I would like to replace a bathroom exhaust fan switch with one that has a
timer. The current switch is on a 15 amp circuit. I found a 20 amp timer
switch which I would like to use instead. Is this OK?

I assume that the switch itself would draw very little current to operate
the timer.

Harvey Louzon wrote:
I would like to replace a bathroom exhaust fan switch with one that has a
timer. The current switch is on a 15 amp circuit. I found a 20 amp timer
switch which I would like to use instead. Is this OK?

I assume that the switch itself would draw very little current to operate
the timer.

If the rating of the switch is greater than the rating of the circuit
then you are good to go!

If you have a 15 amp circuit then you have a 15 amp breaker which means
if the circuit draws more than 15 amps it will be disabled due to
tripped breaker. A 20 amp switch means it that switch can handle 20
amps. In your case the switch would never be able to see 20 amps
because the breaker would trip first!

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President - Top Service Pros, Inc.
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Harvey Louzon wrote:
I would like to replace a bathroom exhaust fan switch with one that has a
timer. The current switch is on a 15 amp circuit. I found a 20 amp timer
switch which I would like to use instead. Is this OK?


Definitely it is OK. All it means is that the switch can handle more than the
circuit breaker. The CB will protect it.

As a point of interest, I have done this exact thing in both of my bathrooms.
Before, I used to walk out and maybe not notice I left the fan on for a couple
of days if I used the bathroom I only occasionally use. No more.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

VE

I have used the Intermatic Spring Wound Timers. They are easy to find
at Lowes/HD, very reliable (never repalced one yet). Need no white
wire as they don't use electricity and can fit all standard switch
configurations. They fit regular and Decora faceplates. Usually under
$10.
Harvey Louzon wrote:
I would like to replace a bathroom exhaust fan switch with one that has a
timer. The current switch is on a 15 amp circuit. I found a 20 amp timer
switch which I would like to use instead. Is this OK?

I assume that the switch itself would draw very little current to operate
the timer.

I use the Intermatic Timer in our bathroom for the exhaust fan. They
had two models to pick from at Home Depot; 60 minutes or a 24 hour
timer. The 60 minute model makes the most sense for me. Runs the
exhaust fan for 60 minutes after we use the shower. Just be advised
that there is no way to shut it off once you start it. It HAS to run
it's course, you can't turn it backwards to OFF after you start it.

wrote:
I use the Intermatic Timer in our bathroom for the exhaust fan. They
had two models to pick from at Home Depot; 60 minutes or a 24 hour
timer. The 60 minute model makes the most sense for me. Runs the
exhaust fan for 60 minutes after we use the shower. Just be advised
that there is no way to shut it off once you start it. It HAS to run
it's course, you can't turn it backwards to OFF after you start it.


You make it sound like you *have* to set it to 60 minutes. You don't. Mine
allows anywhere from 10 minutes to 60 minutes but like you say, once it's set
there's no turning it off early. OTOH, why would you want to?

I generally leave mine on for 30 minutes during and after a shower; maybe 15
minutes after any other business in the can.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

VE

On Sat, 20 May 2006 09:09:49 GMT, "Mortimer Schnerd, RN"
wrote:

wrote:
I use the Intermatic Timer in our bathroom for the exhaust fan. They
had two models to pick from at Home Depot; 60 minutes or a 24 hour
timer. The 60 minute model makes the most sense for me. Runs the
exhaust fan for 60 minutes after we use the shower. Just be advised
that there is no way to shut it off once you start it. It HAS to run
it's course, you can't turn it backwards to OFF after you start it.


You make it sound like you *have* to set it to 60 minutes. You don't. Mine
allows anywhere from 10 minutes to 60 minutes but like you say, once it's set
there's no turning it off early. OTOH, why would you want to?


If you wanted to be able to turn it off, you could put a regular
switch in series.

I generally leave mine on for 30 minutes during and after a shower; maybe 15
minutes after any other business in the can.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what
to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb
contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin