Bathroom Fans

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dive2xs

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Multiple questions: House in Saignaw, Mi

1. Do half baths or powder rooms require a ventilation Fan? (I.E. no shower or bathtub)

2. Do Brady bunch style bathrooms require 1 or 3 ventilation fans? (Brady bunch style = Shower in its own room surround by 2 separate half bathrooms(toilet/sink))

3. When does light and fan on same switch come into affect, what is the code? I wish to design the fan to operate based off relative humidity, instead of user interaction.

Thanks
Brett Griffin, Technology Consultant

archi ? tech ? tronics, inc.
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[ January 31, 2005, 06:58 PM: Message edited by: charlie b ]
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

I believe the fan is required if the area has any one of the following,tub,shower,toilet.As to the switch as far as i know you could control it anyway you want or just leave it on.Humidity is not the only reason to use them.Should think an override switch is needed.
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

What other reason besides odor and humidity would a fan need to be there?

In addition why does one need to be in the laundry room?

I want to automate the proceeses for energy savings.

[ January 31, 2005, 05:57 PM: Message edited by: dive2xs ]
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

What other reason besides odor and humidity would a fan need to be there?
If there is no window on an outside wall in the bathroom you'll need an exhaust fan.
I wish to design the fan to operate based off relative humidity, instead of user interaction.
User action is OK if there is a separate switch to turn on the exhaust fan but it has nothing to do with relative humidity. If you want to sit in the odor or humidity that's your option but there has to be a method of turning on an exhaust fan to remove the moisture or odor for both (not either) manually or automatically.

[ January 31, 2005, 06:10 PM: Message edited by: goldstar ]
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

I believe the fan is required if the area has any one of the following,tub,shower,toilet
-unless it has some sort of window that opens. I believe that is in code somewhere
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

Jim,

You'll have to consult the CMP on this one. I don't know what their crireria was for desigining this but if there is a window in the bathroom - you are not required (by code) to install an exhaust fan.
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

For a residential installation, to try to control a fan from a Humidistat or Stinkastat, :D (boy I tickle myself at times) seems to be a mighty sophisticated venture.

Why not just use a momentary switch and timing relay to activate a 10, 15, 20, 30, etc... minute run cycle?

Roger
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

Check your local building code. This is not an NEC issue. Here in MA you must have a fan in a bathroom vented to the outdoors no matter if there is a window or not. "Every bathroom containing a tub and/or shower shall be equipped with a machanical exhaust fan and associated ductwork with the fan exhausting, at such rates as specified in the BOCA National Mechanical Code/1993 as referenced in appendix A. Passive ventilation methods such as openable windows shall not substitute for ventilation. Such bathhroom exhaust shall vent directly to the outside and no exhaust vent shall terminate in attics or other interioir portions of the building."

[ January 31, 2005, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

I agree with scott that this is a building code question and not a nec question, In vermont a fan is required if the bathroom does not have a window that opens. This is required by the local building codes in my end of the state although this may differ in other parts of the state,
Stan :)
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

This part of florida requires an exhaust fan no matter if there is a window or not in the room,this has been in affect since HVAC code change 2002.There also has to be a balancing vent either over the door or ductd in the ceiling.That was another issue all together being that smokes had to be 3 ft. from a vent but as manufacturer states (forced air) and a balancng vent isn`t a forced air vent.Inspectors had to trace the duct work to see if part of forced air system.This one took a bit of time to figure out :eek:
 
Re: Bathroom Fans

Refer to the Model Energy code. Residential and Commercial are different and each state was to have adopted one by now. I don't have the Texas one in front of me but most states are based on the MEC, as ours was.
The limitations you are asking about are there, if anywhere.
 
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