[bsloan1960]

We have a ceiling fan- No light- with a 3 speed pull chain, connected to a simple wall switch.

Rather than use the chain to adjust the speed I'd like to swap out the switch to one that allows a full range of speeds via a dial or rheostat. is it possible for this type of switch to allow more than the pull chain's 3 speeds? The existing switch is a basic on/off- will the new switch be a simple swap? What is the description of what I should order?

Thanks

[retiredguy123]

You can swap out the wall switch, but you need a special switch designed for ceiling fans, not a regular rheostat. I think most of them will only have 3 speeds, but you can get one with a sliding switch. But, I would suggest that you consider buying a universal remote control instead of the wall switch. A remote control will also have 3 speeds and it will allow you to control the fan from anywhere in the room.

[Joeint]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

You can swap out the wall switch, but you need a special switch designed for ceiling fans, not a regular rheostat. I think most of them will only have 3 speeds, but you can get one with a sliding switch. But, I would suggest that you consider buying a universal remote control instead of the wall switch. A remote control will also have 3 speeds and it will allow you to control the fan from anywhere in the room.

A fan control can be purchased from Lowes or Home Depot. I would not suggest a remote control as it might be misplaced and wiring would need to be done at the fan. If you are unsure of how to install the switch please have someone experienced do the installation. It looks simple but a poor installation can cause injuries or a fire.

[asianthree]

Pike’s Electric is adding can lights to LR. They are changing the fan switch to variable control for can lights and fan.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Joeint

A fan control can be purchased from Lowes or Home Depot. I would not suggest a remote control as it might be misplaced and wiring would need to be done at the fan. If you are unsure of how to install the switch please have someone experienced do the installation. It looks simple but a poor installation can cause injuries or a fire.

Installing a remote control only requires lowering the fan canopy at the ceiling and installing a remote receiver. No connections are required at the fan itself. It is just as easy as installing a wall switch, but you do need to use a ladder. I'm too lazy to walk from my recliner to the wall switch to turn on the ceiling fan.

[Smalley]

We recently bought three new bladeless ceiling fans with lights. The electrician (Hughes Electric) told us that we could have a wall switch for the light but we need a remote for the fan switch. If I remember correctly, it was because the fan portion is DC and the light is AC. Anyway, the wall switch for the light is handy and it's easy to use the remote for the fan which you turn on or off less often.

[MrChip72]

We got a switch that has three levels plus off for the fan speeds. Just leave the fan on maximum speed from the pull chain and the switch will give you three different speeds plus off.

You just need to connect the red wire and neutral to the switch from what I recall. Your switch should have more detailed installation instructions.