Can I operate a fluorescent light with a solid state ceiling fan/light remote controller?
Question:I'm installing a Hampton Bay ceiling fan in my garage. The fan has a light kit and comes with a wireless remote controller that operates the fan and the light. I plan to remove the attached light kit and use the wires to connect to a ceiling mounted fluorescent fixture I'd like to install near the fan. Since I can't easily hardwire a wall switch to operate the new light without poking a lot of holes in the drywall, I'd like to use the remote controller to operate the light. The remote controller says "incandescent only". But if the controller only turns the light on/off, with no dimming capability, is there any reason why it wouldn't work with the fluorescent light? Would doing so damage the controller or cause some other problem? Thanks in advance for your help.
Answers:
I don't think it will damage anything and it should work as long as there is no dimmer. The only problem I can see is the wiring may not be heavy enough in the fan light. A lot of fan lights say 15 watt max or something like that. If it doesn't work you can always buy Home decor conduit that goes on the outside of the wall and run a wire for a switch off of the wire that feeds the fan to operate your light.
try it see what happens..
Usually, the fluorescent light need a few seconds to warm the ballast up.
I don't think it harm the controller..
Maybe, maybe not. Although the controller only does on/off it may be constructed using the same circuitry that would be used for a dimmer. There is the possibility of damage to either the controller or the fluorescent ballast.
Great question...
Although I cannot speak directly for the Hampton Bay ceiling fan model you are referring to, after being in the ceiling fan business for nearly 20 years, I have yet to see a hand held remote transmitter for a ceiling fan that did not have a light dimming capability...with the exception of a couple new fans out today that actually do have fuorescent lights in them.
So, since you say the fan uses incandescent only, I am assuming the fixture on the fan is not fluorescent. In this case, I would definately read the specifications for the fan closely...and I think you will find that if you hold the button down or something, it will actuate a dimmer.
If I am incorrect, and the button does only turn the light on and off, then you should have no problem and I will stand corrected...in which case I would love to hear back from you because I do not like being wrong.
Ultimately, dimmers do not work on fluorescent bulbs and could cause damage to the balast because the way a dimmer usually works is by pulsating the electrical current. Kind of like turning the switch on and off very fast while the dimmer is on.
I can be reached via Ceiling Fan Questions and Answers blog if you wish to let me know what happens or have further questions or comments.
http://ceilingfans.hansenwholesale.com...
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