Ceiling Fan on Dimmer Channel

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by jorr, Nov 27, 2012.

  1. jorr

    jorr

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    Hi All,

    I have been told by a colleague that I can put sweep fan on a dimmer channel instead of buying a sweep fan controller.

    Is this correct?

    If yes, What brands or model numbers should I be looking for.

    Thanks heaps!!
     
    jorr, Nov 27, 2012
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  2. jorr

    Conformist

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    Bad idea! The fan may well hum.

    The fan controller was developed specifically to do this (control a fan). Why wouldn't you use the right device to do the job?
     
    Conformist, Nov 27, 2012
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  3. jorr

    jorr

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    Hello Conformist,

    It will save me the expense of buying a fan controller, and I already have a spare dimmer channel in the area. This guy has his fans on presets of 30%, 60% and Off. Says they have been in for 10 years and never had any humming problems. He says they're Clipsal branded.

    If you say I'd be better off with a fan controller, then I guess I should consider going down that path??

    Thanks
     
    jorr, Nov 27, 2012
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  4. jorr

    jboer

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    While it may work with some motors, I would be very hesitant as I have seen more than one transformer or motor turn into crackling from being put on a dimmer. Generally any coil doesn't like getting chopped up waves :)

    Here is a good link that explains it well: http://www.act-remote.com/PCC/kingery02.htm
     
    jboer, Nov 27, 2012
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  5. jorr

    Conformist

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    Hi Jorr

    The brand makes no difference. It can come down to the individual fan itself with looseness in the laminations. Any chopping of the sine wave can introduce hum and/or buzz. That's the main reason we developed the fan controller that uses the capacitor that was supplied with the fan to make it as easy as possible.

    If switchboard space is a problem (and you have access to the roof space), put the unit in the roofspace in the purpose-built enclosure. The fan controller is rated at high temperature for this very reason. I put two in last weekend and was so glad we put the terminal strip in the enclosure for the C-Bus connection... no need to do crimping of a C-Bus cable in the dark, hot roofspace.

    I strongly suggest you convince your client to use the 'fit for purpose' solution. Those still hot nights at least will be quiet from the perspective of fan noise... :eek:

    Cheers
     
    Conformist, Nov 27, 2012
    #5
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