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AR15.COM
5/19/2010 4:52:56 PM EDT
I have a combination light/exhaust fan over my shower.  The light and fan have separate switches.  I replaced the switch for the fan a few days ago with a timer that has settings for 60, 30, 20, and 10 minutes, as well as an off button.  I did this so I can set the fan to a timer to help exhaust the humid air from the bathroom - I have a habit of forgetting I left it on, and going to work with it still going full blast.  Hence the timer.



However, after I installed the timer, the fan is running much slower and quieter now.  I know that running motors outside of their design speed can sometimes cause issues, so am I risking burning out the fan motor, or worse, starting some kind of fire in my house?  The fan still moves plenty of air at the slower speed, but I am ignorant of how things like current, speed, voltage, etc., all play into something like this.



Am I fine to leave the timer in place, or do I need to go back to the switch?
5/19/2010 6:22:36 PM EDT
[#1]
You may have used a switch that is only rated for a light fixture and not a fan. Look up the part number on the timer switch or its box and see if that is the case.
5/20/2010 2:43:23 AM EDT
[#2]




Quoted:

You may have used a switch that is only rated for a light fixture and not a fan. Look up the part number on the timer switch or its box and see if that is the case.




Figures...I'll check.  Thanks!
5/20/2010 4:49:04 AM EDT
[#3]
Aslo, what is the model # of the fan.
5/20/2010 6:21:30 AM EDT
[#4]
The fan is a nutone combination fan/light.  It looks most like their model# 668RP, but has more of a decorative flange around it.  I can't get to it to check.



I looked at the package for the timer, and it says incandescent only, so I guess I'll just need to exchange it.
5/22/2010 4:22:08 PM EDT
[#5]
Pick one of these up from lowes and your problem should be solved
http://www.lowes.com/pd_140599-95363-TMSW60MWL_0_?productId=3125285&Ntt=timer&Ntk=i_products&pl=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=timer$y=0$x=0