Hello All,

I am in the midst of a bathroom remodel and decided that since everything has been going so well, that I would take on the electrical project and save the $700+ for the electrician. I really want to do this myself, but there are some basics that I do not know. Hoping y'all might be able to help...

Current situation -
1- 3 wall switches
a. switch 1 controls overhead flouresant lights
b. switch 2 controls fan motor
c - switch 3 controls fan light

There is also an outlet next to the switches and one on the opsite side of the vanity. They are connected to a GFI that I believe is all independent of the aformentioned switches

Desired configuration
1 - switch #1 to contro, new recessed lighting ( I am pretty clear on how to accomplish this

2 - switch #2 to control (new) fan motor. fan will not have a light

3 - switch #3 to control new vanity lighting

The questions -

a - Should I simply be able to disconect the wiring from the current fan light and simply rerout it for the vanity lights? Can it be that easy?

b - Assuming it is not that simple - what information can I provide so that I may get some direction from folks here?

What is the best way to figure out what wires go where in the current set up? The J-box for the fan is up in the attic and I have not yet opened it, but suspect, if it is like the rest of the house, the wires will all appear to be the same color....UGH

if you haven't been able to trace the existing wiring to find the feed, call an electrician. the ability to fix or redo anything is directly related to knowing what the dickens you already have.

do you know the code requirements for location of the outlets, what items must be protected by GFI, what the minimum power feed of the outlet circuit must be?

do you know what recoding is? what is the breaker amperage and wire gauge currently service the bathroom?

this isn't really as hard as some things to learn, but water and electricity don't mix... and sloppy workmanship and electricity never mix.

you are going to have to present the electrician with a diagram of the bath to be, showing exactly where you want things, and get their feedback. they will have to scope out whether they need to bust wall and install new wiring back to the panel.

and then they go away until you have the rough construction built so they can make their additions and get the inspector to OK them.

-0-

again, if you haven't figured out what you currently have and what is needed to make it legal, this isn't DIY for you.

First thing to look at is -- how did they wire the fan motor and fan light? Did they use separate wires, such as two sets of 14/2 or 12/2? Or did they use one wire set of 14/3 or 12/3?

Where is the power source for all these lights and fan motor -- does it go into the switch box and branch to each switch, or does it go into the fan motor assembly?

If they used two sets, they you probably can just pull the wire over to a new location. If they used one set, then you'll have to disconnect the one extra wire and not use it, and run new wire from the switch to the new location of the vanity.

PS most building code jurisdictions require a permit for any electrical work. But thats up to you.

And my info is generally speaking, since I have no idea what fan motor and lights you have. And that J box could throw a twist into the situation.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Re-mdlr,