Thread: Can I use a plug in dimmer switch with my fan...?

I am a volunteer that does not make much money and have slowly got a grow together by getting all my equipment second hand, borrowed etc...

I have a VENTS VK150 fan and have been given a plug in light dimmer switch.... My Q is can i use this dimmer to control my fan or is it likely to damage it...??

The fan is 64W at 230Vac 50Hz which i work out to be about 0.28 amps(seems low but Watts/Volts=amperage i seem to remember is the equation)

The Dimmer is rated to 2amps and can take 60-300W halogen lighting
20-150W incandesent lighting
so it would be logical that it shouldn't be a problem BUT... Do fans use electricity the same way as lights??

If i use the dimmer is there any risk of it frying the fan..??

Any help would be really appreciated....
......<PEACE>......

Originally Posted by BudBoxBoy

I am a volunteer that does not make much money and have slowly got a grow together by getting all my equipment second hand, borrowed etc...

I have a VENTS VK150 fan and have been given a plug in light dimmer switch.... My Q is can i use this dimmer to control my fan or is it likely to damage it...??

The fan is 64W at 230Vac 50Hz which i work out to be about 0.28 amps(seems low but Watts/Volts=amperage i seem to remember is the equation)

The Dimmer is rated to 2amps and can take 60-300W halogen lighting
20-150W incandesent lighting
so it would be logical that it shouldn't be a problem BUT... Do fans use electricity the same way as lights??

If i use the dimmer is there any risk of it frying the fan..??

Any help would be really appreciated....
......<PEACE>......

as a matter of fact, a dimmer switch can damage your fan, however, it's pretty unlikely it will be anytime soon... i have a 6" vortex that i put on a dimmer, the problem is, the fan is supposed to run off 120 or 240v, but with a dimmer, youre limiting the current so basically the components inside are stressing to run off less V, which in turn could be detrimental to the fan's lifetime.. but, i wouldnt worry too much about it, just dont turn it too low either.. for mine, below a certain speed there's a weird hum that presents itself, i keep it just above that speed.. so that it sounds normal, while moving less air.. my room is built in such a way i have not enough intake for my exhaust, so full power and i create bigtime negative pressure, and the plastic on the walls of my room get sucked in lol.. first time i was in the and i closed to door behind me i was like wtfff good thing im not claustrophobic !

goodluck! and remember to turn t down a bit, not too much.. especially if you have carbon filter etc etc, because they require a certain CFM minimum passing through them

a fan speed controller is better. I've used an $11 one off the shelf from Lowes, combined with a small wall-mount switch box, ($total 16 ish when combined with extension cord,) that is actually designed to control fan speed, and doesn't buzz.

Nice one, I just found a fan speed controller for £12 so i think i will splash out and get one when i can...
Thankx to both of your advice....I would be totally lost without this site....