Dimmable Pull switches / problem.

[Steve]

I believe you can get pullswitch dimmers with a seperate mechanically switched output.

Here it is:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In..._Menu_Index/Pull_Cords_All/Dimpull/index.html

Claims to be compatible with fans, but i dont think it has a seperate output - certainly the destructions dont refer to one.

 

[RF Lighting]

What about a little current transformer?

We use them to sense that fans are running on commercial extractor systems, but it should work for this. The ones we use have an adjustable trip setting, so you should be able to set it up to ignore the leak through current used to power the dimmer, but to click on when the lights are on.

You might even be able to to get it so it only comes on at a certain level of brightness, so the fan doesn't come on when you go for a wee in the night, and have the lights dimmed right down.

Something like this : http://www.crmagnetics.com/newprod/ProductView.asp?ProdName=cr4395