Several building codes in several countries mandate the installation of a bathroom fan. For this reason, many people prefer to have a fan and light both on the same switch. Having a single switch eliminates the need to remember turning on the fan when needed.
How to wire a bathroom fan and light on one switch?
First to avoid electric shock, turn off the power. For the primary procedure, turn off the light. After removing the bulb, connect the cable to the fan. You’ll need a wire stripper to get rid of the cable’s outer coating. Remember that the three wires must be connected. At last, restore power.
This may not be enough to complete the task. Band together with me to know the whole procedure accurately.
Let’s begin!
How to Wire a Bathroom Fan and Light on One Switch
To wire your bathroom fan and light to one switch, you must follow some instructions. first. An electric shock is possible even when working safely and can make a fire. You should be aware of making an informed decision to prevent fire related injuries.
Before you go for the instruction part, you may need a few tools to complete the process. Get the list below:
Required Tools
- Circuit tester (Non-contact)
- Wire connectors with a twist-on cap
- Multipurpose tool
- Utility knife
- Wire stripper
- Ladder
- Fish tape
- Screwdriver
- Electrical cable
- Pliers
After collecting these tools, you can go for step-by-step instructions. Check down below for the instructions-
Instructions
You’ll need to follow the exact steps after gathering all of the appropriate tools. Your wiring could be hazardous if you make a mistake. As a result, remember that when it comes to wiring, there is no such issue as a mistake.
Step 1: Turn off The Electricity
You need to work in a bathroom with the circuit breaker turned off. To ensure that the circuit is completely shut off, turn on and off the light switch.
Some professionals advise using a circuit tester to ensure the power has been turned off completely. Also, you can wire multiple circuits in a single junction box to avoid electrical accidents.
Step 2: Remove The Light
In the next step, remove the present light fixture’s light globe or cover. Do it by unscrewing the screws holding them in place with a ladder or stepladder. Try to unscrew the light bulb and remove it from the socket.
Pull the cover plate down a few inches. It’ll reveal the cables attached behind it. After unscrewing the two screws, hold it in place. Confirm with a non-contact circuit tester that there are no blinking lights.
Also, make sure that beeping noises are coming from the now-visible wires within the housing box. This step is critical.
Step 3: Remove The Connectors from The Wires
In this step, try to remove the existing twist-on wire connections from the housing box. Also, pair black and white wires by turning them counterclockwise. Straighten the wires as much as possible with a pair of pliers.
In the housing box, unscrew the ground wire from the ground screw, then remove it.
Step 4: Connect The Housing Box Cable
The bathroom fan connects an electrical connection to the ceiling housing box to power. Use a fish tape and a position above the exhaust fan. This is how you may be able to drag the cable down to the housing box.
Complex wire-routing scenarios may include notching the drywall around the bathroom wall’s top plates.
Step 5: Connect The Fan’s Cable
In the 5th step, attach the fan’s grounding screw to the bare copper grounding wire. Do it by using a ladder. Then connect the fan’s black and white wires to the fan’s wires. You need to know the wire size for 100 amp service 150 feet. It will help you in this step.
Professionals suggest reviewing your fan’s instructions to verify this typical schematic.
Step 6: Disconnect The Cable’s Outer Sheath Using A Wire Stripper
You can use a utility knife or multipurpose tool to remove the outer sheath. It can remove the remaining six inches of the electrical cable from the ceiling light housing box. Remove the last inch of insulation from the white and black wires.
Here are some wire stripper recommendations to help you out for this purpose. So, check down below-
| Product-1 | |
| Product-2 |
You can use these wire strippers for multi purposes. These are reasonable and handy for your work.
Step 7: Connect The Black, White, And Neutral Wires to The Connectors
Align the new wire from the fan. Do it with the stripped and straightened ends of the current black cables from the light and switch. Holding a pair of pliers in your dominant hand, twist the ends clockwise to join them.
Before putting the twist-on wire nut on, give the wires a good yank. It’ll make sure they are securely attached. Repeat this procedure with the white and neutral wires as well.
You can use glue for the attaching process more securely. But, remember sometimes failure in glue joints can happen.
Step 8: Restore The Power
Always remember that cables should be disposed of in a neat way inside the housing box. Replace the light bulb and the cover plate. Turn the circuit breaker on and remove the lamp cover or globe to verify the installation.
To assist you, I’ve written up what I know about the wiring process. I hope you will get a clear image of this procedure securely and soundly after reading these instructions.
This is surely easier than hiding a camera in your bathroom if you ever need it for safety measures.
FAQs
Question: How do you connect a timer to an extractor fan?
Answer: To do it you only need a 3-core and earth supply. It can continue working even after the lights have been turned off for some other reason.
Question: Can you make a single light into two?
Answer: To operate two fixtures, such as a bathroom light and a ceiling fan, a single light switch can be changed to a double light switch.
Question: How do you connect a three-way switch to a ceiling fan?
Answer: Remove approximately half an inch of insulation from any white, black, or red wires using wire strippers. It’s the white ceiling fan wire. To control the fan and light, connect the black wire to the ceiling fan’s black and blue circuits.
Conclusion
Now you have a clear view on how to wire a bathroom fan and light on one switch.
I don’t think this operation is too difficult. Just make sure you have the proper equipment. Call a professional if you still have any difficulties while completing the wiring process.
Until then, have a good time!