3-way switches w/ load indicator??

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Chris6245 said:
Simple solution ....Just put a 2 pole switch in each bathroom. one pole controls the light like a single pole switch. The other pole goes to the exhaust fan from each. This does 2 things, it gives independant control of the light and fan from either bathroom. On the fan switch leg they tie together that way if one switch is on and the other is off it will still power the fan and nothing will change if the other switch is turned on. Now if the first switch is turned off still nothing will change until the second (or third or fourth) switch is off. As long as all the switches use the same circuit this works great.
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I really like that idea, but you'd have to leave the light on to have the fan on. Whenever I climb off my throne though, I have to leave the fan running for awhile :grin: but don't want to leave the light on. I'll keep that thought in mind though for possible applications.
 
brantmacga said:
I really like that idea, but you'd have to leave the light on to have the fan on. Whenever I climb off my throne though, I have to leave the fan running for awhile :grin: but don't want to leave the light on. I'll keep that thought in mind though for possible applications.
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OK..even simpler solution...use a stack switch with 2 single pole switches...wire one switch for the lights and the other for the fan...you can still combine the switch legs from both bathroom fan switches so the fan will stay on if either switch is on....and don't have to worry about another switch turning it off
 
At the risk of encouraging foul comments (which I don't care to :) ) I would agree with the posters who have mentioned a desire to run a fan for other reasons than humidity alone. I imagine most homeowners would be disappointed to not have control over the fan.

Perhaps single pole switches could be wired in parallel to the humidistats, now that would be pretty cool. :)
 
Chris6245 said:
OK..even simpler solution...use a stack switch with 2 single pole switches...wire one switch for the lights and the other for the fan...you can still combine the switch legs from both bathroom fan switches so the fan will stay on if either switch is on....and don't have to worry about another switch turning it off
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oh but stack switches are ssssoooooooo ugly!
 
The usual reason given for installing a centralized vent fan is to reduce noise. Why not avoid the "control" problem in the first place by putting a quiet fan or fan / light in each bathroom. The Panasonic products are nearly inaudible. How can it make sense to ventilate all the bathrooms when only one might be occupied? Seems like a lot of conditioned air will get dumped into the great outdoors for no reason.
 
brantmacga said:
oh but stack switches are ssssoooooooo ugly!
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I agree a standard toggle stack switch is ugly but a decora stack isn't that bad of an option. I only said stack switch because I was assuming this was already roughed in since the OP was looking for 1 switch to solve the problem.
But If I was doing the job I would put 2 switches in a double gang box myself. A stack switch was just an option for a single switch box.
 
Originally posted by GARY. The usual reason given for installing a centralized vent fan is to reduce noise.

I still have kids at home and with the noisy fans I know I get to go around and turn them off.
 
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