Our bathroom switches are grouped together as a set of 3. We don't currently have a timer for the fan, but would like to get one. Ideally we would like to avoid having to call an electrician to make changes, but just swap in a new set of 3 that has a timer for the fan.
Does this exist?
2007-01-16 12:14:19 · 4 answers · asked by markatger 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
They are all mounted together though on the wall...not sure if they will fit together if bought separately
2007-01-16 12:25:12 · update #1
Take the wall plate off, six screws hold it on I'm guessing. Since you know which switch controls the fan all you have to do now is replace the switch with a timer purchased at your local home improvement center.
Turn off the power at the circuit breaker first and follow the instructions provided in the timer's box. It's a very easy operation and something that you don't have to have an electrician do.
2007-01-16 12:21:44 · answer #1 · answered by tropicalturbodave 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Switches are usually modular so you could replace one part of your set with a different module. I was in France for 4 years, there they use timers that allow the fan to run for a variable amount of time after they have been shut off. Good for odor control. I do not know if the controller part would work on 120 volts, French run 250 as domestic. Ouch.
Google the (oops - yahoo?) phrase "bathroom fan timer" and take your pick from the results.
the first one was: www.rewci.com/fandetisw.html
If it means removing one of the three switch units you have already you can buy a blanking cover cheaply .
Wiring it all up is another matter I leave to you. It might be good to have a qualified electrician do the connection after you source the switch yourself? Although supply houses give discounts to industrial clients and his price might be the same effectively.
Get a free quote locally to see what the difference is if he does the supply and install.
2007-01-16 19:08:47 · answer #2 · answered by MarkLight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all you would only need to change the switch that operates the fan. If you are comfortable with your knowledge of Electricity and the power is OFF at the Circuit Breaker. Yes you can do this yourself. However, unless you have had some experience with electrical work I would suggest going to your Home Improvement Center and have someone show you what you need to buy, and then call an Electrician to install it. This way you are only paying for the service fee and the labor. The money you can save doing it yourself will seem pointless if you hurt yourself and/or burn your house down to save a few dollars. I am appalled that an Electrician of 12 years would tell anyone with no exp. to do it yourself. And even more appalled that others are giving his advice thumbs up. Better safe than sorry is a good piece of advice!
2007-01-18 03:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by Jody May 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to install a timer for the fan, you can install it, but cut out another receptacle switch hole next to the mutli plate.
Your timer should come with another plate and cover. Then run the wire from the 3way switch to the timeer just the one for the fan only leave the others alone. keep your fan switch on all the time and let your timer do its job.
it is very simple to install.
2007-01-16 14:36:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋