Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Switch
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Do I need a neutral wire between switch boxes for the circuit wiring? How to Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Electrical Wiring for Switches. |
Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Switch
Electrical Question: Do I need a neutral wire between switch boxes for the light circuit wiring?
I would like to install an exhaust fan in my bathroom. There is currently only 1 light (above sink) and 1 outlet in the bathroom.
I need to add an exhaust fan and more light so this fan suits the bill. The info I should give you is, the light switch is located outside the bathroom beside the door entering and I will swap it out for a 2 function light switch combination (1 for florescent light in fan and light above sink at the same time, and the other button for only the nightlight in the fan.
I will install another switch directly opposite the light switch inside the bathroom to control the fan. The switch I purchased to do this is the Dew Stop FS-100 (hope it actually works) I am quite sure everything is right and my only concern now is do I need that neutral wire between switch boxes? Pretty sure I do but wondering if it messes up the circuit at all. The other question mark concerning GFCI got answered at the hardware store. I am looking to install this fan as soon as possible, it’s really dark in the bathroom because the only light is on the other side of the wet wall and I have just finished painting the walls and need to get an exhaust fan going.
Thank You very much in advance. Jayme.
This electrical wiring question came from: Jayme, who Homeowner in Canada.
Additional Comments: Great idea and very useful and much appreciated tool for homeowners.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jayme.
Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Switches
Application: Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Switch Wiring.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – this is Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, sheet rock tools, a non-conductive ladder and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and the access to the attic and area of the exhaust fan.
Precaution: Identify the circuit that will be used to power the bath exhaust fan, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done with a permit and the work inspected.
How to Wire a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and the Wiring for the Switches
Exhaust Fan Wiring
When installing a bathroom exhaust fan the overhead or vanity lighting circuit wiring may be used as the power source as long as the fan unit to be installed dies not have additional features such as heating elements which require a new dedicated circuit.
Location of the Exhaust Fan
If the bathroom exhaust fan unit will be installed over the bath tub or shower then the GFCI outlet circuit of the bathroom should be used as the power source.
Wiring for Switches
New electrical codes do require a neutral wire in the switch box, therefore extending the neutral wire of the circuit will be essential.
Humidity Control and Occupancy Sensor
The power source for the exhaust fan will require both the hot and neutral wires of the circuit up at the unit and it would be best to have the neutral wire at the switch box as well, especially if the a humidity control switch or occupancy sensor will be installed which requires the neutral wire.
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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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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I would like to know there to find a limit switch for a bathroom exhaust fan. It is a Fasco model R359
Can I Replace a Light with a Motion Sensor?
I have 2 different switches for the bathroom light and fan. I want to keep the fan and replace the light switch with a motion sensor light switch. The wires are in the same box. There is a black wire, red one, white one and the ground that is in the box. The light switch has a black wire hooked to it and the black wire that goes to the fan and the light. The fan switch has the ground wire, the red one and the white one hook to it. Can I replace the light with a motion sensor light switch?
Motion Detector Occupancy Sensor for a Bathroom Light
Hi Tina,
The bathroom light switch can be replaced with a motion detector, motion sensor, or occupancy sensor switch as you have described. All of these switches are very similar and are a great energy saving device. In fact, you may consider installing an occupancy sensor for the exhaust fan as well, only configure the length of time the exhaust fan will stay on longer to allow steam and odors to ventilate out of the bathroom.
Interesting Note: In many states occupancy sensors are now required in bathrooms by the NEC code.
I hope this helps you,
Dave