7 Best Timer Switch For Bathroom Fan

Ventilation is an important factor for confined spaces like homes, to ensure the occupants get a good amount of oxygen for breathing. Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, etc., are fairly equipped with fans for forced ventilation. The neglected rooms, like bathrooms, also feature dedicated fans to increase the airflow and reduce moisture accumulation. To regulate their working, the bathroom fans are equipped with timer switches.

Timer switches, as the name suggests, are a type of switch that helps turn the bathroom fan on or off. These units offer several time settings to automate the working of fans. Since the fans are not continuously operational, timers also play an important role in reducing power wastage. To understand these units, we must be aware of certain factors, including the ones explained below.

• Adjustable Timer Settings: The most integral feature of a timer switch is to offer several timer settings. With these features, users can set a certain time for the bathroom fan to turn off. Adjustable time settings are important for the comfort of the user and rescuing the fan’s power usage. Users can change the timer setting from 1 minute to 4 hours.

• Motor Power: For the timer switch to run efficiently, it must be paired with a motor producing compatible power. The compatibility matters the most since sufficient power is transferred for the fan to operate. The maximum power produced by the motors used for bathroom fans ranges between ¼ to 1 HP.

• Need For Neutral Wire: Being an electronic unit, the timer switch has to consider the need for neutral wire. This wire is essential for completing the electrical circuit, which further helps transfer power. Without this wire, the timer would be unable to control the power supply at a given time. Some units are designed to run without the neutral wires.

Users can prioritise these factors while talking about timer switches for a bathroom fan. When it comes to choosing a good timer switch, users must also consider its specifications and features. This article offers a detailed list of the best timer switches for bathroom fans. We will also discuss a detailed “Buying Guide” and certain FAQs to assist your selection process.

Best Timer Switch For Bathroom Fan Table

Product Name	Adjustable Timer Settings	Motor Power	Neutral Wire Required	Buy Now
Enerlites HET06A Timer Switch	1 min, 5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins, 20 mins, or 30 mins	¼ HP	Yes	Check On Amazon
Leviton Timer Switch	5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins, or 30 mins	1 HP	Yes	Check On Amazon
GE Timer Switch	5 mins, 15 mins, 30 mins, 1 hr, 2 hrs, or 4 hrs	¼ HP	No	Check On Amazon
ENERLITES Timer Switch	5 mins, 10 mins, 30 mins, 1 hr, 2 hrs, or 4 hrs	½ HP	Yes	Check On Amazon
BN-LINK Timer Switch	5 mins, 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins, 40 mins, or 60 mins	½ HP	Yes	Check On Amazon
Teklectric Timer Switch	5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins, or 30 mins	--	Yes	Check On Amazon
TOPGREENER Timer Switch	1 min, 5 mins, 10 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins, or 60 mins	½ HP	No	Check On Amazon

Best Timer Switch For Bathroom Fan Reviews

1. Enerlites HET06A Timer Switch

The first product to feature on the list comes from Enerlites, a brand known for its electronic control devices. With over 2 decades of experience, it offers energy-efficient products to consumers.

The Enerlites HET06A Timer Switch supports a wide range of devices. This unit features a sturdy body made up of polycarbonate thermoplastic. Users get over 6 different timer settings, ranging from 1 min to 30 mins. The unit is designed to run with a ¼ HP fan, 800W incandescent, or 800VA light bulbs.

It also features steel mounting plates for secure installation. Being a UL-listed unit, users won’t have to worry about electrocution while operating the switch. Running on the 120V AC supply, a separate neutral wire is required for the switch. It also features a blue notification LED, which helps in locating the switch in darkness.    

Best Features:

• 6 adjustable timer settings: 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, and 30 min
• Compatible with ¼ HP fan, 800W incandescent, or 800VA light bulbs
• Requires a separate neutral wire
• UL listed for safety
• A bright, blue LED light
• Works with 120V AC power supply
• Polycarbonate thermoplastic body with steel mounting plates

Pros:

• It offers a wider range of timer settings
• This unit is suitable for continuous operations
• The body construction of this switch is sturdy enough to last long

Cons:

• It is not suitable for fans producing higher horsepower

Buy Now From Amazon

2. Leviton Timer Switch

Leviton is one of the oldest manufacturers of electrical devices with a presence in the home automation industry. Using research and development, it offers innovative, premium, and high-quality products.

Leviton LTB30-1LZ Decora Timer Switch is designed for heavy-duty bathroom fans. It features a 3-way circuit running on a normal 120V AC supply. It helps the switch run 1 HP fan, 1800W incandescent, 600W CFL, or 5A LED bulbs. It offers a total of 4 timer settings ranging between 5 mins to 30 mins. Users can override the timer function with the press and hold function.

Users won’t have to worry about moisture damage as the timer switch has an IP00 rating for condensation. Qualifying the UL, CSA, and FCC safety standards, this unit needs a separate neutral wire for installation. Steel mounting plates and face plates ensure a clean installation. The unit also features a green-coloured LED light to locate in low-light conditions.

Best Features:

• 4 adjustable timer settings: 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min
• Compatible with 1 HP fan, 5A LED, 1800W incandescent, or 600W CFL bulbs
• Requires a separate neutral wire
• Listed by UL, CSA, and FCC for safety
• A green notification LED light
• Works with 120V AC power supply and 3-way circuit
• Steel mounting plates and face plates included

Pros:

• It comes with an IP00 rating against condensation
• It is suitable for fans and devices with higher horsepower
• It offers a user-friendly override button to cancel the timer

Cons:

• It is priced higher than other options on the list

Buy Now From Amazon

3. GE Timer Switch

GE is a synonymous name for households and industries thanks to a larger portfolio of products. These products are developed with strict quality standards to ensure good reliability and durability.

The GE 15318 Push Button Timer Switch is ideal for situations where fans are turned off after a long period. This switch offers 6 different timer settings ranging from 5 minutes to a maximum 4-hour limit. A revised electrical circuit helps in setting time for ¼ HP fans, 800W Tungsten, 800 Ballast, etc. components.

It uses a simple circuit including a direct wire, eliminating the need for a neutral wire.  This unit is rated for a 125V AC supply and comfortably works with stable power transfer. Being a UL-certified unit, it does not pose any danger to the user while operating. The mounting and wall plates help in installation and maintain a clean look for the switch.

Best Features:

• 6 adjustable timer settings: 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours
• Compatible with ¼ HP fans, 800W Tungsten, 800 Ballast, CFL, heaters, etc
• Direct wires and hence neutral wires are not needed
• UL listed for safety
• Works with a 125V AC power supply
• Wall and mounting plates included

Pros:

• The absence of a neutral wire makes it easy to install the timer switch
• It is suitable for longer work cycles of a bathroom fan
• It is designed in a way to work with the older spring-wound timers

Cons:

• It is not suitable for fans producing higher horsepower

Buy Now From Amazon

4. ENERLITES Timer Switch

We have another product from Enerlites, an elder sibling of the previously mentioned product. This product offers the same quality assurance with an upgraded body design.

The ENERLITES HET06-W Timer Switch is suitable for controlling multiple fans. Both switches in the combo pack offer 6 adjustable timer settings with a minimum 5-minute and maximum 4-hour limit. Operating on a 120V AC power supply, this timer switch supports ½ HP fan, 1200W Tungsten light, electronic ballasts, 5A LED bulbs, and other devices.

Apart from promoting energy savings, this UL-listed unit also ensures user safety. It uses a blue LED light to notify the user about successful settings. With a warranty coverage of 1 year, it also helps the user against accidental damages or manufacturing defects. Similar to its younger sibling, this unit also requires a neutral wire during installation.

Best Features:

• 6 adjustable timer settings: 5 min, 10 min, 30 min, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours
• Compatible with ½ HP fan, 1200W Tungsten bulb, electronic ballasts, 5A LED bulbs, etc
• Requires a separate neutral wire
• UL listed for safety
• A blue notification LED light
• Works with 120V AC power supply
• Plastic body with steel mounting plates
• A total of 2 switches in the combo pack

Pros:

• This unit comes with a 1-year warranty
• Individual LED lights for every timer button works as a notification light for users
• The quality of the mounting plate is good and supports easy installation

Cons:

• The body design seems a little bulky

Buy Now From Amazon

5. BN-LINK Timer Switch

BN-LINK manufactures and distributes a wide range of premium home improvement products. Focusing on consumer needs, it continuously updates the product range and offers better after-sales service.

The BN-LINK BND-60 Timer Switch easily blends with bathroom walls. It offers 6 different timer settings, starting from 5 minutes which goes up to the 60-minute mark. The user also gets a repeat function that sets the timer every day for the selected time setting. A manual override button is also offered to cancel the timer setting. This unit works fine with ½ HP fans, ballasts, bulbs, etc.

The switch is rated for a 125V AC power supply and requires a neutral wire during installation. Each button on the switch gets a dedicated LED indicator which assists the user in low-light conditions. A compact design helps in mounting the timer switch anywhere on the wall, with steel plates. ETL certification and IP54 rating make the unit safe for use in moist conditions.

Best Features:

• 6 adjustable timer settings: 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min
• Compatible with ½ HP fan, light bulbs, ballasts, etc
• Requires a separate neutral wire
• ETL certified for safety and IP54 certification for water splashes
• A bright notification LED light for each button
• Works with 125V AC power supply
• Plastic body with metallic mounting plates

Pros:

• It is one of the most durable timer switches
• It can be installed inside the bathroom, without worrying about moisture
• Its circuit is designed to handle medium-level loads

Cons:

• It does not support a 3-way connection

Buy Now From Amazon

6. Teklectric Timer Switch

Teklectric develops several products as a solution to everyday problems. Using its experience in the electrical component market, it offers high-quality products to consumers.

The Teklectric Bathroom Fan Timer Switch is suitable for consumers with limited budgets. Users can program the bathroom fan to automatically shut off for 4 settings, including 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Compatible with various devices, this unit primarily uses fans, lamps, and various bulbs.

To keep the user safe from electrical shocks, UL has tested this unit. The design of mounting plates adds more stability to the installation process. Each timer setting has a dedicated LED bulb that notifies the user of the selected time. This unit runs on a standard power supply and needs a neutral wire for installation.

Best Features:

• 4 adjustable timer settings: 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min
• Compatible with fans, heater, jacuzzi, etc
• Requires a separate neutral wire
• UL listed for safety
• A bright notification LED light for each button
• Works with a standard power supply
• Plastic body with metallic mounting plates

Pros:

• This unit is priced aggressively compared to the other units
• It is suitable for the frequent operation of bathroom fans
• It is compatible with automation and smart hub applications

Cons:

• It is not compatible with 3-wire setup

Buy Now From Amazon

7. TOPGREENER Timer Switch

With a team of high-tech specialists, Top Greener develops sustainable wiring solutions. By adopting innovation, its product range delivers high-quality energy management.

The TOPGREENER Timer Switch For Bathroom Fans has an aesthetic design. With this timer switch, the user can set 6 different times for the bathroom fan, from 1 min to 60 mins. It is compatible with a ½ HP fan, 150W LED bulb, 800W CFL/incandescent bulbs, and many other components. A blue notification LED offers information about timer selection to the user.

The plastic body comfortably houses larger buttons and metallic mounting plates. It also carries a UL 94 V2 rating against flammability to work between 32 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. To ensure efficient operation of the times, it must be connected to a 120V AC power supply. It also offers a 1-year warranty as safety coverage for consumers. 

Best Features:

• 6 adjustable timer settings: 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, and 60 min
• Compatible with ½ HP fan, 150W LED bulb, 800W CFL/incandescent bulbs, etc
• It does not require a separate neutral wire
• UL 94 V2 rated for flammability
• A blue-colored notification LED light
• Works with 120V AC power supply
• Plastic body with steel mounting plates

Pros:

• It offers a 1-year warranty as a safety cover
• It looks aesthetically pleasing and blends with modern houses
• This unit is compatible with a wide range of devices (excluding bathroom fan)

Cons:

• It does not include a wall plate for mounting

Buy Now From Amazon

Buying Guide For The Best Timer Switch For Bathroom Fan

When ventilation is done with the help of mechanical alternatives, the bathroom fan becomes an ideal choice. Pairing a bathroom fan with a timer switch allows you to control the power supply for adjustable time intervals. Due to their impact on power saving, we have discussed some of the best timer switches for bathroom fans. Certain governing parameters affect the selection process of a timer switch. Each of these factors is discussed in this buying guide.

1. Adjustable Timer Settings

Adjustable timer setting is an important feature of a timer switch. When users use a bathroom, the fan is kept operational to remove excess moisture. The operational time may vary for the fan depending on the user’s need. By setting the time on the switch, the fan automatically stops working after reaching the time limit. This feature not only assists in efficient ventilation but also helps in saving energy. The timer switch can be set for 1 min to 4 hours.

2. Motor Power

The power from the fan’s motor also plays a significant role in the operation of the timer switch. When the timer has to handle the power supply, the output of the motor has to be under limits. This helps in avoiding overloading of the timer switch and prevents any damage. The output of the fan’s motor is thereby checked before buying the timer switch. Considering the low power requirement of bathroom fans, these units feature a motor capable of producing ¼ HP to 1 HP power.

3. Need of Neutral Wire

A neutral wire is more like a safety factor for the timer switches of bathroom fans. Depending on the design of the timer switch, it may or may not require a neutral wire connection. The major function of neutral wire is to complete the electrical circuit of the timer switch. This helps in supplying current from the live wire to the fan and then back to the source. Some units use balanced circuits where neutral wire is not needed. This helps in saving time for rewiring the timer switch.

4. Safety Certifications

While designing the timer switches, the consumer’s safety is kept at the topmost priority. Various brands conduct testing of their products by creating real-life scenarios. Tests like overloading, waterproof check, etc. are conducted to check if the timer switch poses any risk to the user. This test acts as feedback on whether or not the timer switches are safe to work with. Considering the mandatory laws by the government, some brands also certify their products from safety organizations like ETL and UL. Certification by these organizations assures the user of safety.

5. Compatibility

Compatibility is the most neglected factor by consumers, before buying a timer switch. The bathroom fan must have specifications that are compatible with the timer switch. Compatibility factors include voltage, wattage rating, and many other specifications. Besides this, these timer switches are compatible with other units like LED lights, normal lights, heaters, etc. All the specifications must be cross-checked while buying the timer switch for multiple applications.

6. Ease Of Installation

The design of a timer switch is not only important for appearance but also for its mounting. The body must promote a quick and hassle-free installation to secure the time switch on a surface. Almost every timer switch features screw holes to mount the unit on the wall. The body is made up of plastic or metal to give a sturdy housing for buttons, circuits, and other components of the timer switch. The design helps in installation and allows easy removal of the switch (in case of replacement or changing location).

7. Warranty

A timer switch might look like a simple component but it isn’t immune to accidental damage. Who wouldn’t want a safety cover over the timer switch that is handy for such situations? Several brands offer a limited warranty over their timer switches. The warranty offers services like free repairs and replacements in extreme cases. The warranty period of timer switches lies between 1 year to 5 years, depending on the brand and mode. With warranty extension programs, users can add additional months under warranty coverage.

Timer Switch – FAQs

Conclusion

A bathroom fan is important for improving ventilation and eliminating odors, moisture, and harmful gasses. The operational time of a fan varies depending on the amount of ventilation needed. The timer switch helps eliminate the need to wait and manually turn off a bathroom fan. We have already discussed some of the best timer switches for bathroom fans. The buying guide and FAQ section further reduces confusion related to these units. Keeping this discussion in mind, we have chosen our favorite timer switches from the list.

• The GE Timer Switch will assist you if you want a switch for longer ventilation sessions. This switch has 6 different time settings, so you can choose when the fan will turn off, from as short as 5 minutes to a maximum of 4 hours. It is designed to work with different electrical devices like ¼ HP fans, 800W Tungsten lights, 800 Ballasts, and many more. You don’t need a neutral wire for this unit, simplifying the installation process. It is designed to safely run on a 125V AC power supply with a UL certification. It has mounting and wall plates to securely install it on a wall.
• When a limited budget troubles you, the Teklectric Timer Switch comes to your rescue. With this switch, you can set your bathroom fan to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time, like 5 minutes to 30 minutes. You can also use it with other things like fans, lights, and different kinds of light bulbs. It has been tested to make sure it won’t give you an electric shock. It also features mounting plates to help it fix on a wall. Each timer setting has a dedicated light that tells you how long it is set for. This switch uses a standard power supply and requires a neutral wire.
• If you want to make the most of our money, the ENERLITES HET06A Timer Switch is great. In the combo pack, you get two switches which can be set to 6 different times from 5 minutes to 4 hours. These switches work with a 120V AC power supply and need a separate neutral wire. This switch can be used with things like fans, Tungsten lights, LED bulbs, and more. These units are UL-listed to ensure maximum safety for the user. It also has a blue LED light that tells you which setting is selected. The 1-year warranty offers maximum safety to the timer switch.