This last fall I had two wet-rated ceiling fans with lights installed in my porch. They each have their own remote control but are on the same switch. They started out working but slowly wonky things were happening (lights turning off on its own, etc.) but now they only turn off and on. The remotes do not work at all to change fan speeds or turn lights off and on. The remotes both have new batteries. Is this an issue of the two fans being on the same switch? Or remotes conflicting? Is this even possible?
Two remote control fans on one switch
- Thread starter Mawright
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Two fans on one switch shouldn't make a difference with the use of 2 different remotes. Basically, the switch is just providing power to the fan/light so the switch can just be left on and the remotes control the fans.
If you had 2 fans with one remote then that would be an issue
If you had 2 fans with one remote then that would be an issue
PaulMmn
Senior Member
- Location
- Union, KY, USA
- Occupation
- EIT - Engineer in Training, Lafayette College
Are you sure the fans don't share the same remote frequencies (even though you have 2 remotes)?
Do the fans still have usable pull chains for the fan/light? Try powering one fan all the way off using the chains and see if the other fan responds properly to the remote.
Do the fans still have usable pull chains for the fan/light? Try powering one fan all the way off using the chains and see if the other fan responds properly to the remote.
What type of “switch” are you using. A standard off/on even a 3way system is just fine. However, if you’re using any kind of dimmer or fan speed control switch, there are lots of issues there when also using a remote.
- Location
- Tennessee NEC:2017
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrician
If the fans are the same make and model, then most times you have to program each remote to the fans. This is accomplished with dip switches in the remote, and sometimes also in the fan. But some just use a "learning" button that you turn off power, then hold the learn button, and restore the power. This can be a problem with them on the same circuit/circuit. You would have to power off the circuit, disconnect one of the fans, then turn the power back on holding the learn button for the respective remote. This would program one fan. Then you would have to disconnect the fan you just programmed, connect the other fan, then program it with it's remote. If you don't do this, the fans don't know which remote to respond to and usually both fans will respond to either remote.
If you don't mind both fans working from the same remote, then leave it. But if you want each to respond independently, then you have to use the process described.
If you don't mind both fans working from the same remote, then leave it. But if you want each to respond independently, then you have to use the process described.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
If the fans have chain switches, usually a sign that the remotes are add-ons, be sure the fan switches themselves are set to the highest speed, typically the first pull after off.
I have the issue described by Little Bill in this posting. Here is my proposed solution so I can change batteries or reset remotes when necessary.
I have this issue. My plan is to insert a box with a switch for each fan in it before the first fan. I would get power from the original wall switch, then split the hots to each switch, and set the neutrals all connected. I have a diagram, but I couldn't figure out how to post it.
- Status