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Blizzaro
Jun 9, 2008, 07:37 PM
Hello,
I currently have one switch that controls both the light and bathroom fan. These are both separate units. I want to separate them by having one switch control the fan and another switch controlling the light. The main power currently comes into the light fixture on the ceiling. This power source currently supplies a motion sensor, a power outlet, and the light switch (which is attached to the fan). I want to run a 14/2 wire from the power source to the new switch box which will control the fan. I'm wondering how to wire everything properly to make this work.

nguard
Aug 11, 2008, 05:15 PM
I had the same issue in my bathroom, one light one switch. I eventully upgraded to a fan and just dealt with the wiring. I wired the light and fan on the same switch. At first it was just nice having a fan. After a few years I was kicking myself for not "getting it right" the first time. I should have just buckled down and added another switch. I recently had a major plumbing issue which was a blessing in disguise...

I ended up gutting out the entire bathrom (65 sq feet)... I put in a new bath shower, floor walls everything. AND I wanted "Fresh electric"... I don't know who wired my house (60 yrs ago) but I didn't have a single breaker to control a single room, everything was screwed up. So I figured I would run a new breaker right from the box and solely committed for the bathrrom. AND I figured I'd add an outlet and a vanity light (perfect for evening). I ran 14/2 straight from the box.. after installing a new breaker...

Installing breaker... open it up, cut the main power (have a good flashliht) pull one out, carefuly paying attention to how it was installed... take it to Lowe's, Homedepot and match up EVERYTHING, volts, model# etc... then put that one back in and wire the new one.

From the breaker I ran one 14/2 to underneath by bathrrom (basement ceiling) I installed a junction box.

From the junction box I ran one for the switch through the floor, one for the fan switch and one for the outlet and vanity. So my junction box had the power in and 3 lines out
1- light switch
2- Fan switch
3- Outlet

I an the vanity off the outlet

From the fan switch to the fan (I know brilliant right? Lol)

From the light switch to the main light and the new shower light.

It's so nice having options when light is needed!! Hope this helps... just beware, I am no way shape or form a professional (they may know an easier way), just a homeowner looking to save a few bucks...

bolt in blue
Aug 12, 2008, 07:52 AM
Currelectric code requires bathrooms to have a 20 amp circuit with GFCI protection on outlets. This circuit must be dedicated to the bathroom unless it only has outlets, in which case one circuit may serve multiple bathrooms. Remember that a 20 amp circuit will needat least 12/2 cable if using romex.

Tev
Aug 12, 2008, 12:53 PM
1. Turn off the breaker.
2. disconnect the fan but leave everything else the way it is.
3. connect the ground of the new wiring and the fan to the rest of them.
4. connect the fan's neutral wire (probably white) to the neutrals in the box behind the fan
(also probably white)
5. connect the black wire of the new switch wiring to the fan's hot wire.
6. connect the white wire of the new swtch wiring to the hot wires in the box behind the
Fan (probably black) and reidentify it with black tape.
7. go to the switch box and wire the ground.
8. wire the black and white to opposite ends of the switch and reidentify the white wire with black tape.
9. test it
10. Close it up and enjoy.

benaround
Aug 12, 2008, 04:49 PM
In many areas it is against the health code to change your situation, if there is no window

In the bath room.