Is there a device, or can someone recommend a circuit, that will
"enable" or "energise", when a voltage range of 20v* to 110v is
applied  (* any low number).  I plan to connect my shower fan to the
dimmer switch and want the fan to activate (at 110V) when the light is
used.  I'm currently using a dual dimmer switch - two light circuits -
and have no room for an additional switch.  Thanks,MAtt

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Clarification of Question by nycmr-ga on 23 Oct 2006 17:32 PDT

Perhaps my post was a little ambigious.

The resultant scenario I'd like to have:

if I use any light circuit in the bathroom, even on a low dim setting,
I'd like the fan to activate at full power (ie. 110V).  Thanks, M

Why use a dimmer switch?  I'd use a motion switch on the fan.  When
anyone enters the room the fan will go on.

That would require running a line to the fan, which should not be that difficult.

Dan - thanks.  Not a bad suggestion, but would rather have it linked
to any light activation.  M

There are light(and sound)-activated switches:
http://www.bakatronics.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=375

I wonder if the fan would still run at full speed even with the power
reduced, maybe needing full power to start it.  Isn't the motor speed
related to the ac frequency?

myoarin, I suspect that it may try to run at full speed but get stuck
and/or run too slow and burn out.  At least, that was the prevailing
wisdom back in my aquarium days regarding drying to "dim" powerheads.

Bcattwood,
You are probably right.  I was just guessing.

Myoarin

bcattwood-ga / myoarin-ga.... thanks for your comments.