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.

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.

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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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