Making a fan circulate on Shabbos

Question: [Thursday, 25th Mar Cheshvan, 5781]

Is it permitted for one to press the button to make a fan circulate on Shabbos or to pull it up to stop it from circulating? I am referring to pressing or pulling the mechanical piece that sits on the head of the fan, as obviously a digital button is forbidden to be pressed to make it circulate.

Answer:

It is permitted to do so on Shabbos although some are stringent.

The reason: There is no Muktzah prohibition involved in doing so being that a fan is considered a KSLI of which its law is that it may be moved for a permitted purpose. The only question applicable is if doing so changes the flow of electricity and is thereby prohibited due to this. On this latter question the Poskim conclude that it is permitted even if it were to be determined that there is some change of electricity as a result, as changing the level of electricity does not contain any clear prohibition. Nonetheless some are stringent in this.

Sources: See Shulchan Shlomo 308 footnote 34; Maor Hashabbos 4:14 65; Piskeiy Teshuvos 277 footnote 37

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