1960's Nutone Fan

[bananz]

Hello,

We need help sourcing a new switch for our 1960's era Nutone Oven Fan. This worked beautifully until I decided to do a deep clean and somehow got fluid into the switch... sparks flew and the switch melted. thankfully, the plug from the fan still works so if we can re-wire the switch and find a push button switch to fit we will be back in business.

Any and all suggestions and advice welcome.

take care,

Anna

 

[rp2813]

Hi Anna,

 

Can you post a picture of the good switch (of the north) that operates the light? 

 

I think a replacement push button switch shouldn't be that hard to find unless it's in some way proprietary to Nutone.  I've found different types of switches hanging on cards at ACE in the past.  You might have to compromise with a switch that turns instead of a push button, but perhaps an exact replacement can be found.  If you haven't already, check with a Nutone retailer or distributor in your area. 

 

Ralph

 

[sfh074]

Something like this ....

I am assuming the vent hood swings down and presses the switch which in turn turns off the fan.

https://www.parts-express.com/momen...MIkKey2s_F6AIVBOiGCh2r3QrxEAQYFSABEgJ2XPD_BwE

It would be a "normally closed (N.C.) momentary switch". Once you get the old switch out, measure the hole that the old switch was mounted in and find one of these that can be fitted into said hole. The only other concern is the amount of pressure it takes to press and hold the new switch depressed. Meaning choose a switch that doesn't take a lot of pressure to depress since the vent hood is what is holding the switch depressed.

It may take a couple of tries to get a switch that fits but they are cheap. Better yet if you have an electrical supply house near by to see what they have in stock. But these type switches are very common.

Another idea is a rotory switch you turn with a small knob. And don't rely on the vent hood swinging down to turn the switch on and off. But it looks like this idea would require mounting this type of switch in a different location.

 

[sfh074]

Now that I think about it ....

That switch looks a lot like the light switch out of most any refrigerator! It is a n.c. type as well.

 

[customline]

You need.........

A momentary light switch or what used to be called, a PLUNGER switch. Like the ones found behind refrigerator doors. I have the same exact Nutone fan. It's an Ebay item.

 

[cadman]

I second the comment on Ace Hardware. See if you can gently pry out the old one; many of these are friction-fit. Measure the hole diameter and you're off to the races!