View Full Version : I have two two lights in my bathroom how can I add a fan to one of the switches ?
par4miker
Jun 3, 2010, 12:06 AM
I have two single pole light switches that each have a black on top and a white on the bottom. I want to add a fan to one of the switches it has two wires coming from it that are not color coded
Stratmando
Jun 3, 2010, 07:41 AM
Is the insulation on the wire clear?
Would think they would be white, black or something?
ballengerb1
Jun 3, 2010, 08:21 AM
Not color coded, what do you mean? Is there any color to the insulation, if it were clear you'd see the copper and I never saw clear . Do you intend to install an exhaust fan in the ceiling?
par4miker
Jun 3, 2010, 09:29 AM
I'm sorry they are both brown and smooth and not striped. Usually you can tell them apart by a stripe or raised lines . And yes it is an exhaust fan want it to come on when light get turned on
Stratmando
Jun 3, 2010, 10:01 AM
Usually there are small ridges to tell which is neutral, I have seen wire like that that had copper for 1 conductor and tinned copper(silver colored) for the other conductor, you need a ground, and wiring should be #12 if on a 20 amp, or #14 if on a 15 amp breaker.
With only black and white on each switch, it is likely a switch loop and a Neutral may not be in switch box.
What are both switches used for? You might be able to tie in with one of your 2 loads. What do they switch?
ballengerb1
Jun 3, 2010, 10:35 AM
Yep, colors on a switch can be deceiving. Best to test each wire to see if you even have aneutral in this switch box, pften you will not.
par4miker
Jun 3, 2010, 01:05 PM
There are two single pole switches each one controls 1 light fixture, a ceiling light, and a light fixture above the sink area