I had one installed in our powder room ( it’s pretty large & the switch was’t placed logically). It was a great solution, electrician programmed it to go off after 15 minutes, but that time can be adjusted up or down.

The exhaust fans in our bathrooms have timers - just a knob you turn to set the time - very easy to use.

I remember using a restroom once that had a light on a timer that was adjustable by each user. When you entered the room, you twisted the knob to the “appropriate” amount of time that you needed the light. It made a loud, scratching, rackety sound as it ticked away (a Sound muffling effect???) and wound down. When it hit “0”, the lights went out. Not terribly welcoming, but effective! It might have been in a commercial setting, come to think of it.

Yes I'm looking to go a bit more upscale than those old wind-up timer switches that tick as they unwind :)

(Bart, are you sure????? ;> )

I remodeled and had those installed and I love them. There is no switch as they operate completely on a motion detection. My fan is automatic as well based on ambient humidity levels.

FWIW, motion detection lights are mandatory in California for bathrooms in order to minimize electrical use.

I thought it would be annoying but it is one of the best parts of the remodel when I use the bathroom at night. My Toto washlet also has a light that turns on as I approach and the seat lifts - another wonderful part that has made social distancing during the pandemic more easier :-). And no worries about toilet paper shortages was a side benefit.

TY Helen -- that's not mandated here but I'll talk to the electrician about the motion and humidity switches. Running the fan when not needed is such a waste of energy!

I believe the fan itself is one that operates on ambient humidity. Mine is a Panasonic Whisper and it works quite well. I had to adjust because it was over-sensitive when first installed but after adjustment it turns itself on when someone showers and then turns off sometime later automatically.

I also have motion detector lights in the guest bathroom - required here but still handy since I might not otherwise be aware of lights in the guest bath that are left on. The only negative is I have a friend who is fond of my sconces which are not motion detection wired and she will turn them on for atmosphere :-) and then I won't realize they were left on.

I put a motion switch on the light in my son's bedroom for exactly that reason.

My wife said she'll be fine with motion and humidity sensors in the bathrooms. We're pretty energy conscious and Helen's not about the CA code was helpful :)

I wanted to clarify that there is obviously a standard light switch to operate all the lights which would override the timing but there is not the kind of timer switch that I thought OP was referring to.

The fan operates solely based on ambient humidity.

I am not sure it is strictly in the realm of energy conservation but I also installed Lucent smart technology for many of my lights. The reason that I mention it is that one can turn lights on (and off) from your phone so if lights are left on in a distant part of the house, you can turn them off rather than have to debate getting out of a warm bed.

The humidity-activated control for bathroom exhaust fans seems the way to go. From what I read the controls work well. And will avoid the 'we left it running for hours' issue. Although in the winter I try to get family members not to use it at all as the humidity is welcome in the home.

I assume the humidity switches can also be turned on manually and they still shut off? Many folks use the bathroom fan to reduce odor, or to mask sound if the bathroom is next to a bedroom or living area. Humidity isn't the only reason to run the fan.

Bruce

Lutron Maestro occupancy sensors work really well. Just make sure it doesn't face a hallway so the light isn't turned on by somebody walking by the bathroom door.

We've put motion sensor lights in strategic places in our last few houses. Typically closets, mud rooms, kitchen. One concern I'd have about using them in a bathroom is that if you use it at night you don't want to be blinded when it comes on. I prefer just a night light after dark in the bathroom.