I'm sure there's an easy solution for what I need to do.

In my master bath, I have 2 ceiling lights, one over the sink, and one in the middle of the room. Since the bathroom has a window, a fan was not installed. My wife would like to replace the one light with a light/fan combo. Easy enough, except that the wiring from the switch is standard 14/3. I know I have to rewire this already because the new unit is larger and the existing wire is not long enought to secure in the tensioner.

So here's my question. Should I run (2) 14/3 wires from different switches so they light and fan can be controlled separately, or one 14/4 ? I've run lots of the standard white/black/bare cable, but never a 4-wire. Ideally, I would like the light and fan on different switches.

The source coming into the switch is standard white/black/bare.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I like separate switches for the lights & fans too. It might be easier with 2 14/3s

 

Standard assuming pre 2011 is 14-2 or 12-2. That would be 14-2 or 12-2 not three conductor. I believe you are confusing two conductor wire with three conductor wire.

Yes, if you want separate switches for fan and light run 14-3 or 12-3 (black, red, white, bare) for the fan and light from the switch box and abandon in place the existing cable (just cut it short and push into wall and ceiling space).

Assumes by you mean power comes in at the switch.

 

Just to be clear, you're planning to install a recessed bathroom light/exhaust fan combination unit, right? Not a paddle fan with a light kit?

 

I thought be might be confusing that too. I answered using his terminology.

 

Best to correct terminology immediately or as subsequent posts by other are added by others it spirals out of control.

 

You are 100% correct.
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I wonder if the OP meant xx-2 and was counting the ground incorrectly.

 

Yes, I believe he meant xx-2 for the old and xx-3 for the new wire.