Monday, February 01, 2010
Homeowner install. The unknowns fill volumes...
Helping people with electrical problem inquiries can be really scary.
Philadelphia electrician answers electrical FAQ questions
Even the seemingly simplest question raises shadows of a hundred unobserved demons.
Glaring problems that I plainly see are overlooked by the unskilled.
Danger lurks underfoot everywhere!
The most immediate issue in the following question was whether the inquirer knew he needed a fan-rated box!
That is why most of my answers include a substantial warning and disclaimer, and why many people are peremptorily advised to call an electrician.
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Question:
I am installing a ceiling fan without light that has a remote for 3 speeds. is it possible to use a wall switch instead of the remote? can I bypass the receiver and directly connect the fan to a continuous slide dimmer?
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Answer:
Without more information, I couldn't say whether or not it will work the way you propose, but be aware that you intend to perform an installation of equipment in a manner that may be other than that recognized in the UL or other listing.
National Electrical Code calls for all devices/equipment to be installed according to their listing and or labeling.
If the unit relies solely on the remote to reverse direction, you won't be able to reverse if you use the dimmer and eliminate the control.
If you don't eliminate the control, the dimmer will send varying voltages to the fan [and the control], which may cause component failure in the control, and possibly a fire, depending on the control.
Contact the manufacturer for more information about your application in relation to the exact fan model you are installing.
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Further, for safety reasons, never install a ceiling fan on a regular lighting outlet box. Always use a fan-rated box of the proper size for the weight of your fan. If it is a regular box, change it to a fan-rated box, even though this may be more work than installing the fan.
Philadelphia electrician answers electrical FAQ questions
Even the seemingly simplest question raises shadows of a hundred unobserved demons.
Glaring problems that I plainly see are overlooked by the unskilled.
Danger lurks underfoot everywhere!
The most immediate issue in the following question was whether the inquirer knew he needed a fan-rated box!
That is why most of my answers include a substantial warning and disclaimer, and why many people are peremptorily advised to call an electrician.
*
Question:
I am installing a ceiling fan without light that has a remote for 3 speeds. is it possible to use a wall switch instead of the remote? can I bypass the receiver and directly connect the fan to a continuous slide dimmer?
*
Answer:
Without more information, I couldn't say whether or not it will work the way you propose, but be aware that you intend to perform an installation of equipment in a manner that may be other than that recognized in the UL or other listing.
National Electrical Code calls for all devices/equipment to be installed according to their listing and or labeling.
If the unit relies solely on the remote to reverse direction, you won't be able to reverse if you use the dimmer and eliminate the control.
If you don't eliminate the control, the dimmer will send varying voltages to the fan [and the control], which may cause component failure in the control, and possibly a fire, depending on the control.
Contact the manufacturer for more information about your application in relation to the exact fan model you are installing.
*
Further, for safety reasons, never install a ceiling fan on a regular lighting outlet box. Always use a fan-rated box of the proper size for the weight of your fan. If it is a regular box, change it to a fan-rated box, even though this may be more work than installing the fan.
# posted by Bob @ 9:00 AM 
