Attic fan manual “on” switch

[Radio Flyer]

I am considering adding a switch to my attic fan so that I can flip it on when working in the garage.

Any reason that I shouldn’t do it, or maybe a different way?

 

[mm08822]

Make sure you don't bypass any hi-temp safety.

Maybe even consider a timer.

 

[infinkc]

Any specs on that Tstat? Or what model attic fan it is? Some fans now are DC and that “Tstat” maybe a converter also., or maybe have caps in it.

 

[Radio Flyer]

I’ll have to check into the thermostat. I had the roofer set it in place when they did the roof, but it’s not wired in yet because I wanted to put the switch in it. I’m sure it’s a stock Home Depot unit.

 

[madison069]

If the attic fan like mine that I installed on my house and the in-law, the motor is a 120V motor. On my house I have a switch inline to turn it off during winter to keep the heat in the roof if it actually gets that warm. Then in the spring I just flip the switch on, so the t-stat does the job of turn it on and off based on temperature in the attic. Only reason I can think of that I would want to make sure I can turn it on manually is if the house was full of smoke or a smell from cooking. But then again that's what the hood exhaust fan and the bathroom exhaust fan that's next to the kitchen is good at doing. This is based on my experience.

I do have a house fan in the hallway that I control with a switch, no ac in the house, but that comes on at night before bed and is turned off when I wake up in the morning.

 

[tarmy]

I have two attic fans on switches. The switches are in the attic near the access hole. They were put there by me…cause those damn attic fans **** out every few years. I have bought “good” onesand **** ones…nothing makes it long. That way I flip the switch off, wire the new unit in and turn it back on….to return a few years later.

Should work fine OP. I would add it to a single light or something to remind you if it is on.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Make sure you don't bypass any hi-temp safety.

Maybe even consider a timer.

You used to be able to buy separate box high temperature safety switches (aka firestats) for cheap for attic fans but they are now discontinued.

One way to do it now is with 2 $20 thermostats in series

Power -> thermostat at 100F with integral fire stat -> override manual switch -> thermostat at 50F with integral fire stat (always on) -> attic fans.

The second thermostat is really just being used for its fire stat which will still function if the fan is manually switched on.

 

[Radio Flyer]

Thanks everyone, I’m going to go up there today and look around to see what I actually have up there. Maybe even bend and hang some conduit as long as the weather is nice.

 

[Radio Flyer]

Seems pretty simple.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Looks like a thermostat control with no firestat.

 

[Wrench97]

Looks like a thermostat control with no firestat.

Or bushing around the wire entry or ground.......

 

[tool_scrounge]

Or bushing around the wire entry or ground.......

Agreed. That does make me wince a bit.

 

[Radio Flyer]

Or bushing around the wire entry or ground.......

Sorry, the picture was of the way it shipped out of the box



I hope this is better!

 

[rharman]

I have that same setup on a gable fan. I've thought about adding a switch - it's about 50' from the access hole. I can kill the power via the breaker but that takes down the master closet lights and a few other things.

I actually have 4 gable fans but the other 3 are reasonably accessible.