more expensive ceiling fans don't have this problem, but I don't know as this was a long time ago and I don't automate any of my ceiling fans now in this new house.
Rupp
Senior Member
If you need a switch that controls just the fan and need 3 speeds then this switch is the switch that was designed to do just ceiling fans.
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...7&cat=48&page=1
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...7&cat=48&page=1
AutomatedOutlet
Senior Member
OK, couple of things.
1) Never use a WS467 (the cheapo push button style switch) to control a fan. That switch can only be used for incandescant loads. A motor is an inductive load. This also applies to the WS12A switch as well.
2) Using a dimmer that is rated for inductive loads generally isn't recommended either. The reason is that the fan motor needs a certain amount of start up power to properly start up and not damage the motor. Technically, if you use a dimmer switch rated to inductive loads, AND set the ramp rate to instantly go all the way up on start up, it could be used. Again, be careful when you do this and remember that the fan needs start up juice.
3) As Rupp said, the best switch to use is that Lightolier fan control switch if you want to control speed. It's more expensive but works very well.
4) If you don't need to control the fan speed, any of the relay switches will work great.
1) Never use a WS467 (the cheapo push button style switch) to control a fan. That switch can only be used for incandescant loads. A motor is an inductive load. This also applies to the WS12A switch as well.
2) Using a dimmer that is rated for inductive loads generally isn't recommended either. The reason is that the fan motor needs a certain amount of start up power to properly start up and not damage the motor. Technically, if you use a dimmer switch rated to inductive loads, AND set the ramp rate to instantly go all the way up on start up, it could be used. Again, be careful when you do this and remember that the fan needs start up juice.
3) As Rupp said, the best switch to use is that Lightolier fan control switch if you want to control speed. It's more expensive but works very well.
4) If you don't need to control the fan speed, any of the relay switches will work great.
What I ended up doing was installing X10 controlled fixtured modules in the fan. I can control the on/off fan and on/off/dim of the light from the X10 Wall Switch or via X10 from a remote or Automation Software
XPDF - Dimming Light Fixture Module
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/X10Pro-Re...ture/Item/XPDF/
XPFM - Non Dimming Fan Motor Module
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufact...-Pro/Item/XPFM/
XPDF - Dimming Light Fixture Module
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/X10Pro-Re...ture/Item/XPDF/
XPFM - Non Dimming Fan Motor Module
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufact...-Pro/Item/XPFM/
