Wiring a Bath Exhaust Fan Speed Control

How To Slow Down or Control a Bath Exhaust Fan: Bathroom Exhaust Fan Speed Control Options. Options when an exhaust fan is too fast and a slower speed is needed, or a variable speed will work better.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan or Extractor Fan
  Electrical Question: My exhaust fan moves too much air  can I use to make it a 2-speed fan?

• When I renovated our bathroom and I put in a new exhaust fan.
• The only problem is that we need it on when showering and it moves too much air.
• Is there a switch that I can use to make it a 2-speed fan?
• I would like to have it on 1/2 speed while showering and still be able to get the full power when needed. Would a dimmer switch work for this?

This electrical repair question came from: Ken, a Handyman from Calgary, Canada.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ken.

How to Slow Down a Bath Exhaust Fan

Application: Installing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan Speed Control Switch
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced, best installed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the access to the wall switch for the exhaust fan and if a larger switch box will be required.
Precaution: The bathroom exhaust fan circuit should be identified, turned OFF and Tagged with a Note before working with the wiring and installing the fan speed switch.

Control Options for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

• Options when an exhaust fan is too fast and a slower speed is needed, or a variable speed will work better.
• A two speed switch would only work with a two speed motor, however a variable speed motor control might work if the speed control is compatible with the exhaust fan motor.
• A lighting dimmer switch will not work as a speed control for a motor because it has a different control circuit design.

More about Electrical Wiring  for a Bath Exhaust Fan

Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Wiring Diagrams

wiring a switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Bathroom Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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