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-   -   Wiring a switch and GFCI circuit (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=10608)

  • Jun 27, 2005, 06:57 PM
    nervous
    Wiring a switch and GFCI circuit
    I am in the process of wiring my bathroom. The lighting and fan circuit has one fan, one overhead light and one vanity light. I was wanting to use a NuTone single space / 3 switch unit for all three. Wiring that is all very straight forward but the fan requires a GFCI circuit to make it OK for over tub use (which is where I have installed it). So, to accommodate that requirement I have purchased a faceless GFCI unit that I was hoping to install into the same 2 gang switchbox as the triple switch. However, the GFCI instructions say that I can't wire it into a box with more than 4 wires (excluding ground). My arrangement has a few more than that.

    So the questions are:

    1) where in this circuit does one place the GFCI? Before or after the switch?

    2) Can I gang 2 single switch boxes together to meet the isolation requirements of the GFCI or should I just move the GFCI elsewhere like the basement or the attic?

    3) What proximity does the GFCI need to be in relationship to the fan to be effective and could I place it closer to the fan away from the 3 bathroom switches? I have read that long runs can be problematic with GFCI circuits even though GFCI breakers can be a long way away (which confuses me).

    4) Can I place this single 15A GFCI in front of all three devices and have them all protected (instead of just the fan) or is this too much load?

    Thanks as always.
  • Jun 27, 2005, 07:14 PM
    labman
    I wonder if it would be easier to exchange the faceless GFCI unit for a GFCI breaker, and have everything on the circuit GFCI protected. Better check code.
  • Jun 28, 2005, 05:46 AM
    Flickit
    The GFCI...
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by nervous
    I am in the process of wiring my bathroom. The lighting and fan circuit has one fan, one overhead light and one vanity light. I was wanting to use a NuTone single space / 3 switch unit for all three. Wiring that is all very straight forward but the fan requires a GFCI circuit to make it OK for over tub use (which is where I have installed it). So, to accomodate that requirement I have purchased a faceless GFCI unit that I was hoping to install into the same 2 gang switchbox as the triple switch. However, the GFCI instructions say that I can't wire it into a box with more than 4 wires (excluding ground). My arrangement has a few more than that.

    So the questions are:

    1) where in this circuit does one place the GFCI? Befor or after the switch?

    2) Can I gang 2 single switch boxes together to meet the isolation requirements of the GFCI or should I just move the GFCI elsewhere like the basement or the attic?

    3) What proximity does the GFCI need to be in relationship to the fan to be effective and could I place it closer to the fan away from the 3 bathroom switches? I have read that long runs can be problematic with GFCI circuits even though GFCI breakers can be a long way away (which confuses me).

    4) Can I place this single 15A GFCI in front of all three devices and have them all protected (instead of just the fan) or is this too much load?

    Thanks as always.

    ... is:
    1. Connected directly to a breaker in your service panel. This breaker is for your bathroom and bathroom only. The GFCI has a set of terminals that allow other circuits (such as the switch) to be wired into the fault protection and thereby also under GFCI 'control'. If you do not have an accessible GFCI in the bathroom (includes plugs like a typical wall plug) you must install one. It also comes with a test and reset button on the front.
    2. This is possible but what do you mean by isolation? Remember the GFCI must service the entire bathroom. The GFCI must be in the bathroom and without checking code, I am certain nearby the vanity.
    3. No need to move it closer... remember to use the provided terminals for added circuits and their protection. GFCI's trip when they need to. Long runs will not be an issue unless there are leakage paths along the way (such as moisture) and this is what the GFCI protects against. You'll have no problem in the bathroom.
    4. Yes, this is exactly what it is intended for. You are not likely to overload the GFCI with 2 lights and a fan!

    I will repost if I find any other issues in the code that disagree or should be added to the above.
  • Jun 28, 2005, 06:06 AM
    Flickit
    The GFCI...
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Flickit
    ...is:
    1. Connected directly to a breaker in your service panel. This breaker is for your bathroom and bathroom only. The GFCI has a set of terminals that allow other circuits (such as the switch) to be wired into the fault protection and thereby also under GFCI 'control'. If you do not have an accessible GFCI in the bathroom (includes plugs like a typical wall plug) you must install one. It also comes with a test and reset button on the front.
    2. This is possible but what do you mean by isolation? Remember the GFCI must service the entire bathroom. The GFCI must be in the bathroom and without checking code, I am certain nearby the vanity.
    3. No need to move it closer...remember to use the provided terminals for added circuits and their protection. GFCI's trip when they need to. Long runs will not be an issue unless there are leakage paths along the way (such as moisture) and this is what the GFCI protects against. You'll have no problem in the bathroom.
    4. Yes, this is exactly what it is intended for. You are not likely to overload the GFCI with 2 lights and a fan!

    I will repost if I find any other issues in the code that disagree or should be added to the above.

    ... must be on the wall within 3' of the basin and the bathroom must have a committed 20A service (as first posted). All receptacles are to be GFCI protected.

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