A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim


Install a tamper proof light switch. You won't find them in Wal Mart,
but an electrical supply house will have them. While you can
eliminate the switch, it is not wise to do so in casa you want to turn
the fan off.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-INDUST.../dp/B005TJUX2W

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00070924/...azonProductAds

On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Pull out the switch, disconnect the two wires and wire nut them
together. If there is a bare ground wire attached to the switch, just
disconnect it and push it into the box

On Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:56:26 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim


Install a tamper proof light switch. You won't find them in Wal Mart,
but an electrical supply house will have them. While you can
eliminate the switch, it is not wise to do so in casa you want to turn
the fan off.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-INDUST.../dp/B005TJUX2W

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00070924/...azonProductAds

+1 -- You don't want to be looking for a screwdriver when you pinpoint
the smoke you smell to that attic fan. Keep the key on your key
chain or hanging out of sight but near that switch.

Jim

tim birr wrote in news:9ab8a536-c1e9-4782-90cc-8686f04c3033
@f2g2000yqh.googlegroups.com:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electri...ries/amerelle-
switch-guards-2-pack-287057.html

"Jim Elbrecht" wrote in message
news
On Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:56:26 -0500, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim


Install a tamper proof light switch. You won't find them in Wal Mart,
but an electrical supply house will have them. While you can
eliminate the switch, it is not wise to do so in casa you want to turn
the fan off.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-INDUST.../dp/B005TJUX2W

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00070924/...azonProductAds

+1 -- You don't want to be looking for a screwdriver when you pinpoint
the smoke you smell to that attic fan. Keep the key on your key
chain or hanging out of sight but near that switch.


This is simpler
http://www.officedepot.com/a/product...plies-_-910932

Remove switch.
Put the two wires together with a wire nut.
Install blank plate.

Remit $47.50 for advice.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"tim birr" wrote in message
...
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

On Feb 28, 9:42*am, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
Remove switch.
Put the two wires together with a wire nut.
Install blank plate.

Remit $47.50 for advice.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
*www.lds.org
.

"tim birr" wrote in message

...
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. *But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? *Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Here in NJ I've seen a simple plastic gizmo that
goes over top the switch and switch plate, more
like a strap. Cost about $1. You could look for
one of those at a hardware store.

Alternatively, as others have said, removing the
switch and wire nutting the wires together together and
using a blank cover is fine.

On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Not very sophisticated but I just taped over a switch to keep on all the
time. Just a strip of regular adhesive tape.

On Feb 28, 6:58*am, Frank wrote:
On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. *But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? *Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Not very sophisticated but I just taped over a switch to keep on all the
time. *Just a strip of regular adhesive tape.

Removing the switch is not a good idea. What will you do if you need
to work on that fan?..yrp, go to the breaker box and try to find the
unlabled breaker.

Harry K

The key switch idea sounded good. In case the attic fan over heats, etc. But
what's the odds of that?

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

wrote in message
...

Here in NJ I've seen a simple plastic gizmo that
goes over top the switch and switch plate, more
like a strap. Cost about $1. You could look for
one of those at a hardware store.

Alternatively, as others have said, removing the
switch and wire nutting the wires together together and
using a blank cover is fine.

I hear you. So many people are totally clueless. Even with a sign, they will
still feel compelled to flip the switch.

The wire nut and blank plate sounds good, to me.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

On Monday, February 27, 2012 11:45:23 PM UTC-7, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Why don't you just INFORM your guests of the switches function and TELL them to keep their paws off of it? Tape the damned thing with electrical tape about six different ways and post a sign as well. If those procedures fail then buy one of those secure "lockable" switches that they use in public buildings to keep unauthorized people from jacking up the heat or whatever. If that fails then put your guests in YOUR bedroom and YOU move into the guest room.

On Feb 28, 6:45*am, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. *But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? *Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Fit a key operated switch to stop them fiddling with it.

"Frank" wrote in message
...
On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Not very sophisticated but I just taped over a switch to keep on all the
time. Just a strip of regular adhesive tape.

Works even better with a "DO NOT TOUCH" sign

On Feb 28, 10:24*am, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
The key switch idea sounded good. In case the attic fan over heats, etc. But
what's the odds of that?

They have thermal protection in the fan. Plus
a lot of them are just wired in direct, no switch.
And besides the odds of the fan over heating
to the point that it;s a fire hazard,
you also have to factor in the odds of someone
being there, detecting it to turn off the switch,
etc. The typical fan is running up in the attic
and if it was going to cause a fire, I doubt
the switch would make any difference, in most
cases.

On Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:53:25 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

On Feb 28, 10:24*am, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:
The key switch idea sounded good. In case the attic fan over heats, etc. But
what's the odds of that?

They have thermal protection in the fan. Plus
a lot of them are just wired in direct, no switch.
And besides the odds of the fan over heating
to the point that it;s a fire hazard,
you also have to factor in the odds of someone
being there, detecting it to turn off the switch,
etc. The typical fan is running up in the attic
and if it was going to cause a fire, I doubt
the switch would make any difference, in most
cases.

While I agree that the odds are slim-- I'd feel pretty stupid if I
*had* a switch and had just disabled it a week before it would have
come in real handy.

Jim

On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

Call them all into the hall, line them up -- backs to the wall and
standing at attention. Then read them the Riot Act.

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

On Feb 28, 10:19*am, Harry K wrote:
On Feb 28, 6:58*am, Frank wrote:

On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. *But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? *Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Not very sophisticated but I just taped over a switch to keep on all the
time. *Just a strip of regular adhesive tape.

Removing the switch is not a good idea. *What will you do if you need
to work on that fan?..yrp, go to the breaker box and try to find the
unlabled breaker.

Harry K

You're kidding right? God, I hope so.

Do you work on light fixtures after simply turning off the light
switch?

Good grief. Stop offering dangerous advice.

On Feb 28, 7:28*am, Doug Miller
wrote:
tim birr wrote in news:9ab8a536-c1e9-4782-90cc-8686f04c3033
@f2g2000yqh.googlegroups.com:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electri...essories-acces...
switch-guards-2-pack-287057.html

That site does not work

"hr(bob) " wrote in news:f5fe6e49-5b22-4378-a716-
:

On Feb 28, 7:28*am, Doug Miller
wrote:
tim birr wrote in news:9ab8a536-c1e9-4782-90cc-868
6f04c3033
@f2g2000yqh.googlegroups.com:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping i
t
on and off.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electri...essories-acces...
switch-guards-2-pack-287057.html

That site does not work


What I posted works just fine. If you were using a real newsreader, instead of Google's
broken interface, it would work for you too. View my post again, but this time, click the "more
options" link, then click "Show original" to see what I actually posted instead of what Google
mangled it into.

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 2:32:42 PM UTC-7, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

Call them all into the hall, line them up -- backs to the wall and
standing at attention. Then read them the Riot Act.

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.



On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 2:32:42 PM UTC-7, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

Call them all into the hall, line them up -- backs to the wall and
standing at attention. Then read them the Riot Act.

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

Don't you mean "chained" instead of "changed"?

In article ,
tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

I've found a piece of tape and perhaps a post-it note to work well
for similar situations.

--
There is always an easy solution to every human problem -- neat,
plausible, and wrong." (H L Mencken)

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org

On Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:17:17 -0800 (PST), Roy
wrote:

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 2:32:42 PM UTC-7, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

Call them all into the hall, line them up -- backs to the wall and
standing at attention. Then read them the Riot Act.

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.



On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 2:32:42 PM UTC-7, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:45:23 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:

However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

Call them all into the hall, line them up -- backs to the wall and
standing at attention. Then read them the Riot Act.

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

Don't you mean "chained" instead of "changed"?

First you change their quarters assignment. Then chain them to the
dungeon wall.

First things first.

"hr(bob) " wrote in
:

On Feb 28, 7:28 am, Doug Miller
wrote:
tim birr wrote in
news:9ab8a536-c1e9-4782-90cc-868
6f04c3033
@f2g2000yqh.googlegroups.com:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping
i
t
on and off.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electri...essories-acces.
.. switch-guards-2-pack-287057.html

That site does not work



Try: http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electri...ck-287057.html

RBM wrote:
On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Pull out the switch, disconnect the two wires and wire nut them together.
If there is a bare ground wire attached to the switch, just disconnect it
and push it into the box

You need to ground the box !!

Greg

On Feb 28, 2:32*pm, Oren wrote:
Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

....and we all know how painful THAT is!

On Feb 28, 4:28*pm, Robert Macy wrote:
On Feb 28, 2:32*pm, Oren wrote:

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

...and we all know how painful THAT is!

OP again.

Thanks for all the suggestions. While I tell folks not to touch the
fan switch, it IS right next to the light switch, and people being
people.

Heck, sometimes I hit the wrong switch. Funny thing, I posted in this
group a few years ago that I could not get my new replacement fan to
work after i replaced a small attic fan with a much larger unit. Lots
of back and forth, we finally figured out a switch in the bedroom
directly below controlled power to the fan....

Anyway, signs, tape, etc. will not go over well with wife. I am
leaning toward the wire nut and blank plate solution. So, just connect
all the white/brown/black wires, right?

But, there seems to be some disagreement here about what to do with
the green ground wire???

You married my aunt Grizilda, I gather? Oh, wait! you *ARE* my Aunt
Grizilda? She's an albino penguin. She went to the convent, and became
Sister Mary Grizilda.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Oren" wrote in message
...

Call them all into the hall, line them up -- backs to the wall and
standing at attention. Then read them the Riot Act.

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

Donate it to the Salvation Army.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"tim birr" wrote in message
...

Anyway, signs, tape, etc. will not go over well with wife. I am
leaning toward the wire nut and blank plate solution. So, just connect
all the white/brown/black wires, right?

But, there seems to be some disagreement here about what to do with
the green ground wire???

On Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:54:37 -0800 (PST), tim birr
wrote:




Anyway, signs, tape, etc. will not go over well with wife. I am
leaning toward the wire nut and blank plate solution. So, just connect
all the white/brown/black wires, right?

But, there seems to be some disagreement here about what to do with
the green ground wire???

There should only be two wires to connect. If there are four, it is a
double pole switch, a good thing if you are ever going to work on the
fan. The green has to go to ground.

I'm against removing a safety device though, You may regret it some
day when it is solved with either a piece of tape or a simple guard.

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 7:54:37 PM UTC-7, tim birr wrote:
On Feb 28, 4:28*pm, Robert Macy wrote:
On Feb 28, 2:32*pm, Oren wrote:

Non-conformers will be changed to the dungeon wall and fed swill.

...and we all know how painful THAT is!

OP again.

Thanks for all the suggestions. While I tell folks not to touch the
fan switch, it IS right next to the light switch, and people being
people.

Heck, sometimes I hit the wrong switch. Funny thing, I posted in this
group a few years ago that I could not get my new replacement fan to
work after i replaced a small attic fan with a much larger unit. Lots
of back and forth, we finally figured out a switch in the bedroom
directly below controlled power to the fan....

Anyway, signs, tape, etc. will not go over well with wife. I am
leaning toward the wire nut and blank plate solution. So, just connect
all the white/brown/black wires, right?

But, there seems to be some disagreement here about what to do with
the green ground wire???

I guess the wife has to go...then you can solve things quickly.
Ahahahahahhahahhhaaahhahahaha

On 2/28/2012 3:40 PM, hr(bob) wrote:
On Feb 28, 7:28 am, Doug
wrote:
tim wrote in news:9ab8a536-c1e9-4782-90cc-8686f04c3033
@f2g2000yqh.googlegroups.com:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electri...essories-acces...
switch-guards-2-pack-287057.html

That site does not work

This link will work better for you:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/7loxs8a

TDD

I'm feeling the urge to repost about "green garden snakes can be dangerous".
http://webspinners.com/coloherp/cb-n...rdenSnake.html

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


But, there seems to be some disagreement here about what to do with
the green ground wire???

On 2/28/2012 6:15 PM, gregz wrote:
wrote:
On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Pull out the switch, disconnect the two wires and wire nut them together.
If there is a bare ground wire attached to the switch, just disconnect it
and push it into the box

You need to ground the box !!

Greg

If it is a metal box and it was wired by anyone that is minimally
competent it is already grounded.

--
bud--

"Frank" wrote in message
...
Not very sophisticated but I just taped over a switch to keep on all the
time. Just a strip of regular adhesive tape.

You must use Duct tape.. That is the code of all quick repairs....

That is what I did on a switch that I wanted on all the time.

On Feb 28, 1:45*am, tim birr wrote:
A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. *But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? *Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Wire up another circuit in parallel with the fan. Use a Normally Open
relay and alarm horn.

When the switch is on, the horn will be off. As soon as one of those
darn guests turns off the switch, the relay will close and the alarm
will sound. They'll quickly turn it back on.

If you don't want to use an alarm horn, use one of those devices where
you can record your own message. Have it continuously repeat "Turn the
switch back on. Turn the switch back on. Turn the switch back on."

Leave evereything as is and install one of these...


http://www.amazon.com/National-Mfg-2.../dp/B000HJD9KM


cheers
Bob

Idiot

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 3:39:27 PM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Feb 28, 10:19*am, Harry K wrote:
On Feb 28, 6:58*am, Frank wrote:

On 2/28/2012 1:45 AM, tim birr wrote:

A "light switch" in a guest bedroom controls my attic fan.

The fan operates on a thermostat. So, it only goes on in the warmer
months. *However, I am getting tired of guests continually flipping it
on and off.

So, I thought, what about putting a blank wall plate there. *But, how
do I "fix" the wires so the current will be on all the time? *Or, is
that a no-no (don't know why it would be, but...).
tim

Not very sophisticated but I just taped over a switch to keep on all the
time. *Just a strip of regular adhesive tape.

Removing the switch is not a good idea. *What will you do if you need
to work on that fan?..yrp, go to the breaker box and try to find the
unlabled breaker.

Harry K

You're kidding right? God, I hope so.

Do you work on light fixtures after simply turning off the light
switch?

Good grief. Stop offering dangerous advice.

I've always worked on electrical equipment as though it were hot and quite often when it is hot. The only exception is high voltage gear like 4,160 vac power where insulated gloves, a hot stick and probe are required. 8-)

[8~{} Uncle Crazy Monster