The standard approach to bathroom ventilation in apartments is wiring the fan to the light switch which creates two problems. Residents leave the light on after a shower to keep the fan running, then forget. Or they switch the light off straight away and the fan never clears the moisture. Either way you get callbacks.
A run-on timer sits between the switch and the fan. The fan starts when the light goes on, runs for a set period after the light goes off, then cuts out. That’s the basic function. There are a few details worth understanding before you specify one.
** AC or EC **
The ROT6 comes in two versions and they are not interchangeable.
The AC version controls traditional induction motor fans with a switched live output. It’s the right choice for most existing buildings and many new ones.
The EC version outputs a 0-10V control signal for electronically commutated motors. EC fans are more efficient and run quieter at reduced speeds which is why they’re being specified more often in new residential and commercial projects. EC fans often prefer to controlled by a 0-10V signal rather than having the power switched on and off. They also allow for features like continuous ventilation where the fan runs quietly all the time at a low speed then goes to high speed as the bathroom is being used.
Multiple inputs
The ROT6 supports multiple inputs. This is useful when one fan serves more than one room, a bathroom and ensuite sharing a single exhaust, or two bathrooms on the same fan. The timer is connected to the room lights in each room with no need for a double pole switch. The fan starts when the first switch activates and keeps running until the timer expires after the last switch goes off. The order doesn’t matter and the fan won’t cut out mid-use because someone in the other bathroom turned their light off.
Start delay
An adjustable start delay holds the fan off for a set time after the light turns on. Set it to two minutes and short visits like brushing teeth, grabbing something from the cabinet don’t trigger the fan at all. A shower runs long enough to start it. This reduces total run time across the building and cuts down on noise complaints from residents who hear the fan every time someone walks into the bathroom.
Timer cancel
Residents can cancel the run-on period by flicking the light switch on for less than a second, then off. Useful late at night when someone doesn’t want the fan running after a brief visit. It doesn’t interfere with normal operation during the day.
** Inbuilt current sensor **
The ROT6 can be optioned with an internal current sensor – this is ideal for laundries as it turns the fan on automatically while the dryer is being used. No more needing to leave the fan on all day or night. No more forgetting to turn the fan on and having a laundry filled with mould. Installation is quick & easy with a clip-on current sensor.
On site
Both versions have large installer-friendly terminals and a status LED so you can confirm operation during commissioning without having to measure at the fan. Units are individually tested before despatch. Custom configurations as different input counts, current sensor options, fan control can be specified at the time of order.
If you’re working on a project and need help selecting the right model, call us. We design and make these in Australia and can talk through the specifics.
https://powerform.com.au/product-category/run-on-timers/
02 9460 8881