Gfci Protected Exhaust Fan

Gfci protection for bathroom ceiling exhaust vent nec national electrical code does not require bathroom exhaust fans to be installed on a gfci protected circuit.

Gfci protected exhaust fan. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. The switches for the exhaust fan and light are installed on the load side wiring as well. 110 3 examination identification installation and use of equipment. Bathroom ceiling exhaust fan requires a damper to prevent back drafts.

The national electrical code nec does not require bathroom exhaust fans to be gfci protected however there is this bit in article 110. The nec requires that all outlet receptacles in a bathroom be gfci protected. To provide gfci protection for an exhaust fan the incoming circuit power connects to the line side of the gfci outlet then the wires for the exhaust fan connect to the load side of the gfci outlet. An exhaust fan in the shower is a poor design in my opinion and must be installed per 110 3 b.

Some exhaust fans require the gfci protection. A recessed light in a shower is not required to have gfci protection. Gfci protection is designed to prevent the shocks that might occur when a ground fault occurs and it can be provided by special gfci outlet receptacles or by a gfci circuit breaker that protects the entire circuit. Bathroom exhaust exterior vent opening should be screened with a to mesh to prevent birds from building nests inside the vent pipe.