Ceiling fan switch question

[jimc]

Has anyone had luck replacing a capaciter type ballast with a solid state controller such as a clipsal C thru ceiling fan controller(not a dimmer).

I cannot get any specs on the fan unit motor. Beacon lighting are not much help with providing this info either.

People I speak with suggest the C thru contoller will either work or not work, although some suggest it could burn out if used.

The reason I am wanting to do away with capacitor ballast is to fit it into an architrave switch block.

[bitingmidge]

Jim,

I don't know what a C through controller is, and while I know a bit about this stuff, it's as a consumer-specifier not a spark. So I don't know if our experience is what you are looking for!

We've done a lot of experimenting with controlling ceiling fans through C-bus systems, including using capacitors of different sizes to try to overcome the low-speed hum that occurs using the C-bus dimmer as well.

We tried four different brands of fan, swapped different sized capacitors in them all and found all sorts of different results, that dreaded hum at low speed was the biggest problem, and controlling the speed was also an issue..something to do with - I can't remember, but it only sort of worked.

What we did in the end (and I've now done it successfully in other situations) was to plant the fan controller in the switch board cupboard (we've done it in wardrobes as well) then programme the fan switch (Cbus) to start at the lowest speed that gave an acceptable noise level. This is lower than standard (my preferred setting for fans). If an adjustment to the speed is required you have to go back to the switch board or the wardrobe, but in five or is it six installations I've been in control of, I'm not aware of any that have adjusted up from the lowest setting.

The reason for going to this effort is to use the Cbus controls for the fans.

We use our bedroom fan mostly in winter to control heating (reverse mode) and it is switched from either side of our bed, but I have also done timed controls and master-bed controlled fans for kids rooms.

As I said, I don't know if that answers your question, but I suppose it does show that it's possible to control fans in a different situation!

cheers,

P

[Termite]

I use remote controlled fans and dont have the annoying noise.

[bitingmidge]

I use remote controlled fans and dont have the annoying noise.

Do you run them at low speed?

If you do that'd be a real disappointment to me!

Cheers,

P
:D

[jimc]

I have tried the controller but the fan hums. Clipsal make another modular plate contoller so will try that and see if that works.

You would think that with popularity of these things, there would have been controllers manufactered that fit in with the general modular light switch fittings AND fit in a architrave!

Cheers

[scooter]

We have a 140cm Ringgrip fan with a 3 speed controller.

The original controller from memory was turned clockwise OFF-1-2-3 , and back (anti-clockwise) to turn back to OFF.

After a month or so the action got really stiff on it, Ringrip came out & replaced it under warranty with a different controller. This new one has a very light action, and is rotated either way through OFF-3-2-1-OFF or vice versa. Maybe this is a solid state one?

It doesn't hum on low speed either.

Minor point, I think fans are best started on the highest speed to get them moving then set to the desired speed, better for the longevity of the motor I seem to recall.


Cheers.............Sean, the ringrip made my eyes water ;) :p

[jimc]

the new shunt worked a treat.

thanks all for replies