Wiring a Light Switch for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light

How to Wire an Exhaust Fan and Switches: Wiring an Exhaust Fan with a Light Fixture Using a Combo Switch.

Wiring a Separate Light Switch for a Bathroom Combo Light and Exhaust Fan
Electrical Question: How can I wire an exhaust fan with a light fixture so the fan is switched on with one switch and the light is controlled by a separate switch?

This Electrical Wiring question came from: Dakota, a Contractor from Little Rock, Arkansas.
Additional Comments: Thank you.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Dakota.

How to Wire an Exhaust Fan and Switches

Preparations
Application: Wiring Stack Switches or Triple Switches for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced, best installed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the access to the wiring for the wall switch for the exhaust fan and if a larger switch box will be required.
Precaution: The combo bathroom exhaust fan circuit should be identified, turned OFF and Tagged with a Note before working with the wiring and installing the fan speed switch.

Wiring an Exhaust Fan with a Light Fixture Using a Combo Switch

1. As long as the bathroom exhaust fan and light have separate wire leads or connections in the exhaust fan junction box then a separate wire will be necessary for the separate control for the light fixture.
2. For example: when the power source is present at the wall switch box, the a 3-wire cable would be installed from the light switch box up to the bathroom exhaust fan unit.
3. The light and fan would share the neutral, however there would be a separate wire for the fan, and a separate wire for the light.
4. So back at the wall switch box, two switches will be required, or one stack-switch could be installed if there is only one space available.

More about Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

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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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