How do I disconnect the fan in my bathroom?

brigden

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2002
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Each time I turn on the light, the bloody fan comes on. It's unnecessary, and I'd like to disconnect it. How does one go about doing this, and is it easy for a hardware n00b?
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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disconnect the ground. seriously. Might want to disconnect the power first. Also, hook up a wire nut or tape it off...if the wire flies near the contact point, it'll turn back on.

-=bmacd=-
 

Mermaidman

Diamond Member
Sep 4, 2003
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Before you do any electrical stuff, shut off the power for that room at the circuit box. Then turn on the wall switch to confirm that the power is cut off.

Only thing I can think of is to take down the fan fixture, disconnect the wiring, then put it back. Make sure the loose wires are capped. The plastic cover can be removed by yanking it down a bit, then you have to reach behind the cover and squeeze a couple of fasteners to take the cover off.

Maybe someone else has a better idea. I recently replaced a bathroom fan--working in the attic was hot as hell!
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
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Why don't you just put in a fanbus so when you need the extra cooling you can turn it up?
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
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Open up the access to the fan so you can see the wire connections.

Kill the power at a breaker.

Cut the wires to the fan.

Tape the ends of the live wires with electrical tape or use a wire nut.

Reset breaker.

Check work.

Close up fan access.
 

bastula

Golden Member
Aug 31, 2000
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Originally posted by: jagec
Why don't you just put in a fanbus so when you need the extra cooling you can turn it up?

For some strange reason, I laughed like crazy when I read that comment.

I could imagine someone from here doing that though... :Q
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
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Note that the fan is useful to help remove humidity from the room. Excess humidity can cause corrision.
 

Klixxer

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2004
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Mine used to do the same until i just put a switch on it, i won't give any advice on how to because the colors might be different but basically it is just to put the switch on the cable that carries the current.
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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i suggest putting a second switch on instead of permanently disconnecting it. It's there for a reason :)

-=bmacd=-
 

Skiguy411

Platinum Member
Dec 4, 2002
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What happens if say, you went to a mexican resturant and decided to try their extra hot sauce, wouldnt you regret not having that fan anymore?
 

Klixxer

Diamond Member
Apr 7, 2004
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Originally posted by: bmacd
i suggest putting a second switch on instead of permanently disconnecting it. It's there for a reason :)

-=bmacd=-

Yup, don't mess with ventilation, especially if you got a shower in there.
 

brigden

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2002
8,702
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Originally posted by: bmacd
i suggest putting a second switch on instead of permanently disconnecting it. It's there for a reason :)

-=bmacd=-

I have a room in a finished basement. There's a shower in the hallway, outside of the bathroom itself. The fan isn't needed as there's never any humidity, or smell.

The bathroom has a fan on a seperate switch. I neglected to go into details because I'm lazy.
 

Mermaidman

Diamond Member
Sep 4, 2003
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Originally posted by: brigden
Originally posted by: bmacd
i suggest putting a second switch on instead of permanently disconnecting it. It's there for a reason :)

-=bmacd=-

I have a room in a finished basement. There's a shower in the hallway, outside of the bathroom itself. The fan isn't needed as there's never any humidity, or smell.

The bathroom has a fan on a seperate switch. I neglected to go into details because I'm lazy.
I am easily confused--The shower is in the hallway?!

And the fan has a separate switch, yet turning on the lights will turn the fan on?