Fan Control Question - Electricians?

[Chaghatai]

I'm trying to do what I think should be simple. I want a timer to run my fan every so often, but also if in-between fan intervals, I also want a thermostat/humidistat controller to be able to turn the fan on. I envisage a box or a plug with one output but two inputs, kinda like a reverse surge strip.

I could easily wire such a contraption, but I don't think it would be electrically correct, would it?

So what should I do? As far as new controllers go, I prefer solid-state, like green air etc.

 

[petemoss]

Here's something simple and cheap (about $20): a Line Voltage Thermostat made by Columbus Electric. You set the temp and when it gets to say 90 deg, the control will turn on your fan or air conditioner and at the same time, will turn off your heater.

 

[Chaghatai]

To clarify, I'm not using a heater. The problem is, I want two different controllers (my combined humidity/thermostat and a timer) to be able to turn on the same fans.

In fact my existing temp/humidity controller (green air ct-dh-3) does have two outlets that are turned off when the fan outlets are turned on. They are meant for CO2, but I was also thinking of using them to prevent a short if I simply wired two inputs into the same strip.

 

[PharmaCan]

This is actually quite simple. Controllers are actually just fancy on/off switches. Simply hook both controllers into the one fan then plug them into a power strip. (It's important that the electricity comes from the same circuit.) Both switches must be off for the fan to be off, but either control will turn on the blower.

The thermostat will turn the blower on full speed. If you want the thermostat to turn the fan on at controlled speeds, you will need to install a second speed controller upstream from the thermostat.

PC

 

[Chaghatai]

Thanks, so making two 'in' cords for the same fan is fine if they come from the same circuit...

Good to hear, I was wondering if it was that simple. So just to be clear, it's ok for both the timer and the thermostat to allow power to flow into the same fan as long as they come from the same circuit?

It's sounds ok, since it's essentially two switches on the same circuit, but the divergance and re-joining of the lines is what throws me.

 

[PharmaCan]

So just to be clear, it's ok for both the timer and the thermostat to allow power to flow into the same fan as long as they come from the same circuit?

Correct.

PC

 

[Chaghatai]

For those who don't want to wire anything themselves, I found Green Air products has something that does this, the IR-2

Available through various suppliers. Costs a decent amount though, from $165 - $200.