which timer switch to buy to control exhaust fan?

11 years ago

I'd like to buy a timer switch for the exhaust fan. The Levinton 1800W 10-20-30-60 minute timer sold on Amazon had many complaints of loud buzzing sound after several months to 3 years. (Leviton LTB60-1LZ Decora 1800W Incandescent/20A Resistive-Inductive 1HP Preset 10-20-30-60 Minute Countdown Timer Switch,White/Ivory/Light AlmondÃ¯Â¼Â

Homedepot sells Levinton 500W 10-20-30-60 minute timer. But reviews said it only works for incandescent light but not for exhaust fan.

Leviton 500-Watt 60-Minute Timer

I'd like to have a plate with GFCI outlets, dimmer switch to control lamps, and a timer switch to control exhaust fan (or just GFCI outlets and timer switch on one plate). But I could not find a proper timer switch. Any recommendation is greatly appreciated.

Featured Answer

lascatx

11 years ago

We have one we bought at either HD or Lowe's and have it hooked up to the exhaust fan. Our fan doesn't have a light on it since we plan to put a decorative light near enough that it would detract, so we didn't have the issue of having to have both wired together on the timer. I'm not sure if that is an issue for you, but it definitely works for just the fan. I love having it and plan to put one in each of the upstairs bathrooms -- along with new fans.

Comments (6)

jonnyp
11 years ago
Just purchased an Air King timed switch (variable) on Amazon about $40.Because of the uniqueness of the switch itself, it must installed in a single gang box by itself, standard or decora type plates (covers)do not fit. The model I purchased is three position, light and fan, off and fan only which is timed.
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jonnyp
11 years ago
lascatx,
If you do plan on buying fans, do yourself a favor and buy Panasonic. I have 2 NuTones , 1 is extremely noisy(space shuttle launch) , the other is not quite as loud but no where as quiet as the Panasonic.The box stores don't carry these you must go to an electrical or plumbing supply house. They rated in sones for noise, the lower the quieter.
itltrot
11 years ago
I have installed 2 of these. One in our main bathroom and one in my husbands shop. I've also had one installed at my work. They work fabulously and I've never heard a noise. They control the fan only.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lutron timer
lascatx
11 years ago
The one we put in the MB is, surprisingly, a Harbor Breeze, which I believe is a store brand from Lowe's -- 110 cfm at 1.2 sones. I'd like to change out the ones upstairs, but we are trying to decide on the powder room -- the noise shield is almost desirable there. Maybe we could hook up music to play. LOL
youngdeb
11 years ago
We put these in after we installed the Leviton ones you saw online ourselves - they immediately failed. My electrician said they didn't support the amount of draw off the fan or something. Ours weren't just buzzing, they were only operating the fan at quarter speed.

These are in both the bathrooms we've redone and they're fantastic. I particularly like that they are big buttons, with big print, and it's super intuitive to turn on and off.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jasco timer