Dimmer and ceiling fan

doitherselfgirl · 06-01-2012, 07:03 PM

I have two switches in my bedroom...one controls an outlet I do not have any use for and the other controls my ceiling fan light combo...I have only one "hot" wire in the ceiling box.....I would like to rewire one of the switches to control only the light on my ceiling fan and the other switch to control only my fan....I am a renter so no construction allowed...I think this is impossible to do.... am I right?
Also the reason for all of this is I wAnt to put a dimmer on the light and cannot do so if the fan motor is on the same wire correct?

danpik · 06-01-2012, 07:25 PM

I would say you are pretty much stuck with what you have. Short of pulling a new 14/3 wirw to have an extra hot there is no way to do this

Jim Port · 06-01-2012, 07:26 PM

Correct, motor loads should not be on dimmers. They need a speed control.

This might be possible depending on how the fan box is wired. There may be a an option to change this depending on how the wiring is run.

Since you are a renter you should approach the landlord. Maybe he can hire a licensed contractor and let you pay and take it off your rent.

JulieMor · 06-02-2012, 09:39 AM

Some fan manufacturers have kits that allow for separate control of the fan and light. Installation requires removing the canopy and rewiring the fan according to the kit instructions and mounting a controller inside the canopy. Some of these kits are for remote controls and some have their own wall switch that "reads" through the switchleg.

zircon · 06-02-2012, 10:21 AM

With only one hot wire in the ceiling box, the quickest, easiest and cheapest way is to buy a new fan with remote control. I have a Hunter fan that cost about $100 and it has three fan speeds forward and reverse and a dimmer for the lights. Since it is a rental, save the present fan and reinstall it when you move and take your new fan with you.

06-01-2012, 07:03 PM	#1
doitherselfgirl Newbie Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1	Dimmer and ceiling fan I have two switches in my bedroom...one controls an outlet I do not have any use for and the other controls my ceiling fan light combo...I have only one "hot" wire in the ceiling box.....I would like to rewire one of the switches to control only the light on my ceiling fan and the other switch to control only my fan....I am a renter so no construction allowed...I think this is impossible to do.... am I right? Also the reason for all of this is I wAnt to put a dimmer on the light and cannot do so if the fan motor is on the same wire correct?

06-01-2012, 07:25 PM	#2
danpik Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: western Ny Posts: 798	Dimmer and ceiling fan I would say you are pretty much stuck with what you have. Short of pulling a new 14/3 wirw to have an extra hot there is no way to do this

06-01-2012, 07:26 PM	#3
Jim Port Licensed electrician Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,087	Dimmer and ceiling fan Correct, motor loads should not be on dimmers. They need a speed control. This might be possible depending on how the fan box is wired. There may be a an option to change this depending on how the wiring is run. Since you are a renter you should approach the landlord. Maybe he can hire a licensed contractor and let you pay and take it off your rent. __________________ Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

06-02-2012, 09:39 AM	#4
JulieMor Cruising into the sunset Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago area Posts: 344	Dimmer and ceiling fan Some fan manufacturers have kits that allow for separate control of the fan and light. Installation requires removing the canopy and rewiring the fan according to the kit instructions and mounting a controller inside the canopy. Some of these kits are for remote controls and some have their own wall switch that "reads" through the switchleg.

06-02-2012, 10:21 AM	#5
zircon Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NY lower Hudson Valley Posts: 183	Dimmer and ceiling fan With only one hot wire in the ceiling box, the quickest, easiest and cheapest way is to buy a new fan with remote control. I have a Hunter fan that cost about $100 and it has three fan speeds forward and reverse and a dimmer for the lights. Since it is a rental, save the present fan and reinstall it when you move and take your new fan with you.

Dimmer and ceiling fan