dimmer to slow a fan?

**IC_Dedpeeple** · 10-13-2010,03:37 AM

I was wondering if anybody can forsee any potential problems with using a light dimmer to reduce the speed of an ordinary household fan....maybe use the dimmer attached to a powerbar to run several reduced-speed fans?

Any thoughts?

**madmax** · 10-13-2010,06:53 AM

I used a dimmer to reduce a motors speed and didn't have any problems. I used it one to one so I don't have a clue if it could handle a number of motors.

**IC_Dedpeeple** · 10-13-2010,07:03 AM

Ok, thanks for the feedback. I would assume that using a dimmer on a power bar would only mean you'd need to have the dimmer set higher, based on how many motors you're running.
Good to know I won't fry anything tho.

**dna1990** · 10-13-2010,01:02 PM

Dimmers do come in light (resistive) and motor (inductive) models.

While a given dimmer switch may work for fans, I would not hook up to your most prized and expensive fan - just in case. Either the dimmer or fan motor could suffer. I would be even more cautious with multiple motors, each dimmer will have a max watt rating.

In any case, even if it works - keep a careful watch on all components for over heating, including the cords themselves that connect everything.

All of this 'optimism' is for unloaded fan motor setups - if the motor is being used to do more than 'spin', I suggest you get a very specific dimmer (motor controller) device designed for that use. Halloween fire other than colored silk blowing out a fan, is ugly business.

**Dangerclose** · 10-13-2010,10:30 PM

I used a dimmer, just a cheap one...to run a drill that runs my electric chair prop. I built it last year, it worked fine up and during Halloween night. But I took it out of the attic this year and it don't work. Power runs through the dimmer and and to the drill, but the drill won't work. So, I don't know if the dimmer is at fault or what. But it was a $5 drill I bought at a pawn shop so no big lose. Easily replaced, though it does suck to have to work on the prop already.
Just a warning.

**IC_Dedpeeple** · 10-14-2010,12:24 AM

Thanks for the warnings...looks like I'll be bypassing this idea. No sense burning down the house and haunt.

**PineGlenn** · 10-14-2010,02:52 AM

I Have a dimmer on my fan in the barn. Its one of those special switches for fan control though. Its been hooked up for 5 years now and runs pretty constant in the summer months. Never had a problem. The switch is a slide type and was a bit more expensive then the knob style one for lights. Cool thing is some of them also come with a remote control.

**dna1990** · 10-14-2010,11:03 AM

Bypass? Where is that improvise/adapt/overcome Halloween spirit...?

Tell us more about what the intent was. Do you have existing fans trying to use, but they are too powerful, too loud? What was the wind for?

Can a fan be used still on its standard low speed, but then 'duct' the air with a box to reduce/redirect airflow to get the desire effect? Can you turn fan on/off at some interval to create the effect only as needed? Can you put a sound board to absorb the noise (accoustic celing tiles)? Etc.

**IC_Dedpeeple** · 10-14-2010,01:48 PM

Originally Posted by dna1990

Bypass? Where is that improvise/adapt/overcome Halloween spirit...?

Tell us more about what the intent was. Do you have existing fans trying to use, but they are too powerful, too loud? What was the wind for?

Can a fan be used still on its standard low speed, but then 'duct' the air with a box to reduce/redirect airflow to get the desire effect? Can you turn fan on/off at some interval to create the effect only as needed? Can you put a sound board to absorb the noise (accoustic celing tiles)? Etc.

It's not for wind...I wanted to slow the motor down to use with props like FGC, witch stirring a cauldron, etc etc.