How to use an extractor fan with a dimmer switch?

[mattg4321]

I find most fans work just fine with a dimmer on the switched live input. I usually fit Envirovent

 

[mainline]

Really appreciate all the answers, thanks all.

Umming and arghing between PM's idea of playing with the V-Pro or just putting in a sensor.

Humidistat is the way to go.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

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Have used these , but from memory not trailing edge so won't work with some (most?) LEDs

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Yes, it can be done, but the dimmer module will need modification.

I initially tried to do this using the dimmed switch live from the dimmer to the SL of the fan. It sort of worked, but the fan took ages to be triggered, about a minute or more IIRC. Back to the drawing board.

The modification to the was easy enough to do, and worked perfectly. John Ward has a video on how to do it on old leading edge module, but the way I did it on a V-pro module was less faff. I'll PM you details.

I'd be very interested in this 'hack' too...

 

[Rockingit]

As mentioned by someone else above - just fit a humidistat fan and let the embedded controller do the hassle for you! Probably end up cheaper, too.

 

[Jamiecla84]

Yes, it can be done, but the dimmer module will need modification.

I initially tried to do this using the dimmed switch live from the dimmer to the SL of the fan. It sort of worked, but the fan took ages to be triggered, about a minute or more IIRC. Back to the drawing board.

The modification to the was easy enough to do, and worked perfectly. John Ward has a video on how to do it on old leading edge module, but the way I did it on a V-pro module was less faff. I'll PM you details.

Yes, it can be done, but the dimmer module will need modification.

I initially tried to do this using the dimmed switch live from the dimmer to the SL of the fan. It sort of worked, but the fan took ages to be triggered, about a minute or more IIRC. Back to the drawing board.

The modification to the was easy enough to do, and worked perfectly. John Ward has a video on how to do it on old leading edge module, but the way I did it on a V-pro module was less faff. I'll PM you details.

Hi can you please pm me how to do this with a v pro dimmer to control a vent axia inline fan. Thanks

 

[msibart]

Hi, I have a similar issue in that I want to be able to dim the lights but make sure teh fan comes on. It is a timer fan so I assume it has its own power supply as it runs for a while after the light goes off. The switch is a pull cord one. I was wondering if something like this would work as it monitors a traditional switch input. I would then set the dimmer intensity in the software. Quinetic 1 Amp WiFi Mini Wireless Switch/Dimmer Receiver | Quinetic (QURWM1) - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QURWM1.html

 

[Avo Mk8]

Hi, I have a similar issue in that I want to be able to dim the lights but make sure teh fan comes on. It is a timer fan so I assume it has its own power supply as it runs for a while after the light goes off. The switch is a pull cord one. I was wondering if something like this would work as it monitors a traditional switch input. I would then set the dimmer intensity in the software. Quinetic 1 Amp WiFi Mini Wireless Switch/Dimmer Receiver | Quinetic (QURWM1) - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/QURWM1.html

You mean put it in the lighting circuit at the light (so not affecting the existing wiring to the fan)?
Yes I think that will work. The receiver needs neutral and permanent live as well as the feed from the switch - worth checking those are present at the light fitting (with a traditional ceiling rose arrangement they should be, otherwise you will need to get permanent L there)

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Update....

I have fitted the fan. It works just fine with the dimmer. As long as the lights are are least half full strength when you initially switch it on then the fan comes on. You can then dim the lights as much as you want as the PL keeps the fan going.

I guess if you dimmed them below half, the fan would switch off after the overrun, but the boy always has the lights full on and I only dim them that low when I need a quick visit to the loo in the night. In fact, it works perfectly as I don't want the fan to come on in the middle of the night.

I probably wouldn't suggest it to a customer though.

 

[smokester]

Much simpler method is to change the light switch to a rocker and install bulbs you can dim from your phone (wifi) or a remote. This is what I had to do in a basement gym that didn't have a switch live to the fan, and they wanted to work-out with mood lighting.