Hello,
I'm new here, but a lifelong DIY guy, for better or worse :wink:
I have a done a few simple electrical installations but electrical is one of my "blind spots" please assume total ignorance if/when directing a response (and any responses are greatly appreciated!).
I currently have a light directly above a shower in a bathroom of a circa 1985 house. The bathroom has no fan and so towels, shower curtains, etc. get moldy fast. I want to install a fan with the least amount of hassle and $$.
I purchased a combination light/fan from HD that I'd like to swap out with the existing light. Existing light shares a switch with the light above the sink and is the only switch in the room. Room also has two double outlet receptacles on either side of a his and hers double sink, one of which is GFIC. Both lights and both outlets are fed by the same 15a breaker.
I'd like to simply add a second switch next to the existing one, and use one switch to control the light over the sink and the other switch to control the light/fan combo.
All of that I think I can handle. What I need help with is the fact that apparently this light/fan combo needs to be installed on a "GFIC branch circuit." Does the presence of a GFIC outlet on the same circuit qualify, or must I install a GFIC breaker at my box?
Secondly, the placement in question is directly beneath my attic and about four feet from a soffit. I do not want any additional holes in my walls or roof (having trouble keeping the house warm as it is). How misguided would it be to simply duct the exhaust from the fan to a soffit vent? Can I use dryer ducting for this, or must it be something special. Insulating the duct would be smart, right, to reduce condensation?
Thank you kindly for any advice offered.
I'm new here, but a lifelong DIY guy, for better or worse :wink:
I have a done a few simple electrical installations but electrical is one of my "blind spots" please assume total ignorance if/when directing a response (and any responses are greatly appreciated!).
I currently have a light directly above a shower in a bathroom of a circa 1985 house. The bathroom has no fan and so towels, shower curtains, etc. get moldy fast. I want to install a fan with the least amount of hassle and $$.
I purchased a combination light/fan from HD that I'd like to swap out with the existing light. Existing light shares a switch with the light above the sink and is the only switch in the room. Room also has two double outlet receptacles on either side of a his and hers double sink, one of which is GFIC. Both lights and both outlets are fed by the same 15a breaker.
I'd like to simply add a second switch next to the existing one, and use one switch to control the light over the sink and the other switch to control the light/fan combo.
All of that I think I can handle. What I need help with is the fact that apparently this light/fan combo needs to be installed on a "GFIC branch circuit." Does the presence of a GFIC outlet on the same circuit qualify, or must I install a GFIC breaker at my box?
Secondly, the placement in question is directly beneath my attic and about four feet from a soffit. I do not want any additional holes in my walls or roof (having trouble keeping the house warm as it is). How misguided would it be to simply duct the exhaust from the fan to a soffit vent? Can I use dryer ducting for this, or must it be something special. Insulating the duct would be smart, right, to reduce condensation?
Thank you kindly for any advice offered.