Switching a Bathroom Fan and Light Separately

How to Wire Your Bathroom so the Lights and Fan are on Separate Switches – The key factor is to understand where the power source enters the circuit – The power source will either enter at the switch box or up at the light fixture or the exhaust fan.

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Guide to Residential Electrical Wiring

Electrical Wiring for a Bathroom Light and Exhaust Fan
Electrical Question: I have a two switches and I’m trying to setup up the bathroom so the lights and fan don’t have to be on at the same time.

• There is an orange and white wire coming from one side which I believe is for the light and then a black and white Romex from where the old fan used to be.
• Basically I want to turn it into a a separate feed.
• Do you have any advice for me?

Thank for your time.

This electrical wiring question came from: Kyle, a Handyman from Minnesota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kyle.

How to Wire Your Bathroom so the Lights and Fan are on Separate Switches

• The electrical wiring for separate switching of the bathroom exhaust fan and the light fixture will require identifying the existing circuit and existing switch wiring.
• The key factor is to understand where the power source enters the circuit.
• The power source will either enter at the switch box or up at the light fixture or the exhaust fan.
• A separate cable will need to be installed from the wall switch box to the junction location where the wiring is located for the exhaust fan and the light.
• The wiring will need to be reconfiguration to allow routing the power through the new switch and then to the device to be switched separately.
• Identifying the existing wiring is essential in order for the details to be clarified.

The Following will assist you with your Bathroom Switches

Electrical wire

• Electrical Wire for the Home
• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring

• Bathroom Electrical Wiring
• Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

Wiring Diagrams

• Electrical Wiring Diagrams

• Home electrical wiring diagrams are an important tool for completing your electrical projects.
• An electrical wiring diagram can be as simple as a diagram showing how to install a new switch in your hallway, or as complex as the complete electrical blueprint for your new home or home improvement project.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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