Installing Timer on Exhaust Fan

Home inspector Tim Hockenberry tracks down the cause of the mold in Teresa Taylor's home to a clogged and failing ceiling exhaust fan in the bathroom. He also finds missing insulation in the attic of the bedroom right above the area where mold is accumulating. Moisture from the bathroom is seeping into the hall and collecting in the bedroom—hot moves to cold, it's a simple law of physics. The first step in this fix is to get rid of that clogged and failing bathroom exhaust fan.

Materials:

electrician's wire tester
screwdriver
wire nut
double workbox
toggle switch for the light
60- minute timer
pencil
level
utility knife

1. Before starting, make sure that the power is off at the electrical panel. Remove the cover from the switch. Use an electrician's wire tester to double check that the circuit is safe to touch. Use a screwdriver to remove the switch toggle (figure A).

2. Once the switch is removed, use a wire nut to mark and keep track of the wires.

3. Measure to install a new double workbox. Make marks on the wall, and check with a level.

4. Using a utility knife, cut the drywall hole for the new double box (figure B).

Figure E

Figure A

5. With the wires for the light switch and exhaust fan separated, pull the wires through the new double workbox and screw into place (figure C).

6. Wire the new switch and the new timer attaching the hot, neutral and ground wires for each following the manufacturer's specifications (figure D).

7. Adjust the toggle switch for the light and the shaft for the timer accordingly to make them line up with the switch cover. Then screw on switch cover and attach the timer plate and knob. Turn on the power and test your work (figure E).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

RESOURCES :

Intermatic 60-Minute White Spring-Wound Time Switch Model FD60MW
www.intermatic.com