Electrical – How to wire multiple switches for the bathroom lights and fan

bathroombathroom-fixtureselectricallightingwiring

I am redoing a bathroom and onto my wiring. I am installing (4) recessed lights, (1) fan, and three switches.

I want one switch to control (2) recessed lights, the next switch to control the other (2) recessed lights, and the third switch to control the fan.

I currently have one wire coming up from the main breaker box (hot,common, ground) and would ideally hit the switch first before I went into the attic.

What is the best way to wire this type of setup? I have only done basic wiring (one fixture/one switch) and wanted to get some advice.

** Side note (4" and 5" recessed lights, IC rated, normal line voltage, and the fan draws 12 watts).*


[Update from OP]

A diagram would be absolutely great! Unfortunately I really need this broken down to me dummy style.

I am definitely never going to be an artist, but here is a quick drawing. Just note one thing, I can put the fan outlet on the same side as the light 2 gang box.

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Best Answer

If I understand your layout, you could wire it like this:

SUGGESTED BATHROOM WIRING

Chaining to all four lights like this requires the use of 12/3 cable for the first two sections, but if you want to follow Tester101's suggestion and add the extra conductor to the fan circuit for possible future use, you're going to buy some 12/3 anyway.

EDIT: Carl Witthoft is correct, the bathroom should be protected by a GFCI. I have altered my diagram to show a GFCI outlet with downstream protection.