Wiring Switches for a Bathroom Fan Unit
|
How are Switches wired for a Bathroom Light and New Exhaust Fan Unit? Wiring Switches for a Bathroom Light and Exhaust Fan Unit, Wiring Two Devices from Separate Circuits on One Switch. © By: Dave Rongey |
Bathroom Exhaust Fan Switches
Electrical Question: How are Switches wired for a Bathroom Light and New Exhaust Fan Unit?
I’m planning to install a light, fan, and heater unit in my bathroom which requires a dedicated 20A circuit.
- Once installed, I’d like to control the lights from this circuit with the lights on a different circuit from a single switch.
- Can I just land the wire from each circuit at the one switch, or can multiple circuits terminate at a single switch?
This electrical wiring question came from: Lou, a Homeowner from NJ, New Jersey.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Lou.
How to Wire Switches for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Application: Wiring 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 dedicated combo bathroom exhaust fan circuit, and other circuits in the bathroom should be identified, turned OFF and Tagged with a Note before working with the wiring and installing the exhaust fan switches.
Notice: Modifying existing wiring or installing additional bathroom electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Wiring Switches for a Bathroom Light and Exhaust Fan Unit
Wiring Two Devices from Separate Circuits on One Switch
- This question addresses a unique situation where two separate circuits will provide the power to two separate devices that will be controlled from one switch. This may be accomplished by installing a Double Pole, Single Throw Switch which has two sets of screw terminals, one set on each side of the switch. Each circuit power source and the device to be controlled is wired separately on each side. This will provide you with the ability to control two devices from one switch.
Wiring Two Devices of the Same Circuit on One Switch
- In another scenario, there may be one circuit that will provide the power to two separate devices that will be controlled from one switch. This may be accomplished by installing a standard Single Pole Switch which has only one set of screw terminals on one side. Connect the power source to one screw terminal, and a lead wire to the other screw, then splice the wire of the two devices to the lead wire.
Wiring Switches in a Typical Exhaust Fan Installation
- Most bathroom fan units require a special type of switch that has multiple switches built into it which will enable separate control for the various bathroom fan functions.
- These switches are designed for one circuit or power source only.
- For a typical installation it is best to install a switch box that will enclose the original light switch and the added circuit and switch for the bathroom fan unit.
More about Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
How To Install a Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Wiring Diagrams, Photos, Questions and Answers.
Electrical Wiring: Wiring a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light
See How to Wire a Bathroom Exhaust Fan and Light
Bathroom Exhaust Fan
How to Install and Wire a Bathroom Exhaust Fan with Pictures and Step-By-Step Instructions to Guide You.
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.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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. |
||
Switches Parts and AccessoriesLight Switch Single Pole 3 Way Light Switch 4 Way Light Switch Switch and Outlet Combo Dimmer Switch |
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
More articles about Double Pole Switch, Electrical Wiring, Single Pole Switch and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
Install a Microwave Outlet Circuit for the Kitchen |
Wiring a Dedicated Circuit for Bathroom Outlets |
