Wiring – How to have an exhaust fan run if either of two switches is on

wiring

My design includes 2 switches to control one fan, but it is not strictly a 3-way switch. I want the fan to be on if either switch is on and off if both switches are off.

This is an attic mounted fan, and I plan to split the input side to pull air from one of two rooms. Room 1 = shower with automatic humidity switch. Room 2 = toilet with timer switch. I also want these switches to control motorized dampers to close when the room switch is off.

Is there a device like a relay that can combine the two sources and power the fan?

EDIT: I don't think I worded the part about the dampers clearly. I only want a damper to be open if the switch for that room is on. In other words, I would expect that generally only one damper would be open or they would both be closed. If the switches were just wired in parallel I think both dampers would operate in unison.

Best Answer

This is the fundamental circuit you need. Use two double-pole switches. One pole of each switch controls one damper, and the other poles are connected to the fan in parallel.

topological circuit diagram

If you need to control the fan and dampers with timers, humidity sensors, occupancy detectors, etc., which rarely come in double-pole versions, you will probably have to use relays in addition to the switches. The relays will, in turn, be activated by your single-pole detectors.

topo diagram with relays per ThreePhaseEel suggestion

The physical wiring will depend upon the locations of your switches and loads, how you choose to run your cables, and where power enters the circuit.

Here is an example with power entering at one switch, the fan cable branching from the other switch, and no cables between the loads.

phys diagram with relays per ThreePhaseEel suggestion

I have omitted the fault ground wires from both diagrams. They clutter the picture and make it harder to understand. Just connect all fault grounds together wherever you see them.

Many many other physical layouts are possible. I think any layout that implements the fundamental circuit and does not have any cable loops will be safe. Once you decide where your cable runs must be then you can ask for a specific diagram.

One other possibility is to use the dampers as relays. You will need a style of damper that incorporates a switch to indicate when it is open. If you can find (or safely make) such a thing, you can wire those switches in parallel to control the fan.