bathroom fan timer problem

[melonade]

Hello dear forum,

I have a ceiling fan that seems to work alright when i switch it on. However when i put an electronic timer switch, instead of a physical switch, the fan does not work, the switch circuit does not seem to be powered, i.e. the leds are off, the buttons do not seem to have any effect. I know that the timer is not the problem since i have tried it to switch a different fan, which works. i tried changing the fan start capacitor, since it seems to be the most common problem, but it doesn't work either. This behavior started after distribution power outage. The device i use is similar to this one:

View: https://www.amazon.ca/Cooper-Wiring-Devices-9590AW-5-Button/dp/B00BFKZAYU/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=timer+switch+aspire+9590&qid=1575754312&s=hi&sr=1-1-fkmr0


I am sure that everything is wired correctly, i.e. switch input to live wire, output to fan. I would like to know any ideas of something else to try, since accessing and replacing the fan would require destroying part of the ceiling.

 

[melonade]

by the way, i just did another test, and measured the switch voltage output when the fan is disconnected, and i get 24V, and the timer switch still doesn't work. That would make me assume that the switch is broken but the same exact switch works by somewhere else in my house, i.e. if i do the same test by unplugging the ceiling fan from the other bathroom, the timer circuit is still on and i get 120V.

 

[freddo]

I assume the fan works if the timer is removed and the live wire connected to the fan wire? It is possible the model of fan you have is not a suitable load for this no-neutral timer.

 

[melonade]

actually, at this point, i think it's relevant to not even consider the fan as a part of the problem anymore; although i shall keep this thread instead of making a new one. i just did the following test:

using the timer to switch 120V on/off with no load (open circuit). the switch works somewhere in my house and not somewhere else (bathroom where the fan is). i.e.

case that doesn't work (bathroom 1):
switch powering no load, switch stays unpowered, no led indicators.

case that works (bathroom 2):
switch powering no load, i get 120V when turning the switch on and measuring voltage, random 19V when turning the switch off.

it is the exact same switch in both cases

 

[freddo]

The load provided by the fan is important as it is required to charge the timer circuit. Charging takes about 5 minutes, as stated in the manual.

 

[melonade]

The load provided by the fan is important as it is required to charge the timer circuit. Charging takes about 5 minutes, as stated in the manual.

i considered that, but im connecting the switch in bathroom 2 with no load, and it powers instantly. I connect the switch in bathroom 1 with load, it stays off indefinitely
[automerge]1575762964[/automerge]
Here is some new relevant information. I measured the current with both loads, fan from bathroom 1 sinks ~370mA, and fan from bathroom 2 sinks ~190mA. I would assume that there is a safety mechanism in the switch that prevents it from powering on?

Although the datasheet they provide with the timer switch is specified for 15A.
Specifications:
-single pole
-no neutral required
-15A (1800W) 120 V/AC 60 Hz
-For incandescent, Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV), Electronic Low Voltage (ELV), Fluorescent, Compact Fluorescent, LED Motors up to 1/4 HP

 

[melonade]

alright the problem seems to be 100% confirmed not a fan problem. I tried the switch with different loads instead (incandescent light) and i get exactly the same result. The switch is turning on in bathroom 2 but not in bathroom 1