How to separate fan and light?

[lysdw]

Does anyone know approximately how much it would cost to get a separate switch for the fan and light in a bathroom? They are currently on the same switch and the fan has a timer so it doesn't turn off when the light turns off. It's really irritating at night so I'd like to separate them. They are two separate units just on same switch.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @lysdw. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about fans.

You’d need to get a quote from a licensed electrician in your area, as pricing can vary significantly depending on location, the layout of your wiring, and the tradesperson you use—so it's hard to give a reliable estimate.

That said, I wouldn’t assume the issue is just because the fan and light are on the same switch. From what you've described, it sounds like the fan itself has a built-in timer delay, which keeps it running even after the power is cut. That feature is quite common in bathroom fans to help clear moisture after use. Even if you had a separate switch, the fan would likely keep running for the set delay period.

It might be worth asking an electrician to take a look first. They could check whether the timer setting can be reduced—or if not, you may need to replace the fan with one that doesn’t include a delay feature if it’s bothering you at night.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell