Wall Speed Control

Matth · Oct 9, 2014

Maybe a stupid question.But.............. Customer wants to dim the lights on his ceiling fan, however is is a single supply with pull cords operating the fan and lights. I need to fit a speed control as to not cause any damage to the motor.

I have never fitted one before, is there any issues with them that anybody has come across?

Engineer54 · Oct 10, 2014

Unless you can get another switch line from fan to wall switch position it can't be done. It can be done if you incorporate a fan remote control unit at the ceiling fan position. The control for both fan (including speed control) and light dimming is via a hand held remote contoller..... Cost, about 25 to 30 quid!!

Richard Burns · Oct 10, 2014

Split the output of the light pull cord and feed a separate cable to a remote dimmer, may be a better idea than trying to anti match the dimmer effect on a motor. You could even put in a local wireless dimmer if suitable.

Matth · Oct 10, 2014

I inderstand that I wont be able to seperate the fan and lights , however if i fit a speed controller, turning the speed down on the fan will also dim the lights as the voltage will be lowered.

There is no way of getting additional cores to the fitting, without using surface trunking which the customer does not want.

He did have a remote control unit, but it would not fit inside the fan unit.

I was looking at using this as a compromise...Fantasia Fans | Buy The Single Wall Control in White From The Fan And Light Store

Engineer54 · Oct 10, 2014

Now that's just bloody pointless if all the customer wants is the light dimming!! There are different sized remote controllers to fit most ceiling light/fans on the market. If not then he'll have to purchase a fitting that will accept a standard size remote control module or go without the light dimming function!!

7029 dave · Oct 10, 2014

25 wat lamps, in me day. Remember them ENG. lol

Engineer54 · Oct 10, 2014

7029 dave said:
25 wat lamps, in me day. Remember them ENG. lol

Of course, ...and still available over here too!! lol!!

Matth · Oct 10, 2014

Engineer54 said:
Now that's just bloody pointless if all the customer wants is the light dimming!! There are different sized remote controllers to fit most ceiling light/fans on the market. If not then he'll have to purchase a fitting that will accept a standard size remote control module or go without the light dimming function!!

I agree and have said as much to the customer, however this was a compromise to save chainging fittings etc...

I did suggest lower wattage bulbs, but he didnt like that idea...........removing two of the bulbs was not received well either........some people have no sense of humour

a1guvner · Oct 10, 2014

What about ditch the cpc and use it as a 2nd S/L...................... Take cover

(offered as humour)

Matth · Oct 10, 2014

a1guvner said:
What about ditch the cpc and use it as a 2nd S/L...................... Take cover (offered as humour)

Unfortunately I have already used it to feed the cooker !

a1guvner · Oct 10, 2014

Matth said:
Unfortunately I have already used it to feed the cooker !

I like your thinking, i have balanced the load in my house so well that i can actually use the wiring as my primary source of heating, obviously ive had to remove the OCPD and if your running it a bit hot you can smell the pvc but hey, thats one of those things.

Toptip of the day,
1mm singles straight under bathroom tiles in series with the electric shower is a great money saving device.

Very warm underfoot.