Gable Fan Switch

ffemt121

I'm trying to find out what I can about this switch,
It's 75w-125v for my gable vent fan. The previous owners did this "amazing" install job, but I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to be on a thermostat controlled switch in the attic. Is the bottom part of this switch a thermostat or something else?

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joecaption

Why not install a ridge vent and vent the whole attic instead of just one end, and never have to work on, or pay to run a fan agin?

ffemt121

Because I'm doing the best I can with the financial resources I have. The roof is 25 years old, but I need to squeak another year or two out of it. I don't have the $10,000+ for a new roof.

Missouri Bound

The bottom part of the switch almost looks like an indicator light. A thermostat will serve you better but if you install proper vents in the new roof "when you get one" the gable fan won't be used anymore. Whatever you decide to do wire it safely.

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ffemt121

Should I not waste the money on putting a thermostat up there before I replace the roof then?

Missouri Bound

Well that's up to you. If you don't care about an automated device and you want to switch it manually.............it's your call. Just make whatever wiring that is there safe.

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ffemt121

Nothing safe about the wiring in this house...I have yet to get in the attic and look, but the switch and wire was just punched thru the Sheetrock and hanging in a closet in the master bedroom

bclee

That's quite the "amazing install". I'd need better photos to guess at what was hanging through the wallboard. You'll want to determine if the fan already has a thermostat in series with it, its setpoints, if there is overlimit protection (firestat), and if there is a manual cutoff switch.

Brian

ffemt121

If I can get up in the attic today, I will see what else I can find up there..I'm guessing I will find an ID plate on this fan motor circa late 70's-early 80's...the access hatch to get up there will become a set of attic stairs at some point, but right now it's a 14" x 14" scuttle

ffemt121

Brian, just out of curiosity, where would I find that sort of equipment? Would it be attached to the fan's framework?

ffemt121

Here's how it looks in the attic..shouldn't these Wires be in conduit or that metal stuff incase squirrels get in?

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bob22

The thermostat is below the fan (that silver box with the screw to adjust on/off temp).
Metal cable should be attached to the JB with an approved connector, not hanging like that.
Nonmetallic cable (black stuff) should be stapled within ~ 8" of box and then like every 2'. I doubt squirrels will chew your cable; if they get in, you'll have other worries.

ffemt121

Great, thanks Bob. I will take the staples and hammer next time I go up there. How about that round junction box? Us it ok where it is or should I try to secure it to a joist.

bob22

I'm no pro but I'm sure the local code wants them attached to a structural element (like the nearby beam or if wire length is an issue, you could add in a board sistered to nearby framing to secure it).

kevinp22

that round junction box needs to be secured to something (ie joists)

The JB that the conduit "almost enters" has a termostat control on it. whether it works or not is another question. The thermostat can be turned with a standard screwdriver

Personally I would not use this fan given its age and the many code violations involved in the install. If I did use it, I would want to manually turn it on and off and not run it while people are sleeping