bathroom fans

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kulrtim

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What is the code for fans in bathrooms?
To my knowledge you have to use an exhaust fan to draw moisture out of the room.
I have a client that wants a ceiling (paddle) fan and no exhaust fan in her bathroom. She thinks that with a paddle fan and venting window will take care of the moisture problem.
Where in the NEC does it say anything about this topic?
Note: the bathroom ceiling is 10' so I don't think clearance over water sources will be an issue for the paddle fan.
Thank-you for all your input.
 
don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
Re: bathroom fans

You won't find the answer in the NEC. That is a building or plumbing code issue.
Don
 
G

Guest

Guest
Re: bathroom fans

You might consider getting an indoor/outdoor paddle fan. Not required but they are UL listed for humid areas. With an openable window there shouldn't be any exhaust fan requirement. Double check with the UBC and your local AHJ.
 
B

bill addiss

Senior Member
Re: bathroom fans

Please look at 410.4(D) for rules concerning Paddle Fans in Bathrooms and clearances from Tub and Shower areas.

Bill
 
ryan_618

ryan_618

Senior Member
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: bathroom fans

You are required to have either:

1) 1.5 square feet of openable window or;
2) mechanical ventilation. If you use mechanical ventilation it must be continous at a rate of 20cfm or intermitent (switched) at a rate of 50 cfm.

Ceiling fans will not be considered mechanical exhaust, as they are not capable of ducting the exhaust to the exterior.

Hope you have a window!
 
electricmanscott

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
Re: bathroom fans

In MA you are required to have mechanical ventilation that exhausts to the outdoors. Weather or not there is a window.

[ October 15, 2003, 08:51 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
ryan_618

ryan_618

Senior Member
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Re: bathroom fans

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
In MA you are required to have mechanical ventilation that exhausts to the outdoors. Weather or not there is a window.
Click to expand...
Good point Scott.

In a commercial application mechanical ventilation is a requirement and not an option also, in all states unless amended. My above remarks were only for dwellings.
 
A

a.wayne3@verizon.net

Guest
Re: bathroom fans

As of 2002 in Florida all bathrooms in a residence are required to have an exhaust fan .Best to check with local mechanical inspector
to see if required.
 
C

cwsnsons

Member
Re: bathroom fans

On my last inspection the AHJ told me to add an exhaust fan in each of the three bathrooms (none had an operable window). He said if there had been operable windows this would not be required. I was wondering if this was something I had missed in new code requirements, or what. While a good idea, apparently it is a state amendment or a judgment call on the part of the AHJ.
 
L

lrollo

Member
Re: bathroom fans

I was always told if the bathroom doesnt have a window which can be opened then it must have a vent fan. Also check definition of bathroom. Sometimes you can slip through a loop hole if youre wanting to get out of the vent fan installation if there is just a comode and a sink or just a shower and a comode. Also I belive rather than being in a bathroom for moisture, the fan is required in case of sewer gas build up, which is explosive.
 
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bill addiss

Senior Member
Re: bathroom fans

Also I belive rather than being in a bathroom for moisture, the fan is required in case of sewer gas build up, which is explosive.
Click to expand...
Then why are you mentioning loophole? :confused:

Bill
 
G

Guest

Guest
Re: bathroom fans

To be effective against sewer gas it would have to be on 24/7/365. Not going to happen in a typical dwelling unit.

Sewer traps are for stopping sewer gas. That's what the P-trap does. Then the gas is vented out through the roof (away from a window!).

My Uncle worked in Saudi Arabia and stayed in the palace of a Saudi prince. There was NM stuck to the marble walls (with supersurface receptacles & switches) and the bathrooms lacked sewer vents. Most rooms were unapproachable-- and dangerous. The Prince wouldn't even live there and my Uncle had it all to himself while he worked for Bechtel. Uncle said the sewer gas boiled out of the commodes and went out the windows. The doors stayed closed.
 
iwire

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Re: bathroom fans

Originally posted by electricmanscott:
In MA you are required to have mechanical ventilation that exhausts to the outdoors. Weather or not there is a window.
Click to expand...
Scott there was a time here in MA when the fans in a bathroom with no window had to come on with the light.

Is that still the case?

Also I belive rather than being in a bathroom for moisture, the fan is required in case of sewer gas build up, which is explosive.
Click to expand...
lrollo while sewer gas can be explosive, if you are getting any in a bathroom (other than from chili :D ) there is a serious plumbing problem.

Any true "sewer gas" should be going out the plumbing vents on the roof.

The "other" kind of gas should not be building up to explosive levels in the bathroom or any other room. :D :eek:
 
L

lrollo

Member
Re: bathroom fans

Well, was a nice chuckle. This was what was explained to me though by an inspector. The exhaust fan was installed for problems with sewer gas. In case a p-trap cracked or for some reason sewer gas backed up into the house. I also think putting them to come on with the light is a great idea. I wire the ones I install exactly that way, unless told otherwise by the home owner or builder. Have a great day guys. :p
 
electricmanscott

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
Re: bathroom fans

Just goes to show you can't beleive everything an inspector tells you. Bob from the MA building code: "1205.2.1 Every bathroom containing a tub and/or shower shall be equiped with a mechanical exhaust fan and associated ductwork with the fan exhausting, at such rates as specified in the BOCA National Maechanical Code/1993 as refrenced in appendix A. Passive ventilation methods such as openable windows shall not substitute for ventilation. Such bathroom exhaust shall vent directly to the outside and no exhaust vent shall terminate in attics or other portions of the building." No mention of residential or commercial or of switch operation in there. I always switch them seperately and have not encountered any trouble with inspectors.
 
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