Wiring a Bath Exhaust Fan Speed Control
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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. |
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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
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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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Electrical TipThe Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. |
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I’m trying to replace a bathroom light fixture because the current fixture has stopped working. I Know very little about electricity. I found a breaker to shut off outlets in room, but exhaust fan does not shut down with any of the breakers I have tried. Is the exhaust fan and the lights on same circuit? If so, how do I power this down so I can safely change the fixture?
Hi Jerry,
When replacing a light fixture your first measure of safety is to locate the circuit breaker that controls the circuit for the light fixture and turning it OFF, however making sure the light switch in the room is OFF would be OK when making the wiring connections only for the light fixture wires. If any other wiring is found in the light fixture junction box that will be involved in the light fixture wiring then the circuit breaker for the power source should be turned OFF. Weather the exhaust fan or outlets are on the same circuit breaker as the light fixture would depend on the age of the home and how it was wired, and this is best identified when using a voltage tester.
Dave