View Full Version : New Bathroom Wiring
Renman521
Oct 23, 2012, 04:15 AM
I am installing a new bathroom in my basement. I plan on having a total of three switches (one for the vanity light and two individual ones for a combination ceiling exhaust fan/heater) and one GFI outlet.
Summary:
1- Light Switch
1- Exhaust Fan Switch (timer)
1- Heater Fan Switch (timer)
1- GFI Receptacle
The ceiling unit is a Panasonic (FV-11VH2). The individual supply to the fans are 120V and the heater is 1400W. The exhaust fan draws 30W.
Am I required to provide (2) circuits - one for the GFI and one for the lights/fans or can I put them all on (1) circuit?
Thanks!
hfcarson
Oct 23, 2012, 04:29 AM
I would recommend (2) 20 ampere circuits... one for the GFCI receptacle and the other for the fan / light / heater...
A dedicated GFCI circuit will allow hair dryers to be used as most are large enough to require a dedicated circuit anyway.
donf
Oct 23, 2012, 06:03 AM
First, allow me to state that the above statement is correct.
The NEC allows the following:
If the only devices being served are the ones in a single bathroom, you only need one 20 amp circuit. You would have to be careful of the placement of the GFCI protection.
Now, think about this, your wife or daughter are busy drying their hair and they have the heater on. The breaker trips and now they are in the dark. Do you really want to have a conversation with either lady at that point in time?
The second allowance for bathroom circuits is that you may have a separate 20 amp, GFCI protected circuit that is for a receptacle only and that that branch circuit may serve other bathroom receptacles, ONLY. In which case you might be able to use a 15 Amp circuit for the light, fan and vanity light.
shuntripper
Oct 24, 2012, 05:00 PM
Ahem, The NEC does not "allow", it requires minimum standards be met. You may put as many circuits in a bathroom as you like, provided they are placed properly and GFCI protected as required.
What about the heated floor, and the whirlpool tub ?
Renman521
Oct 24, 2012, 07:12 PM
Thanks for the answers. I plan 2 circuits so in the future I can provide power to two gfi outlets in two additional bathrooms
donf
Oct 25, 2012, 06:53 AM
Shuntriper,
I apologize for the use of the word "Allows" forgive me. However, that said, my response is accurate and does state the minium requirements as set forth in the NEC.