Can I use Dimmer to control Fan speed?

[Dwosa Home Automations 1]

One of our customer wants to replace traditional fan speed regulator along with Fan switch with Fibaro product? Can we use Fibaro dimmer to regulate the Fan speed? Do we need to make some special connection or have to use some add on device? I have checked on different forums and found that using a Dimmer to control fan speed can cause motor burn out.

 

Please suggest if any one has configured this for any customer.

[Mosskit 4]

Hi,
 

If its a single phase, AC induction motor the general answer is you cannot! The suggested way to control the speed of an induction motor is with VFD - Variable Frequency Driver. 

 

If your case is some little induction fan motor (very little starting torque, propably PSC or Shaded Pole Motor) then well, you might be able to control it, however it won't be very effective (especially if you want to achieve very low speed. And, as the slip effect (electro-magnetic term - google it) will by higher during lower voltage the motor will probably not last long, however still it depends on the load of the motor. My suggestion is to avoid such circuits. You better buy a fan with a different set of windings to be able to set 2-3 levels of speed thanks to added coil with mechanical selector.

 

[JHNN 0]

Hi

 

I am in the same situation.
I would like to automate my greenhouse. I have an air extractor type RK125L
infos:

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documentation:

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This fan is currently on a manual variator that varies from 100 to 230 volts.

The idea is to automate the fan speed according to the temperature.
What fibaro product can i use ? FGD-212 ?

 

Thanks in advance

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[oztme 0]

Has anyone used ZWave to just turn an exhaust fan on and off? The fibaro products don't like Inductive loads so I can't use a Fibaro Relay or Fibaro Switch which only like resistive loads.

 

Has anyone got around this problem? Perhaps by driving a larger relay from the Fibaro Relay which turns the fan on/off?

 

Cheers

Scott.

[Jamie mccrostie 82]

A small bath room extract fan will work on dimmer 2 trial and error or slave  another relay as you said.

I have used both of these solutions.

[eboy 0]

Hi Jamie

Is your fan still working using the dimmer 2? Thinking of something similar to cool down a cupboard full of AV kit ?

Thanks