Timer Switch for bathroom fan choice

[Meursault74]

I want to install a timed switch so that the fan in the bathroom will stay on after taking a shower for a period of time. The switch for the fan also turns on the bulbs over the vanity and the GFCI outlet. This switch is in a single metal box, no neutral in the box, and ground through the metal box. I've narrowed it down to an electrical switch and a mechanical switch. I'm kind of leaning toward mechanical as it has a higher capacity and since it's mechanical I shouldn't have any compatibility issues with whatever bulbs I use or any minimum load requirements.

These are the two I've narrowed the choice to:

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

I'm thinking that after taking a shower I'll just turn the knob back to 60 minute mark and that should be more than enough time.

Anything I'm overlooking? Anyone use any of these? Advice?

Thanks.

 

[ripperd]

We used to use the mechanical turn style.

New house, I used the 2nd multiple pushbutton style. I love it. Put one in every bathroom.

 

[The Cobbler]

springwound timers seem to **** out more often than the electronic count down ones with push button time select .

 

[dcg9381]

I need a set of these too. Tired of the kids leaving the fans on sucking out the HVAC all day.

 

[ddawg16]

I would suggest and occupancy sensor light switch. That is what I have.

It starts timing 'after' you leave the room. So as long as you're in there....it keeps the light and fan on.
When you leave, it starts timing.

I think mine has choices of like, 1, 5, 10, 20....etc

 

[mike93lx]

I use this one. 5 in my current house, two in the last one. No issues at all

Leviton 500-Watt 60-Minute In-Wall Digital Timer

Leviton 500-Watt 60-Minute In-Wall Digital Timer 6161T-1LW R62-6161T-1LW - The Home Depot

Automatically control heat lamps, indoor or outdoor lights and fans by using Leviton In-Wall Digital Timer. UL listed product.

www.homedepot.com

SKU# 202051145

If you need more capacity, this is 1800watt

Leviton 1800-Watt 60-Minute Decora Preset Single-Pole/3-Way Countdown Timer (Neutral Wire Required), White/Ivory/Light Almond 001-LTB60-1LZ - The Home Depot

Better than ever - Leviton Timer Switches offer advanced features, superior accuracy and contemporary aesthetics. Our robust selection provides convenient timed control of lighting and motor loads in homes, offices, schools, libraries and other small commercial applications. Easy upgrade...

www.homedepot.com

 

[cybrdyke]

Get a real one from a real manufacturer like Intermatic or Tork instead of some fake-branded, no quality **** from Amazon.
CD

 

[Norcal]

Get a real one from a real manufacturer like Intermatic or Tork instead of some fake-branded, no quality **** from Amazon.
CD

And will be listed instead of sporting a counterfeit UL label.

 

[Meursault74]

Get a real one from a real manufacturer like Intermatic or Tork instead of some fake-branded, no quality **** from Amazon.
CD

And will be listed instead of sporting a counterfeit UL label.

The electronic one I listed is made by GE.......... hmmm General Electric. Ever heard of them? I have one of their refrigerators from the 80's that's still going. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Electric.

I have never heard of the BN-Link Brand I listed though.

I'm leaning now towards the GE Electronic Switch based on the responses by everyone.
Thanks all.

 

[mike93lx]

The electronic one I listed is made by GE.......... hmmm General Electric. Ever heard of them? I have one of their refrigerators from the 80's that's still going. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Electric.

I have never heard of the BN-Link Brand I listed though.

I'm leaning now towards the GE Electronic Switch based on the responses by everyone.
Thanks all.

GE isn't making that switch. But they are putting their name on it, which at least counts for something, I guess

 

[Norcal]

The electronic one I listed is made by GE.......... hmmm General Electric. Ever heard of them? I have one of their refrigerators from the 80's that's still going. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Electric.

I have never heard of the BN-Link Brand I listed though.

I'm leaning now towards the GE Electronic Switch based on the responses by everyone.
Thanks all.

None of the products you mentioned are made by GE anymore, including the appliances.

 

[cybrdyke]

None of the products you mentioned are made by GE anymore, including the appliances.

Correct. GE sells their logo to anyone with a few bucks. They dont make that switch.
Kinda funny when someone gets snarky because they think they know something only to learn that they just made a fool of themselves.

 

[Meursault74]

None of the products you mentioned are made by GE anymore, including the appliances.

Well, GE put their name on it and it has the UL approval. I can't really rely on anything more than that. This switch is sold by various retailers.

 

[Norcal]

Well, GE put their name on it and it has the UL approval. I can't really rely on anything more than that. This switch is sold by various retailers.

UL does not approve anything, they list it, if anything says UL approved there is a very good chance it is bogus.

 

[Meursault74]

Correct. GE sells their logo to anyone with a few bucks. They dont make that switch.
Kinda funny when someone gets snarky because they think they know something only to learn that they just made a fool of themselves.

I've never heard of Tork. I looked the switch up. Looks very similar to the one from GE. They're both made in China. They could both be made in the same factory. Who can really say?

Amazon.com

This one actually costs less than the GE. I can't use this one though as I don't have a neutral in the switch box.

There are others that look very similar as well.

No one here needs to have an argument over this matter

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[Meursault74]

UL does not approve anything, they list it, if anything says UL approved there is a very good chance it is bogus.

my mistake, it says "UL listed"

 

[Norcal]

Correct. GE sells their logo to anyone with a few bucks. They dont make that switch.
Kinda funny when someone gets snarky because they think they know something only to learn that they just made a fool of themselves.

GE Industrial Systems (electrical equipment) is not GE anymore they are part of ABB, owner of Baldor Electric, GE Lighting was sold also.

 

[dmaxfireman]

I have 3 of these made by Intermatic, and they work great. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P8KCJ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cybrdyke]

Long ago, in an effort to sell more water heaters, Home Depot did a customer survey. They asked customers which brand of water heater they would most likely buy. The list included some of the usual manufacturers and also GE. Even though they didn't make water heaters at all, GE won the survey. This shows you two things: the power of a good name and the level of knowledge of the common consumer.
Home Depot called in both Ruud, who actually makes water heaters, and GE to a meeting. They told Ruud that they could be their sole supplier of water heaters to Home Depot as long as they would agree to stick a GE logo on them. They told GE that they would pay them a percentage of sales for the use of their logo and that they wouldn't have to do anything else. Both companies agreed and Home Depot became the exclusive seller of "GE" brand water heaters.
It's a good lesson because it's done so much now that unless you're in a particular business, it's nearly impossible to know who makes what.
CD

 

[yeldogt]

Long ago, in an effort to sell more water heaters, Home Depot did a customer survey. They asked customers which brand of water heater they would most likely buy. The list included some of the usual manufacturers and also GE. Even though they didn't make water heaters at all, GE won the survey. This shows you two things: the power of a good name and the level of knowledge of the common consumer.
Home Depot called in both Ruud, who actually makes water heaters, and GE to a meeting. They told Ruud that they could be their sole supplier of water heaters to Home Depot as long as they would agree to stick a GE logo on them. They told GE that they would pay them a percentage of sales for the use of their logo and that they wouldn't have to do anything else. Both companies agreed and Home Depot became the exclusive seller of "GE" brand water heaters.
It's a good lesson because it's done so much now that unless you're in a particular business, it's nearly impossible to know who makes what.
CD

And ..... the service number on the units was GE. This was back when GE was big into services.

 

[shellback]

Great idea. One of the switches below is the bath fan. Can I use one of the examples you've listed into my current set up. I checked my box and it has enough room behind both switches. Thanks.

 

[mike93lx]

Great idea. One of the switches below is the bath fan. Can I use one of the examples you've listed into my current set up. I checked my box and it has enough room behind both switches. Thanks.

Yes. If you have a neutral, you can use basically anything. If not, you have to get a compatible one

 

[nadogail]

Many brands that earned good reputations have been sold to others who have taken advantage of the trust of an unknowing public.
When I first saw a Packard Bell Computer I mistakenly assumed it would be the same quality as the radios were.

 

[marinusdees]

I use this one. 5 in my current house, two in the last one. No issues at all

Leviton 500-Watt 60-Minute In-Wall Digital Timer

Leviton 500-Watt 60-Minute In-Wall Digital Timer 6161T-1LW R62-6161T-1LW - The Home Depot

Automatically control heat lamps, indoor or outdoor lights and fans by using Leviton In-Wall Digital Timer. UL listed product.

www.homedepot.com

SKU# 202051145

If you need more capacity, this is 1800watt

Leviton 1800-Watt 60-Minute Decora Preset Single-Pole/3-Way Countdown Timer (Neutral Wire Required), White/Ivory/Light Almond 001-LTB60-1LZ - The Home Depot

Better than ever - Leviton Timer Switches offer advanced features, superior accuracy and contemporary aesthetics. Our robust selection provides convenient timed control of lighting and motor loads in homes, offices, schools, libraries and other small commercial applications. Easy upgrade...

www.homedepot.com

These switches eventually do fail. On the circuit board, there is a resistor mounted in proximity to an electrolytic capacitor. This causes (heat) the electrolyte to break down. Planned obsolescence. Happened to me more than once. Still like the concept, still use them.

 

[mike93lx]

These switches eventually do fail. On the circuit board, there is a resistor mounted in proximity to an electrolytic capacitor. This causes (heat) the electrolyte to break down. Planned obsolescence. Happened to me more than once. Still like the concept, still use them.

Everything fails eventually.

No way I am listening to a mechanical timer ticking away in my bathroom, so this is it.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Leviton makes a switch that senses the humidity level and turns on the fan accordingly.

No need for a timer, or eben to worry about it as it's all automated.

Couple that with a Leviton occupancy sensor to turn ON/OFF the lights and there is no need to touch any switch as you enter the bathroom.

 

[Meursault74]

Leviton makes a switch that senses the humidity level and turns on the fan accordingly.

No need for a timer, or eben to worry about it as it's all automated.

Couple that with a Leviton occupancy sensor to turn ON/OFF the lights and there is no need to touch any switch as you enter the bathroom.

my switch is right next to the door which I keep open when I'm done. The shower is on the opposite side and the problem area.

I'll stick with time and see how it goes. I've ordered the part.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Home Depot called in both Ruud, who actually makes water heaters, and GE to a meeting. They told Ruud that they could be their sole supplier of water heaters to Home Depot as long as they would agree to stick a GE logo on them.

They no longer have the GE logo on them.
They now have the actual manufacture name Rheem, (same as Ruud)

 

[FMB4]

Good thread with lots of info. With the price of bath fans what they are now, a timer is a good idea.

 

[Meursault74]

I installed the "GE" unit. The metal on the unit was engraved with the "GE", packaging says UL Listed. Made in China of course. It works. I tested it at 5 minutes and 60 minutes and it did those and shut off. Seems user friendly. Just push the big button and it'll go on for amount of time it was previously set for. Push the big button again and it turns off if you don't want it to wait for the time off. If you want to override the timer you need to keep the button pushed for 5 seconds. I don't think I'll do that. When I take a shower, I'll just let it go.

Amazon had it at my door in less than 24 hours and on a Sunday! I picked free shipping. I thought it was coming later this week, surprised me and sort of forced me to install it today.

 

[Ak Jim]

I’ve used these for years. Never had an issue with them. Another option, especially if you have people using the bathroom that aren’t smart enough to turn the fan, is a single switch that turns on both the light and the fan. It has a built in timer (that you can adjust) that keeps the fan running after you turn the light off.

 

[adrenalinejeeper]

Leviton makes a switch that senses the humidity level and turns on the fan accordingly.

No need for a timer, or eben to worry about it as it's all automated.

Couple that with a Leviton occupancy sensor to turn ON/OFF the lights and there is no need to touch any switch as you enter the bathroom.

I put one of these in the bathroom of our new house, as we couldn't pass final inspection without it. The stupid thing has the fan on CONSTANTLY before we have even moved in. I've played with the adjustments to set it at the least sensitive and lowest run time, and it is still kicking on all the time. We live in a dry climate and whether we leave the house open or have it closed up with the AC on, the fan is turning on at least once every 20-30 minutes. I don't think the humidistat switch will last long once we move in there, I would rather have a timer.

Now the occupancy sensors are GREAT for walk-in closets and powder rooms. I'm a big fan of those.

 

[Sumboodie]

The one I have looks like a light switch but functions as a timer.
Behind the faceplate it has a small dial to adjust. I want to say 5 mins to an hour.

Turn fan on, and when it's turned off, it stays on for the set time.

Did need 3 wires for sure.

Sorry, don't recall the brand. I could look if you're interested. Had worked fine since around 2010.

 

[Sumboodie]

I installed the "GE" unit. The metal on the unit was engraved with the "GE", packaging says UL Listed. Made in China of course. It works. I tested it at 5 minutes and 60 minutes and it did those and shut off. Seems user friendly. Just push the big button and it'll go on for amount of time it was previously set for. Push the big button again and it turns off if you don't want it to wait for the time off. If you want to override the timer you need to keep the button pushed for 5 seconds. I don't think I'll do that. When I take a shower, I'll just let it go.

Amazon had it at my door in less than 24 hours and on a Sunday! I picked free shipping. I thought it was coming later this week, surprised me and sort of forced me to install it today.

Wow.
Amazon here takes at least 5-7 days. Sometimes 10.

 

[Meursault74]

I put one of these in the bathroom of our new house, as we couldn't pass final inspection without it. The stupid thing has the fan on CONSTANTLY before we have even moved in. I've played with the adjustments to set it at the least sensitive and lowest run time, and it is still kicking on all the time. We live in a dry climate and whether we leave the house open or have it closed up with the AC on, the fan is turning on at least once every 20-30 minutes. I don't think the humidistat switch will last long once we move in there, I would rather have a timer.

Now the occupancy sensors are GREAT for walk-in closets and powder rooms. I'm a big fan of those.

So now that you are inspected, change it out to a timer and keep the sensor one for the future if you need to put it back for an inspection.

My brother had to install those occupancy sensor lights as part of some energy saving code when he built a guest house. He had a problem with a few of them a year or two later. I replaced them with normal rocker switches.