Bathroom fan with separate timer?

[cyberbub]

Hi all

I currently have a standard setup bathroom fan, connected to the light pull cord, with a run-on timer.

My problem is that the fan comes on for 15 mins even if I want to just brush my teeth for a couple of minutes. It's wasteful and noisy.

Is it possible to have the fan on a separate pull cord which is next to (or in) the shower, and when you pull again to turn it off, it runs on extracting for 15 minutes? Or even better you only need to pull once when you go into the shower, and then it runs for 20-25 mins and turns off by itself, so you don't need to remember to turn it off?

Thanks very much for any info....

 

[Murdochcat]

Could you adjust the overrun timer?

 

[Scally-Ho]

Your fan could be wired to work on a separate pull switch, but it will need new circuitry installed by a competent person and the fan over-run can be adjusted from inside the fan casing. If your existing fan is exceptionally noisy, perhaps it's time to replace it with a new one as your existing fan probably has mullered bearings causing the excessive noise. .

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

My problem is that the fan comes on for 15 mins even if I want to just brush my teeth for a couple of minutes. It's wasteful and noisy.

They only consume 15w, hardly worth worrying about, but....

Is it possible to have the fan on a separate pull cord which is next to (or in) the shower, and when you pull again to turn it off, it runs on extracting for 15 minutes? Or even better you only need to pull once when you go into the shower, and then it runs for 20-25 mins and turns off by itself, so you don't need to remember to turn it off?

If you wire the sw terminal, the one which normally goes to a light to trigger it, via a pull switch, that will do what you want. But the pull switch, will have to be a special type, which is only switched on, whilst you pull the cord. You will still the permanent live, to the fan.

 

[boringoldcodger]

the pull switch, will have to be a special type, which is only switched on, whilst you pull the cord

If you google (other search engines are available) "retractive pull cord switch" you should find some.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

If you google (other search engines are available) "retractive pull cord switch" you should find some.

Most kind, but I have no need for one.

 

[ebee]

Well you could use some kind of momentary push to make switch if you wanted to.
Providing that it is suitable for mains and suitable for the environment, including being out of the zones.
you could even use one at a lower safe voltage using a SELV transformer (agan in a suitable place) . you could even have a pneumatic unit.

but why go to all that trouble?

Change the fan for a new one or a quieter one is the simple answer unless you think that you could address the worn bearings problem suitably if required.

A fan that is capable of a 20 min run on is usually considered appropriate in most situations - many of them can be set to run for between 1 to 40 mins.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

but why go to all that trouble?

Change the fan for a new one or a quieter one is the simple answer unless you think that you could address the worn bearings problem suitably if required.

The increased triggering, is never entirely wasted - most bathroom are enclosed, and quite moist areas, so each time triggered it will help extract some of that moisture.

 

[ebee]

The increased triggering, is never entirely wasted - most bathroom are enclosed, and quite moist areas, so each time triggered it will help extract some of that moisture.

Exactly, any savings to the planet and your wallet by never using when not required are absolutely minimal anyway.

 

[cyberbub]

Thanks all for your replies.

The other reason I want it is because for 4 months in the summer when I go in for a shower I don't need to even turn the light on as it's light enough. But currently I'm forced to turn the light on to get the fan to work.

I'll probably consult an electrician to see what he can do.

 

[mattylad]

A switched timer that can increase the time based on how many input signals to the start time input would be good IMO, that way people could have an ordinary switch and just flick the switch a few times to lengthen the period it's on for.

I wonder if thats available on the market?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I wonder if thats available on the market?

Never heard of such, but why would it be needed? They remain in a triggered state, while ever the light is on, once the light goes off, the timed period begins.

 

[blup]

Hi all

I currently have a standard setup bathroom fan, connected to the light pull cord, with a run-on timer.

My problem is that the fan comes on for 15 mins even if I want to just brush my teeth for a couple of minutes. It's wasteful and noisy.

Is it possible to have the fan on a separate pull cord which is next to (or in) the shower, and when you pull again to turn it off, it runs on extracting for 15 minutes? Or even better you only need to pull once when you go into the shower, and then it runs for 20-25 mins and turns off by itself, so you don't need to remember to turn it off?

Thanks very much for any info....

Fit an isolator in line, separate pull cord, best of both worlds.

 

[mattylad]

Never heard of such, but why would it be needed? They remain in a triggered state, while ever the light is on, once the light goes off, the timed period begins.

So that someone could do something similar to what the OP asks for.

Turn the light on, do your business, turn the light off the fan runs for a set time (say 5 mins).
In order to make the fan run for further increments of 5 minutes just turn the lighgt on/off again.

That way it can be 5 minutes for a pee, 10 minutes for a poo, 20 minutes for a shower and all completely controlled by the person using the bathroom.
Of course, any power savings in the time will be swallowed by the cost of such timer

Maybe a smart controller would be best for this, accessed by [hone just increment the time.
Yeah, and have lots of leds, a multi digit display and touch screen interface... lolz
Where did I put that Pi?

 

[mattylad]

How about a bank of press time switch plates, each set for a different time.

I suspect just getting a new fan and setting it for 15-20 minutes is the actual resolution to this.