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Multi-function exhaust fan control?

fitchplate | Posted in Mechanicals on

Gents … any idea of a brand of exhaust fax timer/controller/wall switch that combines these features?

1. 24 hr programmable (eg. set # of on and off minutes per hour for 24 hours) so it can be used for exhaust-only whole house ventilation.

2. manual event override that allows single event use that stops and defaults back to the 24 hr program when the event is over; possibly optional time spans for the single event (ie. 5, 10, 15 minutes, etc)

3. a surface master on-off that will stop the program without losing the memory

Thanks

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Replies

  1. charlie_sullivan | | #1

    I don't know about commercial units that combine all these functions, but you could wire up three separate controls to do your three functions--#1 and #2 in parallel, and #3 with two toggle switches--an auto/manual switch and a switch that defines whether manual is on or off, or a normal/forced on switch and a normal/forced off switch. That array of control might be tricky to make look nice, but an electrician should be able to wire that up without needing any special expertise in programmable logic.

    Caveat: I'm not an expert in electrical code so there might be technicalities that prohibit the parallel/series connections I'm suggesting, even though electrically they would work fine.

  2. fitchplate | | #3

    Thansk, Chris. This Leviton was also pointed out to me today: VPT24-1PZ

    http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=VPT24-1PZ&section=44955

    I guess it also fries a steak and mushrooms, drives the kids to school and irons the cloths. Found a series of 8 instructional vids on You Tube.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1_LrEi3m5A&list=PLezLAvPVnMcfT4MS2IItBCu9uR5zn3eeB

    Any experience with it? Have problems been fixed? Amazon.com reviews are all over the map.

    http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-VPT24-1PZ-24-Hour-Programmable-Astronomical/dp/B003AIKQZ8

  3. Expert Member
    MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #4

    I'd go with a variation on Charlie's suggestion.

    - Install any programmable controller you like
    - Install a timer in parallel
    - Install a wall switch on the line between the programmable controller and the fan.

    The fan is controlled by the programmable timer. It can be over ridden by the timer. It can be turned off by the switch without affecting the controller.

  4. user-2575529 | | #5

    Check out the Aircycler smart exhaust timer. Should be what you are looking for.

    http://www.aircycler.com/pages/smartexhaust

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