Switched

Since I am a single mother of two kids, I am frugal when it comes to home repair.  Projects that I have done in my house include but are not limited to the following:

1.   Change the kitchen faucet to a cool one that pulls out and sprays.

2.    Paint (a lot).

3.    Pull up carpet, pad, and tack strip (saving $300).

4.    Strip wallpaper.

5.    Cut and install wood base.

6.    Lay 18” ceramic tile, grout too.

7.    Install bead board and chair rail.

8.    Hang drywall.

9.    Help a friend install a toilet (and ejector pump) and a pedestal sink in basement.

10.  Assemble various pieces of furniture.

11.  Install replacement ceiling light fixtures.

12.  Change outlets and switches.

13.  Install ceiling fans.

14.  Install mini blinds.

When something needs to be fixed, installed, or updated, I am usually the one to do it.  I will look at some DIY blogs, YouTube videos, ask friends, and even ask employees of Lowes.  As my blog title states, I pretty much do whatever I can do to save paying someone else. 

This weekend I installed a timer switch for my bathroom exhaust fan.  Maybe someone else needs to know how to do this.  One would think the instructions in the box would suffice, but they really don’t.

1.  Turn off the power to the switch at the breaker box.  This is usually done by trial and error because I have never seen an electrical panel that is properly marked.  Why don’t they color code them or number them somehow in both locations?

2.   Remove the switch plate.  Mine happens to have an outlet next to it because when we bought this house there was no exhaust fan in this bathroom.  So I had the installer add an outlet too.

3.   Remove the two screws holding the switch in.  Gently pull out the switch.

 

4.   Unscrew each screw that is holding in the wire.  There should be one on the top and one on the bottom.  If it is an older switch, the wires could be hooked around the screw.  Remove and straighten the wire.  Set switch aside.

5.   On the timer switch, unscrew the two screws so the spaces are open to receive the wires.   Then insert the top wire into the top space and tighten the screw.  Do the same for the bottom wire.

  

6.   Gently press the timer switch into the electrical box and insert top and bottom screw.

7.   Check your face plate and be sure it is in the right place horizontally.  If not, unscrew, press it to the center, and tighten the screws.

 

8.   Reinstall the face plate over the timer switch.

9.   Place the timer guide on post then the thumb switch.

10. Turn the dial, then flip the circuit breaker on.

11. The fan should turn on.

I always feel better when I can do something to improve myself and my home.