Ceiling Fans & Switches

[JDRoberts]

You cannot use a regular dimmer for fan control. Whether it’s networked or not. You will burn out the fan motor or the switch. Nothing to do with SmartThings it just has to do with the physics of fan motors. (An on/off switch is usually fine, just match the ratings. )

Automating Fan Control--Don't Use a Light Dimmer!

Continuing the discussion from Fan Light Dimming - Aeon Labs Aeotec Z-Wave Micro Dimmer: Thanks for the shout. Yeah, basically you need to read the manufacturer’s directions for the fan, and check that against the manufacturer’s directions for the dim control. Rate controls For home use are usually either TRIAC or VFD (Variable frequency drive). A TRIAC controller varies only the voltage. This is what’s typically used for a dimmer light because that’s exactly how you make the light brighter, you give it more voltage. A VFD varies both the voltage and frequency. But more importantly in this context, is how the dimmer knows to turn itself on. The short answer is the dimmer switch itself, if it uses a TRIAC, is very sensitive to changes in the voltage, and basically it can get confused …

Fortunately, there are two available zwave switches that can be used for fan control. Both have three settings: low, medium, high. Both work well with SmartThings. The GE switch is cheaper but I don’t think you can adjust the settings as much. The Leviton switch costs around $85 and is on the official “works with smartthings” compatibility list.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-VRF01-1LZ-Capable-Control-Almond/dp/B001HT4M48
.
http://www.amazon.com/GE-12730-Z-Wave-Smart-Control/dp/B00PYMGVVQ

Both are popular in the community, it just depends whether you need to Leviton’s advanced features or not.

For both the light switches and the fan switches you do need to have a neutral at the switchbox.