Hey Guys,

I was told I can use a light dimmer to control a shaded pole motor. This is the motor I am trying to control (Please see links below). I also attached a link below of the dimmer I used. Everything was working fine for about 10 seconds and then I saw a spark and it stopped. After a couple tests I concluded that the dimmer blew out because the motor still works fine when plugged in. I am trying to get full range of motion for this motor. Can someone please lead me in the right direction for doing so. I also read somewhere that I should've bought a fan speed dimmer instead but when I looked at my local home depot they only had the ones that had high medium low options.
Thanks ahead of time for the help.

 

You need the version that is used specifically for fans.
Check to see what went in the dimmer, if the Triac blew, you could upgrade/replace it to a higher current rating, the fan versions normally have a wound ferrite suppression choke in them.
Max.

 

You need the version that is used specifically for fans.
Check to see what went in the dimmer, if the Triac blew, you could upgrade/replace it to a higher current rating, the fan versions normally have a wound ferrite suppression choke in them.
Max.

I am going to be honest and tell you that I would have no idea how to check if the Triac blew or not. Just my thoughts off of my research told me that it could also be the potentiometer that blew?

 

Just my thoughts off of my research told me that it could also be the potentiometer that blew?

The potentiometer does not usually see the controlling current, unless the triac shorted etc..
Max.

 

Speed control for that type of motor will not be very useful because as the voltage is reduced the torque drops off a lot. And because the light dimmer chops the waveform the motor may not work well. And the dimmer may not survive, as you have discovered.

 

One form of speed control uses a tapped choke. I once a long time ago ,I cut the shunt rings to reduce the fan speed & noise & it worked.

 

Speed control for that type of motor will not be very useful because as the voltage is reduced the torque drops off a lot. And because the light dimmer chops the waveform the motor may not work well. And the dimmer may not survive, as you have discovered.

It is done all the time in thousands of applications, my air exchanger and portable fan uses same/similar shaded pole motor and uses a very basic Triac controller for setting adjustment.
My ceiling fans are controlled the same way, only PSC motors.
Mainly fan applications due to the nature of load.
Max