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bjbpublic
Sep 3, 2007, 11:58 AM
My home was constructed around 1990. There are two full baths and one half bath. The bathroom receptacles share a dedicated 15A circuit (I have read that code now requires a 20A circuit) with a single GFCI outlet protecting all three locations. The vanity lights in all three bathrooms are on general lighting circuits shared with other rooms.

I would like to add a new exhaust fan over the shower in the master bathroom, and the manufacturer requires GFCI protection for installation there.

From my reading on this site, I know that I cannot (per code) tap into the existing GFCI-protected outlet since the circuit is shared between bathrooms. So, without running a new circuit back to the panel...

(1) Is it permissible to add the fan to the existing general lighting circuit?

(2) If so, what are my options to GFCI protect it?

(3) If the solution uses a faceless GFCI, does it need to be visible in the bathroom, or can it be exposed in the attic?

I'm not terribly keen on the idea of a GFCI breaker for the whole circuit due to the possibility of false tripping from other devices that don't need protection.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks...

tkrussell
Sep 3, 2007, 12:21 PM
Yes the fan can go on the local lighting circuit, and the deadfront (faceless) GFI was exactly what I would suggest. It can be located anywhere convenient for you.

bjbpublic
Sep 3, 2007, 12:59 PM
Yes the fan can go on the local lighting circuit, and the deadfront (faceless) GFI was exactly what I would suggest. It can be located anywhere convenient for you.

Wonderful -- thank you!