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What wall switch for bath fan/light/heater?

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#1 ·
What type wall switch (or switches) do I need for a Panasonic FV-11VHL2 bathroom exhaust fan that includes an exhaust fan, heater, light, & night light? I'm replacing an old unit that has all the same functions except the night light & the old unit uses a 3-toggle (fan, heater, light) switch in one regular sized box. Apparently, Panasonic doesn't make the switches. I assume I'll need a 4-function switch to handle the extra night light...is that correct? If so, is there a 4-function switch out there that fits in one regular sized box? Or do I have to add a second single sized box, or use a double sized box, or what? If I have to add a second single sized box, would it be advisable to keep the fan & two light functions in one box & install a rotary-type timer switch in a second box for the heater? And who makes whatever switches you may recommend?

I really appreciate any advice. :confused1:
 
#3 ·
Home Depot has all the supplies.

You need to decide which way you want to go.


The easiest is to skip the night light. If you want the night light, you need 4 switches. They can be installed however you want them to be.

Usually we put two "stacked switches" next to each other in a 2 gang box.

If it was my bathroom I would install a 4 gang box for


(in order, from doorway)

Light

Night light

Fan timer

Heat switch (or timer)

Actually if it was my house I'd skip the night light. It seems dumb in most applications. A night light should be a photo cell activated extremely low watt LED or something smarter than a switched 7 watt lamp that will burn out and never get replaced.

Actually, for real..... if it was my house I wouldn't use any king of light combo unit. The bathroom has lighting. All you really need is the heat/vent.
 
#5 ·
There one thing you have to keep in your mind with bathroom light / fartfan / heater and nitelite unit the best thing to do this is run it own circuit { I know manufacter will mention that somewhere in the installment sheet }

Yeah you can use the duplex switches but IMO it cheaper and more durable get single pole switch with 4 gang box set up [ only if you have plenty room the wall cavity ( most case it may get lucky but most of the time no you will need two gang box to do this or three gang box )

For moi., This what I do run like this set up is get three gang box and the first switch is duplex switch for lights { main light and nitelite } then get two timers one for fartfan and second one for heater there are few diffrent type of timers you want either spring wounded timer or electronic timer set up.

Merci,Marc
 
#7 ·
No




http://www.broan.com/display/router.asp?ProductID=2961


It says right there that the the four functions are

• Single switch provides three settings for fan sensor (On/Off/Auto). • Remaining switches for light/night-light.

I don't know how that is considered four functions but it won't work.


You also need to run new cable/wire to the new fan so you might as well install at laeast a 2 gang box.
 
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