Fan or Dimmer outlet that reports temperature too

[JDRoberts]

There seems to be some confusion.

Fans that are variable speed motors should never be used with a dimmer, smart or dumb. You will burn out either the fan or the switch or both. See the community FAQ (the topic title is a clickable link).

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 …

You can usually use a regular on/off switch, again smart or dumb, with a variable speed motor, but then you don’t get speed control.

If you have a single speed fan, you can use a regular on/off switch, again smart or dumb, as long as it can handle the motor load.

Always check the specifications for any switch against the fan specifications to make sure they will match.

Never use a dimmer intended to control lights with a variable speed fan. The physics are different.

To control a variable speed fan, see the fan control FAQ. It mentions Alexa in the topic title but it applies whether you are using a voice assistant or not. ( The topic title is a clickable link)

FAQ: 2020 Ceiling Fan and Dimmer light wall mount control compatible with SmartThings and Alexa?

There is much said about light and fan controls, but I can’t find any specific brands that are listed. I find several light switches but not dimmers, and nothing listed as a fan control. Looked at the similar topic listed but it had no actual solution.