Replacing bathroom fan safe on current circuit or needfor a dedicated run ?
#1
12-14-13, 01:57 PM
Replacing bathroom fan safe on current circuit or needfor a dedicated run ?
Looking at changing a builders grade bathroom light/fan to a energy efficient light/heat/air fan.
I checked the current circuit that it's on and it's on a100 Amp circuit that most of my lights are on.
What should I check to see if it's safe to add this new fan ?
(The fan is not over a water source and as such not on a gfci )
Just wanted to ask the above so I can start planning the work.
I checked the current circuit that it's on and it's on a100 Amp circuit that most of my lights are on.
What should I check to see if it's safe to add this new fan ?
(The fan is not over a water source and as such not on a gfci )
Just wanted to ask the above so I can start planning the work.
#2
12-14-13, 02:02 PM
Group Moderator
If it has a heater it may require it's own circuit or connection to a higher amperage circuit.
You need to check the manufactures specs for the details.
Also... double check the size of the circuit your lights are on. Most likely it's a 15A circuit.
Definitely not a 100A circuit.
You need to check the manufactures specs for the details.
Also... double check the size of the circuit your lights are on. Most likely it's a 15A circuit.
Definitely not a 100A circuit.
#3
12-14-13, 02:50 PM
Group Moderator
As PJ mentioned, if the new fan has a heater then you will need a new circuit as heaters draw about 12 amps. If it is just an exhaust fan, the original circuit will likely be fine.
#4
12-14-13, 07:13 PM
The manual with the wattage added up comes to 13 amps so I guess it would want it's own circuit.
But I think I want to double check about this 100 amp light circuit....
In my breaker box it is clearly labeled as 100 amp and when I pulled it the light and fan went out.
I will shot a pic of it when I get back and would be intrested in your feedback.
But I think I want to double check about this 100 amp light circuit....
In my breaker box it is clearly labeled as 100 amp and when I pulled it the light and fan went out.
I will shot a pic of it when I get back and would be intrested in your feedback.
#5
12-14-13, 11:19 PM
Group Moderator
That sounds like your are describing the pullout main for a split bus fuse panel.
A picture would definitely be a great help.
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
A picture would definitely be a great help.
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html
#6
12-15-13, 12:37 PM
Your right sorry it's the pull out for the smaller sub panel
After the hint I found the 20 amp circuit for the bed room lights.
It controls the current bathroom fan, 2 sets of wall scones, the main bedroom light and a walk in closet light.
As you can see my main pannel and sub pannel are all ready pretty full.
So it looks like I don't have room for another 20 amp circuit.
There is one spot free on main pannel but are you not meant to keep some free space ?
(will have to post images when I am on a pc )
After the hint I found the 20 amp circuit for the bed room lights.
It controls the current bathroom fan, 2 sets of wall scones, the main bedroom light and a walk in closet light.
As you can see my main pannel and sub pannel are all ready pretty full.
So it looks like I don't have room for another 20 amp circuit.
There is one spot free on main pannel but are you not meant to keep some free space ?
(will have to post images when I am on a pc )
#7
12-15-13, 09:24 PM
Here is the picture of the panel
[ATTACH=CONFIG]23035[/ATTACH]
So if I flip the 100 Amp breaker it is some how connected to the little sub pannel that you can see in the photo. Thanks PJmax for the hint.
I was then able to find the 20 Amp breaker for the lights but as I said in my last post I don't think I have space for another 20Amp breaker.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]23035[/ATTACH]
So if I flip the 100 Amp breaker it is some how connected to the little sub pannel that you can see in the photo. Thanks PJmax for the hint.
I was then able to find the 20 Amp breaker for the lights but as I said in my last post I don't think I have space for another 20Amp breaker.
#8
12-15-13, 11:34 PM
Group Moderator
Yes...... the 100A breaker feeds the sub panel.
You mentioned you have one circuit left in the panel. There's no time like the present to use it.
Otherwise you may have to purchase a tandem breaker. A tandem breaker has two handles on it for two circuits but it takes the place of one standard breaker.
You mentioned you have one circuit left in the panel. There's no time like the present to use it.
Otherwise you may have to purchase a tandem breaker. A tandem breaker has two handles on it for two circuits but it takes the place of one standard breaker.
#9
12-16-13, 03:29 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Unless I miscounted, your panel will not accept tandems. I see 39 out of 40 spaces already used.
#10
12-16-13, 07:18 AM
Member
I don't think I have space for another 20Amp breaker.
pcboss
Unless I miscounted, your panel will not accept tandems. I see 39 out of 40 spaces already used.
Unless I miscounted, your panel will not accept tandems. I see 39 out of 40 spaces already used.
#11
12-18-13, 03:30 PM
Thanks for yet another great hint CasualJoe
The sub panel is a Challenger SL12(20-24)CT
So from doing some reading 20-24 means I have 4 spots for tandem breakers and from the diagram I have to use spots 17-23 and 18-24. (is that right)
My question when should I use tandem breakers just when my panel becomes full eg after I use spot 40 ? or should I free up a spot now when I am doing this new work ?
The sub panel is a Challenger SL12(20-24)CT
So from doing some reading 20-24 means I have 4 spots for tandem breakers and from the diagram I have to use spots 17-23 and 18-24. (is that right)
My question when should I use tandem breakers just when my panel becomes full eg after I use spot 40 ? or should I free up a spot now when I am doing this new work ?
#12
12-18-13, 05:50 PM
Member
So from doing some reading 20-24 means I have 4 spots for tandem breakers and from the diagram I have to use spots 17-23 and 18-24. (is that right)
My question when should I use tandem breakers just when my panel becomes full eg after I use spot 40 ? or should I free up a spot now when I am doing this new work ?
Eaton Tandem 20 Amp 1 in. Single-Pole Type BR Replacement Circuit Breaker-BD2020 at The Home Depot
OR
Eaton 15 Amp 1 in. Duplex Single-Pole Type BD Replacement Circuit Breaker-BD1515 at The Home Depot
