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New Zealand, Wellington
1 Level
752 Review
68 Karma

Review on Kichler 370032MUL Accessory 4 Speed Multiple by Alex Jain

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Finally no more noise!

Used to replace a noisy dimmer controlling two tall ceiling fans wirelessly to change fan speed. The dimmer itself wasn't noisy, but there were fans. I could never enjoy fans because the buzz drove me crazy. I now have 4 speeds and they are all very quiet. This dimmer uses capacitors to reduce the voltage applied to the fans compared to typical adjustable dimmer switches (which are actually intended for lights and not fans) which interrupt the AC signal and send the fans a dirty signal that causes them to hum forces. Even the most expensive adjustable dimmers designed for fans with large heatsinks will make the fans hum. Using capacitors to change the voltage is how most traditional ceiling fans work to control the fan speed with a lanyard. If you're looking for a way to control the speed of your fans and eliminate hum, this is a great option. The 4 settings give you all the speed options you need, from the slowest which still moves a decent amount of air, to the fastest at full speed with 2 more settings in between (most adjustable dimmers reduce the overall top speed). The handle looks like a rotary but only has 5 positions. Mine came with 3 different regular color knobs to match the existing switches versus the black on most dimmers which don't match anything. More expensive than noisy adjustable dimmers, but worth it. The switch power rating determines how many fans/devices you can run. 5 amps will drive up to 3 fans well and safely. If there was a downside to this switch it would be that the range of motion for changing speeds/settings is small (30 degrees) and the first few times you use it you'll pass all the settings and go straight to low because that's the case too is inverted. Settings: Off, High, Medium High, Medium Low, Low. Most of us are used to the full range of motion (270 degrees) from off to maximum that you get with most adjustable dimmers. It just feels more natural to crank it up to full speed. But that's okay, you get used to it and the quietness puts a smile on your face every time you use it. Also, it is better for a fan to start fast and slow down than to crawl from a standstill to a slow one.

Pros
  • Multiple styles
Cons
  • So far so good