Can you put exhaust fan and light on same switch?

It is not a bad idea to connect the bathroom fan and light in your home on the same switch. It is safe to operate both at the same time. Running the fan in the bathroom is one of the best ways to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom. Mold in the bathroom is a result of the condensation of hot water.

How do I wire an exhaust fan to an existing light switch?





Remember, you also need to wire an extra switch to turn the fan on unless you want it to come on with the light all the time. You will need to run 3-wire cable between your new exhaust fan and the existing switch. Then you will need to remove the old switch and replace it with a double switch at that electrical box.

How do you wire a bathroom fan and one light switch?

Mount the fan and light and move to the switch box. Connect the black wire from the fan to the bottom terminal of the switch and the live circuit wire to the top terminal. Splice the white wires together and cap them. Twist the ground wires together and connect them to the green ground screw on the switch.

Should a bathroom fan come on with the light?

Building regulations recommend the bathroom extractor fan is controlled via the light switch, however there are a number of other solutions such as occupancy sensors or humidity sensors (integrated into fan) which offer an ideal solution for users who want automatic controllability.

How do you split a light switch into two?

3 Answers

  1. Get a 2-gang box to replace your existing 1-gang box.
  2. Get a new switch.
  3. Remove your existing box and install the 2-gang box in its place.
  4. Run your supply hot wire to both switches.
  5. Connect the light/fan hot wire to one switch and the exterior light to the other.
  6. Join all neutrals and ground wires.




What is code for bathroom exhaust fan?

The model building codes adopted by most jurisdictions typically require bathroom ventilation to be provided either by an operable window (3 sq. ft. or greater) or by mechanical means – a bathroom vent fan (20 continuous or 50 cfm intermittent, vented to the building exterior.

Can you use a light switch for a bathroom fan?

You can use the switch to operate both the fan and light, if you so choose. In fact, this is a common feature in single user public restrooms. As long as the switch and wiring are rated for the amount of current, which unless you get a huge fan, it should be.

Do I need a special switch for bathroom fan?

Thanks! If it’s a typical small one speed bathroom fan you can use any on/off switch that matches the load specs; just don’t use a dimmer switch intended for lights. If it’s a large ceiling fan or a variable speed fan, then you need to use one of the purpose – built fan switches: both Leviton and GE make these.

Can you replace a bathroom light with exhaust fan?



Replacing an existing bathroom light with a light and fan kit to be operated by separate switches would require running new wiring to the switch box, but a vent and light kit operating off the same single switch will not require additional wiring or a change of the switch.

Can bathroom exhaust fans cause fires?

If your bathroom exhaust fan is making a lot of noise as it’s rotating, that can spell trouble for the motor. If that contact should halt the fan’s rotation altogether, it can cause the motor to overheat and lead to a fire.

Can you leave a bathroom fan on all night?

Experts agree that you should not leave your bathroom fan on all night. You should only run the fan for about 20 minutes during and after a bath or shower. You especially shouldn’t leave it on at night. If it’s run too long, it can cause serious problems and become a fire hazard.

Can bathroom fans run continuously?



Your bathroom fan may run non-stop because it is designed to do exactly that. It is likely a dual-speed continuously operating exhaust fan that forms part of your house’s mechanical ventilation system. It runs continuously to provide a continuous stream of fresh air.

Does an exhaust fan use a lot of electricity?

Exhaust fans typically use anywhere between 5-35 watts for residential use and can go as high as 60 watts for commercial systems as well.

What is the difference between exhaust fan and ventilation fan?

Differences Between These Fans

The main difference between the two types of fans is their application. While a ventilation fan works to bring clean air into an enclosed space from an outside source, an exhaust fan removes pollutants from the indoor air in a home or commercial space.

Do exhaust fans remove humidity?



An exhaust fan is not only a simple way to reduce the humidity in the air it can also help to improve the freshness of your bathroom. The best exhaust fans are those that have HV1 ratings.

Where should a bathroom exhaust fan be placed?

A bathroom fan should ideally be placed in the ceiling close to the shower, but not directly over the shower. While it is allowed to install a shower-rated bath fan directly above the shower, for maximum comfort it is best to install it slightly away from it.

Can exhaust fans cool a room?

Using an exhaust fan is very beneficial for the home, indoor air quality, and comfort of occupants. Exhaust fans can quickly cool down areas that have become too hot from activities such as cooking or showering. Hot air is vented outdoors, reducing the temperature of the space without using the air conditioning system.

Should you run exhaust fan while showering?

Unfortunately that is not utilizing your fan the way it is designed. According to the Home Ventilation Institute (HVI) the exhaust fan should run for at least 20 minutes after the shower has been used. This ensures that the proper amount of ventilation has occurred. Any easy solution is to install a fan timer switch.

Why do hotel bathrooms not have fans?



The main reason hotels don’t have bathroom fans is that the moisture and odors are instead removed by a central climate control system.

Do all bathrooms need exhaust fans?

So you may be asking yourself: Do I need a bathroom fan? The answer is generally yes. Residential bathroom ventilation is almost always required by any municipality, whether that ventilation is coming from a window or a fan.