bathroomelectricalgfci
I have a bathroom that is on its own circuit that feeds power from the panel to a GFCI receptacle and then feeds 2 lights and the bathroom fan.
So if the GFCI trips the lights and the fan goes out as well. I think this is OK, but I want to confirm there is no code violation. I am in Canada.
Sure sounds like you may have a couple of unrelated problems. Usually, a nuisance tripping GFI is a sign of a worn or aged GFI device. This is assuming there are no down line devices or lights that are leaking small amounts of current to earth ground. This would be uncommon for a light or simple switch, more likely with a motor load on start up or shut down. The more important and potentially dangerous problem is the whole house lighting flickering when the fan and shower light is on. If you have an accurate digital VOM, you can look at the voltage drop at the breaker that controls the bathroom. If you see variations of much more than 5 to 10 volts then isolate which device is causing the fluctuation. (fan or bath lite) by turning them on individually and test again. A older fan is a common source of your problem as moisture and humidity may have invaded the motor and causing larger than average voltage drop to ground. If this fan is in fact the culprit, the fan may be heating up more than normal as well and could become a hazard. If you do not have a VOM or know how to test voltages inside your circuit breaker panel, I'd advise you to seek a licensed electrician soon to correct the situation.
Based on the description you've provided in your comment. You should be able to install a combination GFCI switch device in the first bathroom (electrically closest to the breaker box), which will provide GFCI protection to the light and the rest of the circuit. Install the GFCI switch combo as follows:
All grounding conductors left off for simplicity. Make sure all devices are properly grounded.
LINE terminal of the GFCI.LINE terminal of the GFCI.LOAD terminal of the GFCI.LOAD terminal on the GFCI.
Best Answer
That very typically happens when Goober wires it. (I don't know who Goober's Canadian cousin is, maybe Joe Gongshow?)
Joe hooks it up, and goes "hey, what do I do with these extra wires? Oh look, 2 more screws under this warning tape I did not read".
Things should only be put on the LOAD screws if you really want to provide GFCI protection to them. Otherwise, the LINE screws usually are able to accept 2 wires via screw-and-clamp.
Lights and fans do not need to be on GFCI unless they are inside the shower.