On 1/18/2016 7:44 AM, Mark Lloyd wrote:
On 01/17/2016 12:51 PM, Don Y wrote:

[snip]

An electronic switch isn't really controlling anything. Instead,
it simply CONVEYS YOUR WISHES to something else (controller) that
actually does the switching. So, if that "something" decides,
rightly or wrongly, to turn the fan on (perhaps because it senses
the range is still hot and it wants to cool it?), then it can.

A mechanical switch can't (usually) flip from the off POSITION
to the on POSITION without some external force activating it.

What appears to be a mechanical switch may just be a controller input too. The

Of course! But, the trend seems to be for sexxy/flat/touch contrtols,
nowadays. In that case, almost definitely NOT actually controlling the
fan.

Mechanical switches cost a bit more. And, you'd not include a "hefty"
switch (like a toggle) if you just wanted to signal a controller
(a mechanical pushbutton would be more in line)

controller can do what it wants, regardless of the switch position. This is
like the "power" switches on most electronic equipment.