Toggle Switch Fan Controller

[JDRoberts]

Never use a lamp dimmer for a fan. You’ll burn out the fan motor, and may burn down the house. Many topics already discussing this.

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 and send the wrong amount of current at the wrong time. This is what’s responsible for fli…

As far as a toggle wall switch, or a relay, you have to get one that’s rated to control the amperage of the fan. These are often higher than a typical light fixture. If you just want to toggle, you should be able to use a motor control relay inside the switch box (again, check the rating). SmartenIT makes some zigbee ones that should work. This one is on the official “works with SmartThings” list and is good for most ceiling fans:

Zigbee Metering Load Controller 15A 110/220VAC