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Old 12-14-2014, 09:23 AM   #1
bigdog
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Default Bathroom fan/light replacement?

I will be replacing my bathroom fan/light ?
The fan is becoming more loud, and I think ready to die !

Rather than replacing with the same type, I was thinking of purchasing a similiar unit, but one with a built-in heater /fan, to warm up the bathroom.

Question....... Can my current wiring handle a heater unit fan, or would this require a heavier gague romex wire to handle the voltage? Again, I'm assuming the fan/light/heater would all be controlled by the same switch?

Without checking, I'm assuming my current wiring is the typical 14/2 Romex.

Thanks,
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Old 12-14-2014, 09:54 AM   #2
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here is what i have for the Nutone fan heater. it is 12gauge
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Old 12-14-2014, 10:30 AM   #3
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To answer you materiel question, you should check the spec.s on the box or ask a clerk if you can look at the installation instructions. Frequently this info is linked on the merchant's/maker's web site.

If your bathroom has an attic space over it, I'd suggest you box in a 'chimney' over the hole in the ceiling. Install the fan unit on top of this chute. The next time you need to replace or service the fan you will not have to do any construction, it's practically plug-n-play even with dis-similar products. If there are women in you house-hold the fan/impellor may be jammed with deposits of hair-spray and dust. Scrape it off and there's a good chance your problem will go away.

I've never heard of a bathroom fan that includes a heating unit. Usually they get mounted in the ceiling which is not the most efficient place for a heat source. Not being a ventilation expert it appears that I have a gap in my knowledge though.
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Old 12-14-2014, 10:41 AM   #4
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Default Heating Unit.

Usually is an infrared spot or flood lamp.

The biggest concern for household wiring is aluminum wiring. It was the norm back in the days. Today, because of their age and corrosion they are a fire hazard. Check your wiring, if they are aluminum, you can do yourself a favor and replace with copper wiring. This also brings the wiring up to code.
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Old 12-14-2014, 11:16 AM   #5
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If the unit uses electric coils as it's source for the heating element, yes it will require a dedicated 20amp circuit.
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Old 12-14-2014, 01:27 PM   #6
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Default Bathroom fan/light

This is the type of discussion that always gets my attention, and I will fall back to my usual answer. Before proceeding too far into the project, you might consider consulting with a NH licensed electrician for the technical details, and with your local Town Code Officer for any Code issues. Safety is my number one issue, and mixing electrical work and bathroom together makes for a recipe for trouble if not done correctly.
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Old 12-18-2014, 01:32 PM   #7
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Bottom line is this:14 gauge is good for 15 amp and 12 is good for 20.You need to add up all the devices on that circuit to see what you have and I would only use about 75% of the rating.Most likely you will need 12 gauge.
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Old 12-18-2014, 10:20 PM   #8
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If codes are the same here as many states all bath rooms are to be wired to a 20 amp circuit and #12 wire used. the reason for this is that so many heater type appliance are used in that room. That is the real short answer and oh ya a GFI circuit to be in the plug receptalces.
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Old 12-19-2014, 08:33 AM   #9
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When wiring a bathroom you have to go by the 2002 National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, as adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., and approved by the American National Standards Institute.

In there you will find that you need a dedicated 2 wire 20A GFCI Branch Circuit for the bathroom receptacles. There are exceptions to the lighting in the bathroom and to a second bathroom. This is all explained in the code.

Good luck.
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Old 12-28-2014, 02:50 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by camp guy View Post
This is the type of discussion that always gets my attention, and I will fall back to my usual answer. Before proceeding too far into the project, you might consider consulting with a NH licensed electrician for the technical details, and with your local Town Code Officer for any Code issues. Safety is my number one issue, and mixing electrical work and bathroom together makes for a recipe for trouble if not done correctly.
... Not to be taken lightly; electricity + bathroom = potential problems if not done right.
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