[GaryR60]

I'm not a DIYer, so be gentle.

I have a bathroom fan switch, rather ancient, that incorporates a timer device that no longer functions, but makes a loud, annoying ticking sound 24/7 and I want to stop this. I don't care about the fan, so it doesn't matter if the switch still functions or not. I just want to silence this stupid thing.

I have taken the unit off the wall and found it is hardwired into the building wiring with one black, one red and a white wire. I gather the black is the "hot" and the white is a neutral, but I don't know if the red is a ground or a switch leg or what. Like I said, I'm not a DIYer and I'm certainly no electrician, so I have no idea what's what here. I need to know which wire(s) to disconnect and which to leave connected, if any. Again, I do not want this device to function once I'm done with this, so I don't care whether it works again or not, I just want it to stop functioning. Any idea what each of these wires is and which I should disconnect? I'd also like to not have an electrical fire when I turn the breaker back on.

Gary

 

[TarheelTerp]

I have a bathroom fan switch, rather ancient...
I have taken the unit off the wall and found it is hardwired into the building wiring with one black, one red and a white wire.

Get THREE wirenuts and a blank plate.

One wirenut onto each of the three wires. Plate on the opening in the wall.

 

[Stubbie]

Code requires an exhaust fan in the bath. Just install a single pole switch for on and off control of the fan.

 

[Jim Port]

I too would advise you the keep the fan functional to remove moisture and avoid mold growth.