cjs1Chris Premium Member join:2001-12-22 Trumbull, CT |
cjs1
Premium Member
2013-Jan-3 2:30 am
Bathroom-Switch operates light and fan, want fan, not lightSo this is somewhat of a dumb question, but I'll ask anyway.
My bath is wired such that the same switch operates both a fluorescent light fixture and the exhaust fan. I want to use the fan, but not the light.
If I simply take the bulbs out of the light and continue to turn the fan on/off with the switch will this damage the fluorescent fixture? (i.e. mess up the ballast or something...?)
I assume that having no bulbs in there would just make the light an open circuit and this would be ok, but I'm clueless about how fluorescent lights actually work. |
|
Zach Premium Member join:2006-11-26 Llano, CA |
Zach
Premium Member
2013-Jan-3 7:16 am
If the fixture uses the old pre-heat circuit with a starter, removing the bulbs, more than likely, opens the circuit. Most modern circuits, with the exception of the T-12 slimline instant start, have the ballast continually powered while the fixture is powered. I would advise disconnecting (or having it done) regardless of type. |
|
garys_2k Premium Member join:2004-05-07 Farmington, MI |
to cjs1
Yes, agree. Best way to do this long term is to disconnect the wires feeding the light. Leave them in there in case the next person wants to use it. |
|
cdruGo Colts MVM join:2003-05-14 Fort Wayne, IN
1 recommendation |
cdru
MVM
2013-Jan-3 9:53 am
said by garys_2k:Yes, agree. Best way to do this long term is to disconnect the wires feeding the light. Leave them in there in case the next person wants to use it. Alternatively, add a switch at the fixture. Then it can easily be turned on if needed but it able to be left off normally. |
|
cjs1Chris Premium Member join:2001-12-22 Trumbull, CT |
cjs1
Premium Member
2013-Jan-3 2:03 pm
Thanks all!
Apparently it wasn't as dumb of a question as I thought. |
|
|
|
to cjs1
Similar situation in my house when I bought it. Both devices were separate runs back to the wiring box, so I found my solution in the form of a slightly pricy light switch - » homehardware.ca/en/rec/i ··· I3673028. |
|
dick white Premium Member join:2000-03-24 Springfield, VA |
to cjs1
said by cjs1:Apparently it wasn't as dumb of a question as I thought. The only dumb questions are those that weren't asked because it was thought to be a dumb question, whereupon something even dumber happens that could have been avoided simply by asking perfectly reasonable questions... |
|
cjs1Chris Premium Member join:2001-12-22 Trumbull, CT |
cjs1
Premium Member
2013-Jan-4 1:51 am
said by dick white:said by cjs1:Apparently it wasn't as dumb of a question as I thought. The only dumb questions are those that weren't asked because it was thought to be a dumb question, whereupon something even dumber happens that could have been avoided simply by asking perfectly reasonable questions... Well said. Exactly why I asked - never hurts to be sure. JimmySask - Thanks. Definitely an option. |
|
|
to cjs1
My Exhaust Fan and Light are on one wall switch, and I added a pull-cord-type switch (pull-On, pull-Off), for the fan, to the grill of this two-in-one fixture. Has worked fine for years. A similar switch might work with your fluorescent light, though of course if you're not comfortable working with the 120VAC power to the fixture, then don't muck with it and call an electrician instead. |
|