We are looking to upgrade our bath exhaust fans with a timer switch in all of our apartment units (200,000+ units. In the recent past, I thought I saw an article or ad somewhere that had a switch that had a "hidden" timer that was adjusted then covered by the cover plate. Am I just dreaming or have you guys seen something like this too?
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Mark
I have an intermatic device sized timer in my bathroom with a small toggle switch. It runs about 10 minutes per operation and I think you can adjust it.
This probably will not help but I have an image if a good one (I don't know who makes it though) it was is an old folks home I saw it when I was visiting my grandma press it once just the light green press it twice fan + light for 15 Minutes 3 Times light goes off but the fan stays on
http://images.dr3vil.com//files3/22/Misc/Image005.jpghttp://images.dr3vil.com//files3/22/Misc/Image006.jpg
How about a mechanical type, with a turn knob, that could be set up to 60 min. Then shuts off. I believe they make it in a Decora Style.
The ones we've used from Intermatic can be installed with either a toggle or decora face plate:
http://www.intermatic.com/?action=subcat&sid=96We've also installed a lot of these but they do require a neutral:
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?sitex=10026:22372:US&item=8851
A neutral would not be a problem as there is one available in the box. The biggest problem (which is not a problem for me, but will be for 95% of the other guys) is going to be box fill. The original design had two toggle switches in a two gang metal box with mud ring. Since "inception" we have changed the light switch to a switch/GFCI combo, which in itself is a tight fit with the mud ring. To add a timer we will have to install deep boxes. problem being, we are dealing with apartment maintenance guys and not electricians. Fortunately, all of our wiring is in FMC, so writing the "instructions" should be straight forward. I just need to find the best device for the job. We are leaning toward the spring-type timers as they are reliable, time-tested, and readily available.
Thanks for all the input