Bathroom fan timer

[Bean]

I've scoured the internet on a 'how to' search but perhaps the CP braintrust will provide more direct advice.

We had a number of Leviton bathroom fan timers installed last year and 2 out of 3 of them have started buzzing when activated. Does anybody know if there is a simple fix to this before I shell out for new units?

They look like this:

[DuffMan]

I have one like just like that, but it doesn't buzz that I know of. I'd probably change them, I don't think there is much you can do to fix them.

[SeeBass]

mine don't make a noise, installed about a year ago

[ken0042]

I also have one of those in the bathroom; for about 6 years now. Mine also doesn't buzz at all.

Could it be a grounding issue? IIRC when I installed mine it had to be grounded to the box.

[zamler]

Maybe the fans they are connected to are drawing too much current? What fans do you have?

[Bean]

The electrician was a little puzzled with one of the installs as there were four sets of wires coming out of the box; of which one is connected to the central furnace/exhaust switch on the main floor. (ie you press the switch, furnace switches on and one fan on each floor goes on to clear out the house).

I think it is a non-issue as the other buzzing switch has no connection with the house 'exhaust' switch. Despite the annoying sound, the switches still work so I don't think it is a wiring issue. Just the sound is really off putting.

Online reviews say that the Leviton brand of switches aren't the best made; thought I'd see if there is a way to fix the switch instead of swapping it out for new ones.

[Bean]

Originally Posted by zamler

Maybe the fans they are connected to are drawing too much current? What fans do you have?

I wish I knew, but they are whatever builder spec is (doubtful that they are anything fancy).

A review of the manufacturer's website indicates that I could have purchased a 1,000W timer or potentially a 500W timer. I suppose buying a 1,000W unit of a different brand would eliminate my problems. It's $65 that I don't want to spend as well as a chance of zapping myself that I'm not too keen on.

[zamler]

It's probably just the TRIACs buzzing, a common problem.

BTW, for anyone looking to install vent fans, by far the best ones are made by Panasonic.

[Jimmy Stang]

I have two of those on bathrooms and one on my main house fan, and none of them buzz at all. Mine just make the usual little click noise then activated, but other than that, you just don't notice them.

[Sliver]

I have two of those as well. No buzzing. Best GD invention ever.

[photon]

If you do replace it, one of these is even better than the timer:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/dew-...-switch/992278

(EDIT: It turns on and off based on humidity, so works when required).

[psyang]

Originally Posted by photon

If you do replace it, one of these is even better than the timer:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/dew-...-switch/992278

(EDIT: It turns on and off based on humidity, so works when required).

Unfortunately, humidity isn't the only reason to use a fan...

[Bean]

So just checked the buzzing of the two timers in question, one isn't that loud but audible if you've got the electric razor going.

The other one is quite audible and you can hear it over the shower running. It's so loud you can't hear the fan running either (if it is even working that is).

I like the idea of that sensor, might not be ideal after Toonie Tuesdays though.

[Aleks]

Neither of mine buzz, and they've been installed for years now..