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How to Wire a Digital & Smart Fan Speed Controller Switch

Electrical Technology
0 8 minutes read

Wiring a Digital and Smart Ceiling Fan Speed Controller with Neutral Wire in a 120/240V Panel

Smart Fan Speed Controller

The Smart Fan Speed Controller Switch transforms a standard ceiling fan into a smart, connected device for improved comfort and air circulation throughout the home. It provides automatic and manual ON/OFF control and four-speed operation i.e. low, medium, high, or maximum. The controller is ideal for ceiling fans installed in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings where manual adjustment may be difficult. By using the smart celling fan switch, the airflow in the room can be controlled without relying on a pull chain.

The controller device can be configured to create schedules, adjust fan speeds remotely, and set an auto-shutoff timer using smartphone. The ON/OFF operation can be controlled automatically in peak hours which is beneficial in energy savings and reduce electric bill. The device connects directly to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network without requiring a hub and works with popular smart home platforms, i.e. Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Apple Home, SmartThings, and Matter-compatible systems.

The Leviton Decora smart fan speed controller with LED indicator (D24SF) can be customized such as preferred startup speed, return-to-last-speed operation, and minimum/maximum speed limits. It is designed for use with overhead ceiling paddle fans up to 1.5A. For proper operation, it requires a neutral wire connection.

In addition, the smart fan speed control switch can be wired for single load (as single-pole), 3-way, or multi-location applications when used with compatible wired or warless companion devices (such as wired smart dimmer switch companion (DD00R), smart switch companion (DD0SR) or wireless anywhere dimmer companion (DAWDC) or anywhere switch companion (DAWSC). Moreover, it can be paired with the motion-sensing dimmer (D2MSD) to automatically turn the fan on when you enter the room and turn it off when you leave. Hence, it helps to reduce energy consumption.

Rating & Features

  • Name: Smart Fan Speed Controller Switch – Decora D24SF
  • Poles: Single-Pole, 3-Way & Multiway – With Neutral
  • Voltage: 120V 1-Phase AC Supply – 60 Hz
  • Current: 1.5A Fan Motor
  • Wire Size: #14 – #12AWG Copper
  • Bridge / HUB: NO
  • Termination:  Wired Leads
  • Network: Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n networks @ 2.4GHz, Bluetooth – v5.0 with WPA, WPA2, WPA3, or open security
  • UL Listed: UL 60730-1 and CAN/CSA-E60730-1
  • Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (Hey Google / Google Home), Apple HomeKit/Siri, SmartThings, Matter, IFTTT, Schlage & My Leviton App (Android/iOS).

Wiring a Smart Fan Speed Controller Switch with Neutral Wire

In the following wiring tutorial, we will show how to install the 2nd generation Decora smart fan speed controller (D24SF) and control via an active Wi-Fi network. As shown in the wiring diagram, the smart fan speed controller switch is wired through a 15A, 120V circuit breaker in a 120/240V panel to control the ceiling fan.

Before installing a new switch or replacing an existing single-pole switch, make sure the power is completely disconnected at the circuit breaker or fuse.

As per the wiring diagram, connect the 5-built-in wires in the smart switch to the branch circuit conductors and load as follows:

  1. Connect the hot (black) wire from the circuit breaker to the LINE terminal.
  2. Connect the neutral (white) wire from the panel to the N (Neutral) terminal of the switch and then continued to the load (ceiling fan).
  3. Connect the equipment grounding conductor (bare copper or green wire) from the panel to the G (Ground) terminal.
  4. Connect the Load (switch’s built-in Red wire) to the the fan.
  5. The “T” terminal (switch’s built-in Blue wire) is used for three-way/multi-way control. In case of single load, cap the red wire with a wire connector (wire nut) and fix it safely inside the electrical box as an unused conductor.

Note: Not to be used for fans with light kits. If the celling fan light is on another line (Hot), you may use smart dimmer devices such as D26HD, D36HD, DW6HD, DN6HD with MLWSB. For ventilation and exhaust fans, you may use humidity sensor and fan control switch (DHS05 & IPHS5) or combo humidity sensor & fan control with light Switch (DHD05). For Z-Wave series, you may use smart fan control / dimmer / switch devices (such as ZW4SF, ZW6HD, and ZW15S). For more details and limitations, refer to the precaution and instruction section given below.

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How to Wire a Wi-Fi Smart Fan Speed Controller

Wiring a Digital Fan Speed Control Switch

The Decora digital fan speed control (DDF01) is the older model and can be controlled using Bluetooth® technology. Both fan speed control switches have similar ratings and features, however, the D24SF uses Wi-Fi connectivity, whereas the DDF01 operates via Bluetooth.

The wiring configuration is also the same for both switches. Each model has five built-in wires and provides four-speed fan control with 1.5A rating, as shown in the wiring diagram above. Therefore, there is no need to include a separate wiring diagram for this section.

If you are wondering which one to choose:

  • Choose digital fan speed controller (DDF01) if you want a standalone digital fan controller with Bluetooth control and timer functions (i.e. local smartphone control without Wi-Fi).
  • Choose smart Wi-Fi fan speed controller (D24SF) if you want smart-home integration, voice control, remote access, scheduling, Matter support, and future expandability.

In short, the D24SF is generally the better choice, as the DDF01 is based on an older Bluetooth platform while the D24SF is controlled through a Wi-Fi network and a part of Leviton’s latest smart-home ecosystem.

Testing, Setting & Adding to the Network

After installation, restore the power and the status LED on the device will blink green. It indicates the device is receiving power and in setup mode. Disconnect the associated breaker in the panel to complete the installation and setup.

Now download My Leviton App for smart devices (compatible with Apple and Android devices). Lunch the app and tap the “+” in the upper right corner. Select “add a device”, and follow the on-screen instructions to add and configure your smart switch. Once set up, you can control your celling fan remotely as well as manually. To  add a smart device to the app, follow the simple instruction given in setting My Leviton app with decora smart devices.

The flashing LED indicator table for smart devices shows the different stats of the device during setup and configuration.

To reset the device, press and hold the top rocker for 14 seconds. After the first 7 seconds, the LED will begin flashing Amber. Continue holding for another 7 seconds until the LED flashes Red/Amber. Release the rocker, and the device will be restored to its factory default settings.

Instructions & Precautions.

  • Always disconnect the power supply by switching OFF the circuit breaker at the main service panel before performing any electrical work.
  • Do not use with fans that have built-in electronic speed controls. Only one fan speed controller may be connected to a single fan load.
  • Do not use this device to control exhaust fans, ventilation fans, lighting loads, or ceiling fans with integrated light kits. Refer to the alternatives listed above for these applications.
  • Use only with ceiling paddle fans or pull-chain-controlled fans equipped with split-capacitor or shaded-pole motors.
  • The wire length between the smart switch and any companion device must not exceed 300 ft (90 m).
  • Do not use aluminum wires with this device. Only use copper or copper-clade conductors.
  • The minimum recommended wall box depth for installation is 2-3/4 inches (70 mm).
  • Installation in a metal wall box or with a metal wall plate may reduce RF signal performance and wireless communication range.
  • For 3-way or multi-location applications, do not use standard mechanical switches. Instead, use compatible smart wired or wireless companion switches (mentioned above).
  • Smart devices are intended for indoor use only.
  • If you are unsure about any part of the installation, consult a licensed electrician and ensure compliance with applicable local electrical code

Disclaimer:

  • The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous. If you are unsure, contact a licensed electrician to do it according to the local area codes.

Resources:

Smart Devices Wiring Series

Wiring Standard GFCI & Breakers

Wiring General Outlets & GFCI/AFCI Receptacles

Switches Wiring

Sizing Breakers, Wires & Panels

Finding the Number of Breakers/Outlets in a Circuit

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Electrical Technology
0 8 minutes read

Electrical Technology

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