I have an existing junction box in my attic which is powering my exhaust system in the summer. The wire is 12-2 and it is a dedicated line, nothing else on it. I am putting a bathroom on the 3rd floor and have a fan/heater/light combo which I will run 12-3 from the unit to the switch. Can I connect the 12/3 wire in the junction box to the 12-2 wire for my power so as to not have to take the 12-3 all the way to the breaker box? The unit will have 3 switches.
Electrical – 12-2 TO 12-3 Wire
electrical
Related Solutions
In this case, it looks like you'll have to run a new 20A circuit. As per Article 110.3(B) of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and the manufacturers instructions.
NEC 2008
110.3 Examination, Identification, Installation, and Use of Equipment.
(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
On page 5 of the manufacturers installation manual (PDF), it clearly states that you must use a 20A circuit.
Yes, absolutely.
Install the recessed light over the shower and use the junction box attached to the lights to then extend the wiring to the new fan location. You'll obviously need new wire between the light and fan.
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Best Answer
It is not about the number of conductors it is about the load. Under the best of conditions the #12 can carry about 15-amps for an extended period of time. Check the power requirements of the heat-fan-light. Then get the amp draw from the attic ventilator. Add those together. If you can stay under the 15-amps your OK. Wire on. You will need a 12-4 between the control switch and the new heat-fan-light or one 12-3 and one 12-2. You need only one 12-2 between the junction box and the Heat-fan-light.