Indicator light for fan.

[chris French]

I have an extractor fan in the bathroom.

It is controlled both by a humidistat (separate, not built in) and also by a ceiling pull switch for manual operation. Supply splits to feed both of these, then runs to the fan where they terminate at the same point. Problem is if the fan is on I don't know if it has been turned on and left on or if the humidistat has switched on. So an indicator would be useful.

I tried a neon indicator in the switch but this doesn't work - it light's up if the humdistat turns on anyway - I guess because there is a current flowing back down towards the switch.

Suggestions as too how can I arrange things so the indicator light on lights when it is switched manually would be welcome.

[David W.E. Roberts]

Chris,

I know it can be done but have forgotten the fine detail, and besides the electrician sorted it out. I have a seperate humidisat, pull switch (with indicator neon) and timer. All these are then isolated by a switch in the airing cupboard. So if I use the pull switch, or if the humidistat cuts in, the timer starts the fan and keeps it going for a set period after the switch or humidistat turns off.

Briefly: If the pull switch is on, the neon in the switch lights brightly. If the pull switch is off but the humidistat/timer is on, then the neon in the switch glows dimly. Everything off, no light.

I presume an extra wire or wires goes from the timer back to the pull switch with some kind of additional resistance to make the light glow, but dimly.

I leave the detailed design to the theoreticians of the group.

HTH Dave R

[David W.E. Roberts]

Homebase have a 30A pull switch with mechanical indicator by MK. Designe for isolating power showers where it could be dodgy if the neon went. Under £12. I bought one for my bathroom fan (after trying to reuse the old switch from a power shower which was unfortunately naffed). Looked for a lower spec one - fan draws minimal current - but this was all I could find and time is sometimes money :-) Less elegant than the bright/dim neon, but a good solution.

[chris French]

That's all rather more effort than I want to go to. - yes it is a shame there isn't a led on the stat.

The ceiling switch is a possibility, though not one I really want to go with. The landing is nicely new plastered, I don't want to disturb that.

TBH, I'm looking for a cheap and fairly easy job, otherwise I'll just leave it alone.