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[TeresaK]

how do I convert a pull chain fan/light to a chandelier with a dimmer?

[dave w]

Do you have X10 modules and controllers now?

Assuming, by your detailed question, the fan is not controlled by an external wall switch. Also assuming you want to be able to vary the brightness of the chandelier, you could use a X10 PRO - XPDF dimmer module wired in to the chandelier ceiling box. If the fan IS controlled by a wall switch (in addition to the pull chains) then you could replace the standard wall switch with a X10 WS467A, or WS12A for chandelier dimming.

[TeresaK]

No........I don't have X10's. The fan has no external switch, only pull chain. I do want to dim the chandelier.  So, according to your message, I just have to buy a X10 PRO-XPDF dimmer module?  Can I get that at a big box store?  Will they know what I'm talking about, cause I sure don't.

[dave w]

No........I don't have X10's. The fan has no external switch, only pull chain. I do want to dim the chandelier.  So, according to your message, I just have to buy a X10 PRO-XPDF dimmer module?  Can I get that at a big box store?  Will they know what I'm talking about, cause I sure don't.

If you don't have X10 now, you might want to read the X10 wiki to get more of a feel for the system.   

http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Main_Page

And unless you intend on expanding the system beyond one light, X10 may not be a good first choice. X10 remote control's forte is controlling many devices, not just one (although it will control your chandellier easily as long as it is 300 watts or less). X10 is like Lays Potato chips, you won't stop with one.   Lowes, Home Depot, etc carry DIY remote controls for ceiling fans, perhaps they have one for chandeliers also.

Back to X10, the X10 PRO XPDF is the "receiver" which will actually supply power to the chandelier. You will also need a "controller" which will transmit the ON, OFF, BRIGHT, DIM commands. X10 controllers come in many flavors: wired, plug-in, wireless, wired with timers, etc. The X10 PRO site   

http://www.x10pro.com/

has the XPDF and all the flavors of controllers.

The X10 "soft porn" site   

http://www.x10.com/

has receiver, controller "bundles" at discount prices along with the X10 home automation and X10 security products, sprinkled with bimbos, floozies, and trollups.

Radio Shack used to carry X10 products, but discontinued, as did Lowes.  Home Depot may still carry X10 remote control/automation products. eBay and the X10 web sites listed above are good sources.

Let us know what you decide.

[Brian H]

You will also need more items. Like a controller to talk to the module or remote with a transceiver.
Dave W. gave you some good links.
All here will give you answers as you progress.

[Brian H]

1) Do you want to also control the fan along with the light?
2) How does the chain operate the fan and light? Like one pull fan; next the light; maybe third both and then an off?
3) Do you want wireless remote controls; wired in controllers or a mix of both?

Depending on what you want there are a few ways to go.

[GregH]

Do you think she really just wants basic electrical advice on how to convert to a dimmer and simply stumbled on this site?

[dave w]

Yup, I do now, and I spent a lot of time on her. 

[Brian H]

Now that I reread the original post. It does sound like a how to convert a fan/light combo to a chandelier with dimmer.

[Knightrider]

how do I convert a pull chain fan/light to a chandelier with a dimmer?

Step 1. Pick up the yellow pages.
Step 2. Call an electrician.

[dave w]

I think she did.

[Dan Lawrence]

I suggest this entire thread either be deleted or locked so no one can post to it.

[bugby]

Had the same issue when we bought our house, had some ceiling fans with lights controlled by a wall switch, had another that was not.  Went to Lowes and picked up these neat modules (model 191-707) made by Hampton Bay that work great. My fans/lights are not Hamptron Bay, but the system works fine anyway - it is pretty generic and I would imagine would work with most manufacturers. The following is a brief description:

The system is in two parts: a small module that you wire in series with your fan and lights. The module is thin and fits up inside the canopy where the ceiling bracket is. The second part is a battery operated module that fits in place of the wall switch the controls the fan/light. It is sized to take the place of a Leviton Decora type switch.

Whenever you want to turn on the light or fan, you push the appropriate button and the wall module wirelessly sends a signal to the module in the fan/light that then controls the power to each part.  The lamps are dimmable and the fan function has three speeds.  Set your pull chain switches to lights on and fan on high and forget about them.

For applications where there is no wall switch, you can also buy a remote that does the same as the wall mounted unit, so you can control the fan/light by a remote instead.

The system has code switches similar to a garage door opener, so you can have multiple units and not have them be affected by each other.  I have four of them installed in my house, had two in my previous house and have installed them for several others.  They work great.  I have yet to replace any of the nine volt batteries in the wall units and they have been in use for over five years now.

Although I have a rather extensive X-10 system in the house, this was the easiest and fastest solution for this situation.