GFCI Wiring Question

[Cam]

Hi,

No doubt, this is a stupid question, but I can't find a definitive answer to it anywhere online.

I'm replacing an outlet receptacle in a bathroom with a GFCI outlet, but the swtich-controlled light fixture and fan in the bathroom are associated with the outlet receptacle.

Can a light switch and its associated fixture be connected to a circut downstream (on the load-side) of a GFCI receptacle, so that if the GFCI tripped, the light fixture and fan would be rendered inoperative until the GFCI was reset? Is this legal?

Everything I've read refers to additonal [u]outlets</u> being wired on the load-side of a GFCI outlet, but I've encountered nothing regarding [u]light switches and fixtures</u> being wired on the load-side of a GFCI.

Can anyone tell me if connecting a light fixture and fan on the load-side of a GFCI outlet meets electric code?

Thanks.

[kactuskid]

It is ok per code if you wanted to connect the fan and the light to the load side of the GFCI though it is not required. I would not advise it. The motor from the fan can sometimes trip the GFCI and can cause you lots of greif. You should just wire these devices off of the LINE side of your GFCI instead.

[Cam]

Thanks for the reply.

So I can connect the light and fan to the line terminals of the GFCI? I didn't realize I could do that.

[kactuskid]

Yes you can, as long as the light isn't one of those over the shower type lights. If it's a regular bathroom light over the sink then you're good to go, just connect both the light and the fan to the LINE side. You'll probably need to pigtail the wires since you will have 3 hots and 3 neutral wires, just use a wire of same gauge wire as your pigtail. Here's a link that shows this, scroll to the last picture on the page. http://www.danswiringpage.com/recepts_gfi.htm

[Cam]

kactuskid, thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

[kactuskid]

You're welcome [8D]

[LazyPup]

if you want to wire correctly you should never have more than one conductor under a screw on a device. If the circuit requires a junction you should make the junction and allow an 8 inch pigtail from the junction to the device.