2 votes

Wireless Light/Fan Switch Reccomendations

I have a light/fan combo in a bathroom that are controlled with a single switch. I want to control them separately, but running a new wire would require ripping out drywall, which I don't want to do. It is in a guest room, so it can't be controlled with an app, even though I know there are ways to give guest access to certain home automation systems.

The power runs up from the floor, through the switch, and then up to the fan, so I have power at both locations. The wiring for the fan is in the attic, so putting something up there is easy.

What I imagine exists is a remote double relay that can be controlled by 2 physical switches(preferably single gang, but I am prepared to open up the wall a bit to install a double gang box). I would prefer that the relay be powered by 120v, rather than a 12v device that needs a plug somewhere, but its not a total deal breaker.

Anyone have any ideas?

2 comments

  1. mat
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    I suspect there's a Sonoff smart switch which will do what you need. I have one which I control with a physical switch, it's very useful. You can configure them for all sorts of things and they're...

    I suspect there's a Sonoff smart switch which will do what you need. I have one which I control with a physical switch, it's very useful. You can configure them for all sorts of things and they're small enough to fit into a lot of back boxes so they plumb right into existing infrastructure.

    Shelly also make similar things - I don't have any of their devices personally, but I have heard good things.

    Both will also talk to most home automation systems so you can add more Smarts if you want later.

    1 vote
  2. goose
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    Are you sure? Not sure if you've tried sneaking a peak through the gap around the gang box, or with a small endoscope, but if the wire is not secured to the stud then it's as easy as taping some...

    but running a new wire would require ripping out drywall

    Are you sure? Not sure if you've tried sneaking a peak through the gap around the gang box, or with a small endoscope, but if the wire is not secured to the stud then it's as easy as taping some 14/3 to the end of your 14/2 super good and then gently pulling from one end or the other.

    I only mention it as I recently did this myself, and it was almost way easier. I did end up having to remove the gang box to so I could get the wire the rest of the way, I was pulling towards the gang box. But I was going to have to do that anyways since I was replacing it with a double gang, it just didn't occur to me to remove it before the wire pull.

    1 vote