I need my kids' bathroom to not be so steamy. The steam rums down the walls and streaks the paint. I have a double switchplate with two separate switches. I am fairly handy if I have an idea what to look for. I don't mind having the other switch that does nothing. Is there maybe a switch that is designed for multiple wires? Can I just run the wire from the fan switch and double up on the light switch? Thanks for any help!
2007-01-30 13:45:24 · 7 answers · asked by shay b 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Instead of doubling on the switch, make a connection in the box beyond the switch. You will have plenty of room with removing the other switch. They make covers with a blank and a switch on the other side.
2007-01-30 13:50:28 · answer #1 · answered by lumberman57 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, you did mentioned that you have a double switchplate, but what you forgot to specify was if you have one single box for the two switches, and if that is the case the best way to do it is a "pig tail" wich means that you come out with one wire off of the on position and the use a wire nut to attach the wires going to the exaust fan and the light to that wire.
But if, you have two separate boxes, one for each switch , you can get rid of one, usually the two boxes are been fed by the same "hot circuit" find the box with the "jumper" and get rid of that one, the wire left will be the one for your fixure or fan insert it into the other box and then make the conections, same as explain above. this way there will be a little bit of patching. Or don't get rid of the box and just put a cover plate, but, as my uncle always said! if you are going to do someting, do it right at the first time!
2007-01-30 14:12:17 · answer #2 · answered by carlitus23 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can put both wires on the switch you already have. That is the easiest way to do it. if the wires are curled under the screw just straighten them or cut and re-strip them, put one on each side of the screw. Or, you can leave the 1 wire on the switch and just wire nut it to the other 2 wires. You can also remove the other switch and get a cover that has one switch opening and blank on the other side. remember kill the breaker.
I'm copying lumberman......just a slow typer
2007-01-30 13:56:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a three hole wiring block to connect the light and fan hot wires together and another to connect the neutral(ground ) wires together. Add a third wire to the block to each which will go to the switch.
These wiring blocks are available at hardware stores and home centers and come with 2,3,4 and 6 wire capacities and rum about $1.75 per package.
2007-01-30 15:04:11 · answer #4 · answered by MT C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lumbermans answer is right on the money, just add a wirenut so as to land only one wire under the screw on the switch.
2007-01-30 14:11:36 · answer #5 · answered by Robert H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the total loading is sufficent.It is ok.Mine is linked in such a manner too.I have 3 halogen lights using 20Watts and an exhaust fan linked together.So far I have no problems with it
2007-01-30 14:49:31 · answer #6 · answered by VirgoBunny 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
run your wires to the light fixture and butt together
2007-01-31 01:16:37 · answer #7 · answered by rooterdon2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋