PDA

View Full Version : New bathroom installation with GFCI's & exhaust fan


Reggie3260
Mar 7, 2013, 11:26 AM
I'm running a new 20 amp. Line into our bathroom. I plan on using 12-2 cable. From the panel box I would like to put 2 GFCI receptacles (which will always be hot) and at the end of the run have a dedicated switch which will control an exhaust fan only (no light). My questions are:
How would you recommend wiring the 2 GFCI receptacles (both single-location protection or should I wire the one nearest the panel for multiple-location protection? Also, am I correct that for the fan wall switch, all I need is a 20 amp. Single pole switch, and for the panel box, a 20 amp single pole breaker. Thanks for you advice.

hfcarson
Mar 7, 2013, 12:15 PM
Reggie:
I would always prefer using multiple GFCI's and keeping the GFCI receptacles separate and dedicated. I hate going to the basement to reset the bathroom. Also long conductors on the load side of a GFCI can cause nuisance tripping.

If you are not concerned with doing this in accordance with the electrical code then putting the fan on circuit is fine...
Otherwise If you do want to be compliant with the code and you're applying for a permit, the fan can be connected to the GFCI circuit but only if it is dedicated to that one bathroom. This means you will need a second circuit for the other bathroom. You can wire all bathroom GFCI's to one circuit but then you cannot connect other outlets...
The code section is 2011 NEC 210.11(C)(3).

... and yes, a 20 ampere switch for the fan and a 20 ampere single pole circuit breaker with 12-2 NM is correct...

Reggie3260
Mar 7, 2013, 01:47 PM
Thanks so much for your quick response. Just so I'm clear. This is a second line I'm running to one bathroom. All other lights and plugs are on a separate line in this room. I also want to be sure I understand all of what you wrote: When you say you prefer using multiple GFCI's and keeping the GFCI receptacles separate and dedicated do you mean having each of them wired for single-protection? In my case both GFCI's would be wired that way? Second, since this line will be dedicated to this one bathroom and will only have those 2 outlets on that line, will connecting the and switch at the end of the line still be in accordance with the electrical code? Hope that makes sense??
Thanks for your help and patience.