Bathroom wiring trips GFCI
#1
07-07-20, 09:38 PM
Bathroom wiring trips GFCI
1 GFCI outlet and 1 Double switch. 1st switch powers exhaust fan, 2nd switch powers exhaust light and vanity light. This was wired so both lights would come on with one switch, and the fan with the other, but the fan would only run if the lights were on. I've tried to rewire so the fan runs independent of the lights, but now the GFCI trips. What did I miss? This is my current setup....
<img src="https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/720x691/wall_switch_trips_582314ec7f26e63bb4f9dc625672eec45f56b527.jpg" width="720" height="691"/>
<img src="https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/720x691/wall_switch_trips_582314ec7f26e63bb4f9dc625672eec45f56b527.jpg" width="720" height="691"/>
... fix tomorrow!
#3
07-07-20, 10:13 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
I was going to mention that but I see you spotted it.
In this application...... only the receptacle is GFI protected. That means both neutrals must be on the LINE side. The GFI is set up for two wires per screw. The hot wire must also be on the LINE side. There should be nothing connected to the LOAD side
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/477x359/gfci_back_84779164c5336620e0ee2862a4e20e8934aab48c.jpg" width="477" height="359"/>
I was going to mention that but I see you spotted it.
In this application...... only the receptacle is GFI protected. That means both neutrals must be on the LINE side. The GFI is set up for two wires per screw. The hot wire must also be on the LINE side. There should be nothing connected to the LOAD side
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/477x359/gfci_back_84779164c5336620e0ee2862a4e20e8934aab48c.jpg" width="477" height="359"/>
#4
07-08-20, 08:09 AM
Ahhh thanks! Another excellent reply by PJmax (I've been lurking). The misplaced GFI wires must be why it tripped. I'm an old DYI, I've replaced a lot of receptacles but nothing this complex. Researching this I did not find any clear instructions on GFI wiring, and all the diagrams showed wires on the load side. Your clarity is much appreciated!
My initial thought was to join the line neutral with the other 2 neutrals, and move the hot wire up to the line screw on the GFI. But then I saw "The GFI is set up for two wires per screw" Does that mean I can't join the line neutral with the other 2 neutrals as below?
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/480x461/wall_switch_fix_1af7bc0d91c10855bcecef3d1690b6af261f263d.jpg" width="480" height="461"/>
My initial thought was to join the line neutral with the other 2 neutrals, and move the hot wire up to the line screw on the GFI. But then I saw "The GFI is set up for two wires per screw" Does that mean I can't join the line neutral with the other 2 neutrals as below?
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/480x461/wall_switch_fix_1af7bc0d91c10855bcecef3d1690b6af261f263d.jpg" width="480" height="461"/>
#5
07-08-20, 08:22 AM
Had another look, my GFI shows line side on the bottom. So here is my propsed wiring...
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/480x461/wall_switch_fix2_214f92a9a572aa5a4628d4728792a0a695ae5bab.jpg" width="480" height="461"/>
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/480x461/wall_switch_fix2_214f92a9a572aa5a4628d4728792a0a695ae5bab.jpg" width="480" height="461"/>
#6
07-08-20, 09:09 AM
Group Moderator
#7
07-08-20, 10:38 AM
Thank you PJMax, that worked! Lights come on together and the fan is independent. The only glich was the Broan instructions showed the Red wire going to the light, not the fan, but this was reversed.
You are a god... you should change your handle to "Zeuss", the god of lightening.
You are a god... you should change your handle to "Zeuss", the god of lightening.
#8
07-08-20, 10:46 AM
Group Moderator
Nah.... I'm Mighty Mouse. Help to all the little guys. 
Some fan combos have two receptacles..... one for the light and one for the fan.
If yours does.... maybe they're plugged in backwards.
Some fan combos have two receptacles..... one for the light and one for the fan.
If yours does.... maybe they're plugged in backwards.
