hey you electricians

[Enigma]

So in my other bathroom (not the one currently under renovation), I want to install a moisture sensing switch for the fan.

http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com/dewstop-bathroom-fan-switch-review/

Problem is, my house is one of the exceptions listed as my existing fan and switch has no 3rd neutral lead. Just your basic 2 wires.
Installing a new fan is out, at least for now, as it's an old 80's unit with the smaller duct size, therefore the whole ceiling needs to be gutted. Not up for that now.

So is this switch just not gonna happen or is there another method?

I'll be using this same switch in the upstairs reno'd bath with its new fan.

 

[wrongway around]

your bathroom guy should be able to do that. that switch is just a on/off power wire going to the fan it already is hooked up . looks like you have everything already in your box.

 

[Enigma]

ooks like you have everything already in your box.

....minus the 3rd neutral lead that is apparently specifically required according to the installation instructions.
Otherwise I'd do it. I'll turn off a fuse this time though, my dining room light install was "electrifying".

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Looks like a group of neutral under the orange wire nut

 

[Betarocker]

I have installed a few humidistats in my house. I installed a box about 8" from the ceiling and fished a 14/2 wire down to the existing switch directly below it. them wired parallel to the switch/timer. I just use basic mechanical style times and humidistats, so no need for the extra hot.

Having the stat up high allows it to turn on much sooner than when installed at switch height, and is also harder for someone to reach and adjust it.

 

[Enigma]

Looks like a group of neutral under the orange wire nut

Might be, there's a crap load of wires stuffed in that box with a 3 way switch beside the fan switch also..and they are all white, or sprayed white anyways.

 

[wrongway around]

might want to put a meter on it while its hot ,so as not to have another flash back.

 

[Vanny]

might want to put a meter on it while its hot ,so as not to have another flash back.

...or hire an electrician

 

[Enigma]

...or hire an electrician

...or just not do it till the next round of reno's.

 

[Enigma]

Received a response from their customer support:

"Thank you for contacting DewStop in regards to your situation.


First, I would like to direct you to our manual for the FS-100, which I have attached to this email. Please review page 5 regarding wiring instructions, and refer to this diagram in conjunction with our reply when installing your DewStop device. As always, please make sure to turn OFF the circuit breaker to the electrical circuit that is for the fan at the main circuit panel before performing any kind of electrical work, to be safe.


Second, you mentioned a 3 way switch, so I also need to confirm that the switch you are replacing is the fan ONLY switch, and that the 3 way switch you reference is separate and only controls the light.


And now onto your question. It is hard to determine what your exact situation is based on the photograph, but it appears that the group of wires connected together on the left side of the photo (right side of your junction box) are your white wires, which are neutral. Please confirm this, and if that is the case, then you can simply connect the white wire on your FS-100 to this group.


As to the black wires extending from your switch, again please confirm, but typically in a simple switch connector set up (where you have two black wires connected to a basic rocker/toggle switch) the top wire is usually the HOT wire, and the bottom wire connects to your fan. If this is the case, then you may connect the black wire on your DewStop switch to the HOT wire (the top wire in this photo), and the red wire on your DewStop switch to the bottom wire in the photo (which goes to your fan).


I do not see a ground wire in the photograph you have provided, so please confirm that one exists somewhere in the junction box; it will either be a green wire or bare copper. It is also possible that the ground wire is connected to your 3 way light switch. If this wire is present, please connect it to the corresponding green Ground wire on your DewStop. If it is not there, then please consult with a professional electrician, as your electrical box is not up to safety code regulations and this wire must be provided."


The switch itself isn't grounded, at least when it's not attached to the junction box. I noticed a nice fuzzy warm tingling sensation when I had grabbed the switch from the metal sides and pulled it out to separate it from all the paint that had been applied over the years, after it was unscrewed.
There is some bare copper grounds stuffed in there all twisted up in a Marette.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Received a response from their customer support:

"Thank you for contacting DewStop in regards to your situation.


First, I would like to direct you to our manual for the FS-100, which I have attached to this email. Please review page 5 regarding wiring instructions, and refer to this diagram in conjunction with our reply when installing your DewStop device. As always, please make sure to turn OFF the circuit breaker to the electrical circuit that is for the fan at the main circuit panel before performing any kind of electrical work, to be safe.


Second, you mentioned a 3 way switch, so I also need to confirm that the switch you are replacing is the fan ONLY switch, and that the 3 way switch you reference is separate and only controls the light.


And now onto your question. It is hard to determine what your exact situation is based on the photograph, but it appears that the group of wires connected together on the left side of the photo (right side of your junction box) are your white wires, which are neutral. Please confirm this, and if that is the case, then you can simply connect the white wire on your FS-100 to this group.


As to the black wires extending from your switch, again please confirm, but typically in a simple switch connector set up (where you have two black wires connected to a basic rocker/toggle switch) the top wire is usually the HOT wire, and the bottom wire connects to your fan. If this is the case, then you may connect the black wire on your DewStop switch to the HOT wire (the top wire in this photo), and the red wire on your DewStop switch to the bottom wire in the photo (which goes to your fan).


I do not see a ground wire in the photograph you have provided, so please confirm that one exists somewhere in the junction box; it will either be a green wire or bare copper. It is also possible that the ground wire is connected to your 3 way light switch. If this wire is present, please connect it to the corresponding green Ground wire on your DewStop. If it is not there, then please consult with a professional electrician, as your electrical box is not up to safety code regulations and this wire must be provided."


The switch itself isn't grounded, at least when it's not attached to the junction box. I noticed a nice fuzzy warm tingling sensation when I had grabbed the switch from the metal sides and pulled it out to separate it from all the paint that had been applied over the years, after it was unscrewed.
There is some bare copper grounds stuffed in there all twisted up in a Marette.

I read this as and recommend hire a real electrician

 

[Enigma]

Yeah, probably. My dad was an electrician..I didn't inherit those genes.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Yeah, probably. My dad was an electrician..I didn't inherit those genes.

Sounds like you save yourself a lot $$$$ already by the work you were able to do.

 

[sailor]

That is a pretty good response though from the manufacturer of the fan...

 

[Enigma]

That is a pretty good response though from the manufacturer of the fan...

Switch manufacturer, not the fan.