I am aware of the issues surrounding dimmer switches and the potential for fan hum. But I wonder if the fan would still hum if a "full on" signal was sent. In other words, for the same price, is there a reason not to get a dimmer for a fan if, at worst, I just used it like an on/off to eliminate fan hum?
Dimmer Switches for Fans
- Thread starter mstarks01
- Start date
A
AutomateIt
Guest
Relay switches aren't that much more expensive than dimmers but you didn't state the protocol you are using so it's hard to guess.
I'll be using an ICON Insteon switch (initially in X10 mode).
drozwood90
Senior Member
I have one X10 based Fan switch that CAN do dimming if you would like to buy it.
--Dan
--Dan
pete_c
Guru
I have only 5 fans (all bedrooms and one in the family room in the MW) and have never automated them. The fan switches are currently all one side of a dual gang box with two paddles (for fan side) one being fan and one being light. In FL same setup with fans in bedrooms, study and one in "great room" and Lanai (painted and replaced twice in 8 or so years). Historically never liked the hum from a conventional $$ combo fan control/lighting control switch. I do use self contained wireless controls for a "few" of the fans. The wireless controls control fan speed and light dimming.
Wife actually due to her age has this thing about cranking fans manually at odd times and sometimes waking me when she is turning on MB fan.
Ideally would like to monitor though on/off's of fans without controlling them. Never really too concerned about automating them though.
If I was automating them (currently have all of the overhead ceiling boxes set up with two AC lines to wall boxes) - would use dimming for lighting part and "appliance" style for fan part. It would make for a busy dual gang box. Over the years have added 1/2 of all wall plates to wall switch for room lighting.
The 1000 watt Insteon switches (using them in X10 or Insteon mode) that I use still hum loudly - IE: one is a 12 light chandelier.
Wife actually due to her age has this thing about cranking fans manually at odd times and sometimes waking me when she is turning on MB fan.
Ideally would like to monitor though on/off's of fans without controlling them. Never really too concerned about automating them though.
If I was automating them (currently have all of the overhead ceiling boxes set up with two AC lines to wall boxes) - would use dimming for lighting part and "appliance" style for fan part. It would make for a busy dual gang box. Over the years have added 1/2 of all wall plates to wall switch for room lighting.
The 1000 watt Insteon switches (using them in X10 or Insteon mode) that I use still hum loudly - IE: one is a 12 light chandelier.
