--- title: Can I Control an Extractor Fan with a Lightwave Dimmer? description: Learn about the compatibility of Lightwave dimmer switches (LP21, LP22, LP23, LP24) with extractor fans. Discover safety considerations and best practices for smart home installations. --- [Skip to content](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/can-i-control-a-bathroom-extractor-fan-with-a-lightwave-dimmer#main-content) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [WhatsApp: +44 7480 784990](https://wa.me/+447480784990) [WhatsApp: +44 7480 784990](https://wa.me/+447480784990) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [What do I need? & System Setup](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en) 3. [FAQ's](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#faqs) # Can I Control an Extractor Fan with a Lightwave Dimmer? ## This article provides a comprehensive overview of the compatibility between Lightwave dimmer models (LP21, LP22, LP23, and LP24) and extractor fans. It outlines key considerations, potential risks, and recommended practices to ensure safe and reliable integration within a smart home environment. **No** — Lightwave dimmers are **not suitable for controlling extractor fans**. Fans are considered **non-dimmable appliances**, and attempting to control one with a Lightwave dimmer can lead to **failure.** An LP82/LP81 Smart Relay is required, which the dimmer can then speak to wirelessly  --- ### ⚠️ Why Not Use a Dimmer? - Dimmers are designed for **dimmable** **lighting circuits only** - Extractor fans typically require a **constant on/off supply** --- ### ✅ Recommended Solution: Use a Relay To safely and effectively control an extractor fan, use a **Lightwave Smart Series Relay (LP81/LP82)** instead of a dimmer. Relays are designed for **switching non-dimmable loads**, making them ideal for extractor fans. --- ### 🔄 Optional: Wireless Control Using a Dimmer If you want to use a dimmer *as a control interface* (e.g. a wall switch), you can: 1. Install the **fan on a Lightwave relay** 2. Set up a **GROUP automation** in the Lightwave app 3. Configure the dimmer (or button press) to **wirelessly trigger the relay** 4. (Optional) Add a **timer** to automatically turn the fan off after a set time (e.g. 15 minutes) This allows you to **control the fan using a dimmer switch** — without physically connecting them — and still maintain safe, compatible operation. --- ### 🧠 Summary | Appliance | Compatible with Dimmer? | Recommended Setup | | --- | --- | --- | | Bathroom extractor fan | ❌ **No** | ✅ Lightwave relay + automation | | General dimmable lighting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Lightwave Dimmer | - [What do I need? & System Setup](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Getting started on the Lightwave App](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#getting-started-on-the-lightwave-app) - [Lighting](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#lighting) - [Heating](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#heating) - [Automations](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#automations) - [Third Party Integrations](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#third-party-integrations) - [FAQ's](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#faqs) - [Advanced Features](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/what-do-i-need-system-setup?hsLang=en#advanced-features) - [App Guidance & Automations](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/app-guidance-automations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [My Account](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/app-guidance-automations?hsLang=en#my-account) - [App Guidance](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/app-guidance-automations?hsLang=en#app-guidance) - [Automations](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/app-guidance-automations?hsLang=en#automations) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#general) - [Lighting](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#lighting) - [Heating](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#heating) - [Power](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#power) - [Automations & Hub](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#automations-hub) - [Installation Guides](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/installation-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Link Plus Hub](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/installation-guides?hsLang=en#link-plus-hub) - [Lighting](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/installation-guides?hsLang=en#lighting) - [Power](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/installation-guides?hsLang=en#power) - [Relays](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/installation-guides?hsLang=en#relays) - [Heating](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/installation-guides?hsLang=en#heating) - [Connect Series Support Archive](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/connect-series-support-archive?hsLang=en#main-content) - [General](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/connect-series-support-archive?hsLang=en#general) - [Lighting](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/connect-series-support-archive?hsLang=en#lighting) - [Heating](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/connect-series-support-archive?hsLang=en#heating) - [Power](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/connect-series-support-archive?hsLang=en#power) - [Contact Us](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/contact-us?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Product Returns](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/contact-us?hsLang=en#product-returns) - [Contact Us](https://support.lightwaverf.com/knowledge/contact-us?hsLang=en#contact-us) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://support.lightwaverf.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lightwave%20Logo%20Green%20Small%20(320%20x%20132)-1.png?width=58&height=24&name=Lightwave%20Logo%20Green%20Small%20(320%20x%20132)-1.png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://lightwaverf.com) [mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) Copyright © 2025, Lightwave