I don't know what a variable speed resistor is. The plate on the wall has two switches, one for the light and one for the fan. The fan speed is regulated with the pull chain on the fan. I will check on the separate circuit issue. I don't have many plug options. There are only two on the wall that the ht stuff is against. My guess is that both are on the same circuit. I'll check on the panamax thing. Thank you for your reply.