Ceiling Fan Switch

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mkgrady

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Does a ceiling fan need an external switch?

I have a customer that wants some ceiling fans installed. They said they don't want a wall switch. They just want to use the built in pull chain switch.

I told them the fan needs a disconnect switch. Seems a pull chain is not a reliable disconnect because you may have to pull it up to three times to turn the motor off. Do I have this right?
 
mkgrady said:
Does a ceiling fan need an external switch?

I have a customer that wants some ceiling fans installed. They said they don't want a wall switch. They just want to use the built in pull chain switch.

I told them the fan needs a disconnect switch. Seems a pull chain is not a reliable disconnect because you may have to pull it up to three times to turn the motor off. Do I have this right?
Click to expand...

The breaker is a disconnect. Would you feel the same way about a keyless with a pullchain?

I do not believe that NEC requires a switch.
 
mkgrady said:
Does a ceiling fan need an external switch?

I have a customer that wants some ceiling fans installed. They said they don't want a wall switch. They just want to use the built in pull chain switch.

I told them the fan needs a disconnect switch. Seems a pull chain is not a reliable disconnect because you may have to pull it up to three times to turn the motor off. Do I have this right?
Click to expand...
I think the breaker can serve as the disconnect. There are many fans installed without wall switches. I prefer it that way, actually.
 
mkgrady said:
Does a ceiling fan need an external switch?

I have a customer that wants some ceiling fans installed. They said they don't want a wall switch. They just want to use the built in pull chain switch.

I told them the fan needs a disconnect switch. Seems a pull chain is not a reliable disconnect because you may have to pull it up to three times to turn the motor off. Do I have this right?
Click to expand...
What's not reliable? Off - low - med - hi - off. It never varies.

One could criticize a stairway threeway switch install the same way.
 
The difference between a 3 way and ceiling fan is the ceiling fan has a motor, motors require disconnects. But the fan could also be listed as an appilance, which still requires a disconnect, wall switch of CB with LO attachment.
And check the fan manufacturers instructions...
 
tom baker said:
The difference between a 3 way and ceiling fan is the ceiling fan has a motor, motors require disconnects. But the fan could also be listed as an appilance, which still requires a disconnect, wall switch of CB with LO attachment.
And check the fan manufacturers instructions...
Click to expand...

That was my thinking. I doubt the fan manufacturer would indicate a switch is not needed. I have only seen instructions that show switches.
 
Could we loosely use 430.81 (a) and use the breaker in the panel ?

JAP>
 
al hildenbrand said:
Everybody's a comedian. The speed switch order . . . the speed switch order.:p
Click to expand...

Which changes if you install a speed control in the wall and leave the switch in the fan on high.
Then its Off-Low-Medium-High at least on mine it does.

JAP>
 
jap said:
Which changes if you install a speed control in the wall and leave the switch in the fan on high.
Then its Off-Low-Medium-High at least on mine it does.
Click to expand...

Here's my towel . . . I'm throwin' it in.
 
All of the electronic in-wall speed controls I have seen go from off to high, then lower as you continue to rotate. Only light dimmers go from off to low.

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I always provide a switch; usually one for the light and one for the fan. But if the customer doesn't want one and it's not getting inspected, who are you to argue?

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iwire64 said:
I always provide a switch; usually one for the light and one for the fan. But if the customer doesn't want one and it's not getting inspected, who are you to argue?

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

What does it not being inspected have to do with anything?

JAP.
 
mkgrady said:
Does a ceiling fan need an external switch?

I have a customer that wants some ceiling fans installed. They said they don't want a wall switch. They just want to use the built in pull chain switch.

I told them the fan needs a disconnect switch. Seems a pull chain is not a reliable disconnect because you may have to pull it up to three times to turn the motor off. Do I have this right?
Click to expand...

We have installed a few fans that are designed for permanent power (unswitched conductors at fan box) that use the remote or battery RF switch for switching. I do not think you have to have a hardwired wall switch to operate the lights and/or fan.
 
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