Bath Fan Wiring Help

[SierraGold]

I just put in a new Panasonic (FV-0511VFL1K) fan/light combo. It replaced an old Broan fan/light combo. There are two switches on the wall, one for the light and one for the fan. I want the new one to function just the same.

So I took out the old fan and there's a wire coming from the attic with one black, one red, one white, and a ground. The old fan had a blue wire that was connected to the red and I replicated that in the new fan. (The new fan/light has 1 green, 1 blue, 2 black and two white.) Then I connected all the black together, then all the whites, then the ground wires. Now one switch turns on both the fan and the light, and the other switch turns only the light on (but very dim.)

I have not pulled the switches out to look yet. I'm just trying to search the web to figure out what the heck I did wrong. I would welcome any help you folks can provide. Maybe this gave some of you a good chuckle, maybe not (I'm not great with electrical for sure.)

I am attaching a wiring diagram from Panasonic, but it shows three switches.

Thanks

P.S. I just noticed this model may have a night light. Specs Here

 

[kbuhagiar]

I just put in a new Panasonic (FV-0511VFL1K) fan/light combo. It replaced an old Broan fan/light combo. There are two switches on the wall, one for the light and one for the fan. I want the new one to function just the same.

So I took out the old fan and there's a wire coming from the attic with one black, one red, one white, and a ground. The old fan had a blue wire that was connected to the red and I replicated that in the new fan. (The new fan/light has 1 green, 1 blue, 2 black and two white.) Then I connected all the black together, then all the whites, then the ground wires. Now one switch turns on both the fan and the light, and the other switch turns only the light on (but very dim.)

I have not pulled the switches out to look yet. I'm just trying to search the web to figure out what the heck I did wrong. I would welcome any help you folks can provide. Maybe this gave some of you a good chuckle, maybe not (I'm not great with electrical for sure.)

I am attaching a wiring diagram from Panasonic, but it shows three switches.

Thanks

P.S. I just noticed this model may have a night light. Specs Here

The blue wire is for the night light function. One black wire (smaller two-wire connector) is for the fan and the other black wire (larger three-wire connector) is for the full-on light. Your existing red wire should connect to the black light wire, and the existing black wire should connect to the fan black wire. Just leave the blue wire capped off if you are not using the night light function.

 

[Meursault74]

It seems like you connected the light and fan to one switch and the night light to the other switch

If you want it to function the same as previously without the night light function. Do as mentioned above.

 

[SierraGold]

You guys are awesome. I will give it a try.

If I did want the night light functionality, I imagine I would have to run another wire and use a third switch or a multi-swich?

Thanks

 

[kbuhagiar]

If I did want the night light functionality, I imagine I would have to run another wire and use a third switch or a multi-swich?

Correct!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Did you look at the diagram you posted? It answers your questions...

 

[SierraGold]

I did, but I don't have that many wires coming out of the wall and just wanted someone to take a look.

 

[American Locomotive]

I did, but I don't have that many wires coming out of the wall and just wanted someone to take a look.

I think what he is trying to say, is that simply making assumptions and wiring things "like for like" is a quick way to make mistakes and do things wrong. Always read the manual, especially if the new unit is from a different brand and has a different configuration of wires.

In this case, the manual clearly indicates that the "blue" wire is for the Night Light, while both the main light and fan wires are black. It seems you have got it figured out now, and nothing caught fire or burned down - so no harm, no foul. But in the future, when in doubt, ask first!

 

[jlv03]

For dealing with existing wiring and no easy way to pull new or additional conductors, I wish manufacturers would offer an option to allow for additional features to be controlled via toggling the switch. For instance, turn the switch on once for the night light, turn the switch on-off-on in a short time period to turn on the main light. Or vice versa. Or find a way to do something with the fan (first on just the fan, turn off then back on turns on fan and the light).

Functional Devices had something available at one time that could have been added on, but I don't see it for sale anymore. https://www.functionaldevices.com/downloads/datasheets/Half-Light_BAS.pdf