I'm trying to build a ceiling fan regulator which incorporates a triac. I was trying to figure out the current rating for this and I was hoping someone would let me know if this is the right way to do it. Here goes:

The ceiling fan is rated for 75W. For 220VAC and a power factor of about 0.85 (from my research on the web but feel free to correct me) would the current be:

75/(220 x 0.85) = 0.4 A?

If this is correct, can I use a 1A (constant on-state) rated triac?

 

I'd use a higher current version. Not much difference in price, greater safety margin.

 

I agree, with triac's there is not a lot of point sizing them tight.
Max.

 

Ceiling fans dont last long if you wanting to use this for speed control too.
Plus it will start humming loud

 

Check this https://homecontrolsblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/new-the-first-upb-3-speed-fan-controller-switch/ out. I think it does require a neutral in the switch box though.

 

I replace about 50 to 75 fans a year that people put on a dimmer they use capacitors to change speed and don't like dimmers at all

 

I have had mine for 25 yrs, buzzes a little at low rpm but not a problem.
Max.

 

That's cool but most new ones are lucky to make it a year before you can't stand to be in the room with them and forget to turn it up to full speed to start the fan and your just cooking the wires in it. I'm a electrician 35 years I've seen most anything that can go bad happen there are dimmable fans but most are not made to use dimmer

 

here's another: http://www.smarthome.com/fanlinc-in...ight-controller-fixture-module-dual-band.html

Capacitors are used to change fan speed.

The NEC, I think, wants a feed of 3 wires in switch locations now. H, N and GND.

 

@Alec_t and @MaxHeadRoom Thanks. I however, have a space constraint and the 1A ones fit in quite nicely. I saw a few 4A in DPAK cases which could also work.

Ceiling fans dont last long if you wanting to use this for speed control too.
Plus it will start humming loud

Thanks. What would you recommend for fan speed control?

 

here's another: http://www.smarthome.com/fanlinc-in...ight-controller-fixture-module-dual-band.html

 

here's another: http://www.smarthome.com/fanlinc-in...ight-controller-fixture-module-dual-band.html

Thanks. I'm however, not looking at getting a commercial control unit. I'm building one that can be controlled through an MCU. Power control is just one of the things that the MCU does.