Guidance / Counsel to Replace Whole-House Dayton Attic Fan Control Switch

[RGWick]

Looking for counsel / guidance to replace an original Dayton On/off with speed control switch. I’ve checked with a couple local electrical supply stores and no one could assist. This fan was installed in our attic 25+ years ago and difficult to access.

I would certainly prefer a simple, direct replacement switch or otherwise guidance pursuant what and how to use the existing wiring from the attic fan motor with a switch + speed control solution.

Attached Photos:

1 – Ceiling louver with fan mounted behind it in attic.

2 – Patton switch plate.

3 – Front of Patton On/Off and speed control switch

4 – Wires from switch: Red / Black / White with Black Stripe

5 – Wall switch box with 3-wire (+ground) from attic fan motor connected to switch.

6 – Full view of switch wiring to attic fan wiring.

7 – “Jury-rigged” single-pole switch with one pole connected to the white w/ black stripe and other pole connected to the black wires. When single pole switch “On” … fan runs at full speed.

As noted in 7 … I wanted to confirm that it was the switch and not the fan motor that was the problem, and with a little testing found the motor fully operational. Unfortunately, I am a chemical engineer and not a skilled electrician. Thank you.

 

[Megawatt]

Looking for counsel / guidance to replace an original Dayton On/off with speed control switch. I’ve checked with a couple local electrical supply stores and no one could assist. This fan was installed in our attic 25+ years ago and difficult to access.

I would certainly prefer a simple, direct replacement switch or otherwise guidance pursuant what and how to use the existing wiring from the attic fan motor with a switch + speed control solution.

Attached Photos:

1 – Ceiling louver with fan mounted behind it in attic.

2 – Patton switch plate.

3 – Front of Patton On/Off and speed control switch

4 – Wires from switch: Red / Black / White with Black Stripe

5 – Wall switch box with 3-wire (+ground) from attic fan motor connected to switch.

6 – Full view of switch wiring to attic fan wiring.

7 – “Jury-rigged” single-pole switch with one pole connected to the white w/ black stripe and other pole connected to the black wires. When single pole switch “On” … fan runs at full speed.

As noted in 7 … I wanted to confirm that it was the switch and not the fan motor that was the problem, and with a little testing found the motor fully operational. Unfortunately, I am a chemical engineer and not a skilled electrician. Thank you.

You could probably find exactly what you need at Lowe’s or Home Depot

 

[RGWick]

Thanks ... have already tried multiple Lowes and Home Depots. All, including the "professional" electric suppliers only have two-wire fan controls. When I inquired about a 3-wire controller or how to adapt their 2-wire controllers, I only got "shrugged shoulders." The Lowes and Home Depot reps seemed how to find items, but had even less electrical expertise.
I've been hoping a professional electrician might be able to shed some light on my requirement. If I have to replace the entire fan unit, I will, but I've been hoping for a simple "drop-in" replacement controller ... or, otherwise, an electician's counsel how ... or what I need to adapt to the requirement.

 

[Megawatt]

Thanks ... have already tried multiple Lowes and Home Depots. All, including the "professional" electric suppliers only have two-wire fan controls. When I inquired about a 3-wire controller or how to adapt their 2-wire controllers, I only got "shrugged shoulders." The Lowes and Home Depot reps seemed how to find items, but had even less electrical expertise.
I've been hoping a professional electrician might be able to shed some light on my requirement. If I have to replace the entire fan unit, I will, but I've been hoping for a simple "drop-in" replacement controller ... or, otherwise, an electician's counsel how ... or what I need to adapt to the requirement.

The only other place that would have that is an HVAC supply store that sells parts. The V stands for ventilation and the switch that you are holding in your hand is fairly easy to install. The black is your live, the white of course is your natural and the red is the actual load or in your case the fan. Good luck and let us know how it works out. Welcome to the forum.

 

[RGWick]

Thanks ... and yes, I am familiar with the HVAC terminology.
As I mentioned, my background is chemical engineering, but my father was a licensed electrician and maintenance foreman at a GM engine plant in Western New York years ago. As a sideline he performed residential and commercial construction wiring, so I had some tutelage as a "young grunt" pulling wires and installing receptables, etc. I generally knew the black as live, the white as neutral and red as a "load control" ... usually in three-way receptable hookups. I did wonder whether there was something "different with the switch white-with-black-stripe and the red still part of control (load and speed) circuitry. That was why I installed the SPST as I did to verify the fan motor ran (full speed). I appreciate your advice and make additional inquiries. I may go back to a different Grainger since they "absorbed" Dayton. Thanks, again!

 

[Megawatt]

Thanks ... and yes, I am familiar with the HVAC terminology.
As I mentioned, my background is chemical engineering, but my father was a licensed electrician and maintenance foreman at a GM engine plant in Western New York years ago. As a sideline he performed residential and commercial construction wiring, so I had some tutelage as a "young grunt" pulling wires and installing receptables, etc. I generally knew the black as live, the white as neutral and red as a "load control" ... usually in three-way receptable hookups. I did wonder whether there was something "different with the switch white-with-black-stripe and the red still part of control (load and speed) circuitry. That was why I installed the SPST as I did to verify the fan motor ran (full speed). I appreciate your advice and make additional inquiries. I may go back to a different Grainger since they "absorbed" Dayton. Thanks, again!

You are quite welcome my friend and good luck. I wasn’t trying to insult your intelligence and sorry if it seemed that way. Have a great day