X10 Community Forum

🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: driver8rws on March 13, 2007, 01:20:05 PM

Title: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: driver8rws on March 13, 2007, 01:20:05 PM

is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??  :-\

I know the WS467 does not work (I tried it).
I think the WS12A will work to turn it off and on but no speed control (have NOT tried this).

HELP !?!?

Randy Simmons
Driver8rws@Yahoo.com
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: driver8rws on March 13, 2007, 03:41:18 PM

 Actually, do I need a WS12A or a WS13A ???
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: Walt2 on March 13, 2007, 03:50:14 PM
Quote from: driver8rws on March 13, 2007, 03:41:18 PM

 Actually, do I need a WS12A or a WS13A ???

The WS12A is dimmer not for motors.

The WS13A is simply on/off, so it can't control the fan's SPEED. 

I don't think they make anything like what you would need.
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: Brian H on March 13, 2007, 04:26:39 PM
You may want to look at the X10Pro XPDI3 wall switch. On the accessory page of the Active Home Pro section. It is listed as able to control fans and inductive load lamps. Like Low Voltage ones. One thing it does need is a Neutral Power Wire in the wall switch box. Many don't have the Neutral wire in them. Some other vendors also list dimmers that can do fans.
http://www.x10pro.com/pro/pdf/xpdi3.pdf
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: driver8rws on March 13, 2007, 10:09:12 PM

  I think that will do the TRICK !!   :D   

   Thanks SO MUCH "Brian H" !!   

       I will let everyone know if it works !!

 too bad I have to order one to "try" it out...  ugh... ::)
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: Brian H on March 14, 2007, 06:50:26 AM
Glad it helped. I have not used that model myself. I have used the Relay Model for an overhead light with CFL type bulbs.
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: Walt2 on March 14, 2007, 08:14:51 AM
Quote from: Brian H on March 13, 2007, 04:26:39 PM
You may want to look at the X10Pro XPDI3 wall switch. On the accessory page of the Active Home Pro section. It is listed as able to control fans and inductive load lamps.

Are you sure? 

I thought X10 had to withdraw that usage, and that it actually is NOT able to control ceiling fans safely? 
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: dave w on March 14, 2007, 12:01:25 PM
Quote from: Walt2 on March 14, 2007, 08:14:51 AM
Quote from: Brian H on March 13, 2007, 04:26:39 PM
You may want to look at the X10Pro XPDI3 wall switch. On the accessory page of the Active Home Pro section. It is listed as able to control fans and inductive load lamps.

Are you sure? 

I thought X10 had to withdraw that usage, and that it actually is NOT able to control ceiling fans safely? 
It is still listed on X10 Pro as "Inductive dimmer" for xformers, small motors etc. Interestingly I recall at one time specifically listing fans, so you might be right, Walt, but one would think X10 would be more specific. 

Driver8 - the XPDI3 requires a neutral wire. Also, there is a 90% chance your fan motor will buzz or hum. I found it too loud for a bedroom application.  You might also try Smarthome.com , they have X10 fan controls.
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: JeffVolp on March 14, 2007, 12:33:47 PM
Quote
I thought X10 had to withdraw that usage, and that it actually is NOT able to control ceiling fans safely? 

I tried a non-X10 variable speed control for the fan at our last house.  While the packaging specifically stated it was for ceiling fans, all it really did was vary how loudly the fan would hum.  There was almost no change in fan speed at all.

Jeff
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: KDR on March 14, 2007, 01:36:14 PM
The trick is to find a fan with a single speed. Multiple speed fans use differamt taps on the windings to get the three speeds. You might try setting the fan on high then use the X10 control. Fans with built in variable speed controls don't use tapped windings. Not sure but those fans (I don't think) even use a shaded pole motor which might be the problem. I have a single speed ceiling fan in a box not installed yet and when I go to put it up I will try and see what type of motor it has. Hope this info might help a bit.

(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: Walt2 on March 14, 2007, 02:02:07 PM
Quote from: dave w on March 14, 2007, 12:01:25 PM
It is still listed on X10 Pro as "Inductive dimmer" for xformers, small motors etc. Interestingly I recall at one time specifically listing fans, so you might be right, Walt, but one would think X10 would be more specific. 

I can't find the reference anymore, but I read that one fan manufacturer (Casablanca?) specifically came out against using this with their fans.  Something about their motors looking more like a capacitive than an inductive load.
Title: Re: is there any X-10 module to control the SPEED of a Ceiling Fan ??
Post by: Brian H on March 14, 2007, 02:21:23 PM
Yse some fans I have seen have run capacitors.