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Dimmer switch to control bathroom fan

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  • 16-12-2020 1:26pm
    #1
    clivej
    Registered Users Posts: 7,033 ✭✭✭


    Will a 400w dimmer switch be able to control the speed of a bathroom extractor fan?


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    #2
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,544 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    clivej wrote: »
    Will a 400w dimmer switch be able to control the speed of a bathroom extractor fan?

    Not advisable


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    #3
    Risteard81
    Registered Users Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭Risteard81


    Not to control speed - speed controller for that.

    But if it's just to switch the signal wire in a timer fan then often the dimmer will still allow this to function.


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    #4
    sydthebeat
    Subscribers Posts: 41,122 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    clivej wrote: »
    Will a 400w dimmer switch be able to control the speed of a bathroom extractor fan?

    Extract rates are prescribed by building regulations..... They're non negotiable


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    #5
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,544 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Risteard81 wrote: »
    Not to control speed - speed controller for that.

    Exactly, a far better solution.
    But if it's just to switch the signal wire in a timer fan then often the dimmer will still allow this to function.

    I would not agree with this approach as the fan is not designed to be installed this way. When dealing with mains electricity I think it is best not to deviate from the manufacturer's instructions. However, I agree with Risteard's point, the fan may "function" if connected this way.


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    #6
    Risteard81
    Registered Users Posts: 2,567 ✭✭✭Risteard81


    2011 wrote: »
    Exactly, a far better solution.



    I would not agree with this approach as the fan is not designed to be installed this way. When dealing with mains electricity I think it is best not to deviate from the manufacturer's instructions. However, I agree with Risteard's point, the fan may "function" if connected this way.

    Sorry, to be clear I wasn't advocating it. Just stating that in my experience it will generally trigger the fan.


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