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toria127 · Apr 25, 2009, 03:56 PM

We purchased an AUPU bathroom ceiling exhaust fan. It comes with a four switch control panel. The unit has the fan, light, nightlight. The fan has a red, grey, brown, blue, white and green wires. There is no room in the electrical box to run two three wire BX cables. There is only room for one BX cable. How can we wire the fan permitting us to use all of its features (fan high/low, nightlight, regular light and a general power on off switch)?? Are there any BX cables with 6 wires??

stanfortyman · Apr 25, 2009, 04:52 PM

If you are in NYC you really need to have a NYC licensed electrician wire this up.

ballengerb1 · Apr 25, 2009, 07:34 PM

Does the supplied switch fit inside a 2x4 box like the one you may already have in your wall? If so you can use 2 sections of 14/3 NM cable since none of your features is a heater. You only need one white neutral between your switch and the fan, they all share that same neutral. You need 4 blacks running to the unit and taping the ends of other colored wires in the Nm is OK. Use only one of the bare grounds cutting off the other one at each end and you will have one extra wire.

stanfortyman · Apr 25, 2009, 08:23 PM

WHOA! Not so fast.

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

If so you can use 2 sections of 14/3 NM cable since none of your features is a heater. You only need one white neutral between your switch and the fan, they all share that same neutral.

NO. The neutral MUST be part of the same cable. Even between switch boxes and lights, the neutral MUST be in the same cable.

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

You need 4 blacks running to the unit and taping the ends of other colored wires in the Nm is OK.

No it is not. Not in this case. You cannot mark a white a hot in a situation like this.
And tape is never an approved method for small wire. Paint or a permanent marker is a legal and safe way. This is for things like switch loops.

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Use only one of the bare grounds cutting off the other one at each end and you will have one extra wire.

Do not ever cut off a ground. ALL cables and raceways must have a ground. Period.

stanfortyman · Apr 25, 2009, 08:26 PM

I'm also not sure if my NYC comment was ignored or not.
I see the OP is an attorney. Hopefully they are smart enough to relize the extreme liability issues with regard to doing electrical work in an area that requires a license.

Besides, I don't practice my own law. I would think an attorney would similarly have the means to hire a professional to do work they are not trained or qualified to do. :rolleyes: