Electrical wiring is one of the most important aspects of building homes.
Expert electricians are often entrusted with the crucial task of putting in circuits.
You may have wondered whether using one circuit for your bathroom and bedroom is a good idea.
(And that begs the big question): Can A Bedroom And Bathroom Be On The Same Circuit?
It is generally not recommended to have a bedroom and bathroom on the same circuit because bathrooms require more electrical power than bedrooms. If a circuit is overloaded, it can result in a tripped breaker or, even worse blowing off of the fuse. This is not only inconvenient but also poses a great danger to the occupants of the rooms.
This article will help you understand why having the same circuit for your bathroom and bedroom is not a good idea.
We have also included building regulations and how to test whether your bathroom and bedroom share the same circuit. Keep reading.
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Five Dangers Of Having The Bedroom And Bathroom On The Same Circuit
A bedroom and bathroom on the same electrical circuit is not an uncommon mistake in many homes.
The truth of the matter is that it can have serious consequences.
Here are five reasons why having these two rooms on the same circuit is not ideal.
1. Overloading the Circuit
Your bathroom requires more electrical power than the bedroom.
The bathroom usually has energy-consuming lights, exhaust fans, and outlets for electric razors or hair dryers.
If your circuit is not designed to meet this high energy demand, it can result in a tripped breaker or blown a fuse.
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A broken breaker fuse can disrupt the entire building, especially in the middle of the night.
2. Safety Concerns
If a power surge, electrical fault, or other electrical issue occurs, having a bedroom and bathroom on the same circuit exposes you and your family to sheer electrical hazards.
Bathrooms can be a source of water leaks, and the combination of water and electricity is potentially lethal.
3. Code Violation
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that bathrooms have separate circuits.
Installing a bathroom and bedroom on the same circuit can result in a code violation.
You can even be fined, get into legal trouble, and increase insurance premiums.
4. Inefficient Power Distribution
A bedroom circuit also supplying power to the bathroom will need more power in both rooms.
The bathroom requires more energy to run several installations in there.
More power can result in flickering lights and slow-moving fans.
Worse still, your outlets may only be able to support some of your appliances.
A separate circuit for each room ensures that each room has its dedicated power source.
5. It Lowers The House’s Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home in the future, having a bedroom and bathroom on the same circuit can negatively impact its value.
Prospective homebuyers often look for up-to-date homes with the latest electrical codes.
A separate circuit for each room is a safety feature most people highly value.
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Four Electrical Code Requirements For Bedroom And Bathroom Circuits
The National Electrical Code (NEC) outlines specific requirements for electrical circuits in bedrooms and bathrooms to ensure safety and proper functioning.
Note that NEC can vary from one state or country to another. We will guide you on the general tips these authorities require on the wiring of rooms.
Here are four key electrical code requirements that you should know:
1. Dedicated Circuits for Bathrooms
The NEC requires that bathrooms have their separate circuit.
A dedicated bathroom circuit must power all your electrical fixtures and appliances in the bathroom, such as lights, exhaust fans, and outlets.
This helps to prevent overloading and ensures that other electrical loads do not disrupt the electrical supply to the bathroom in the home.
2. Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in Bathrooms
It is also an NEC requirement that a GFCI protect all electrical outlets in a bathroom.
GFCI is a device that monitors the electrical current flowing through an outlet. It can detect even the slightest imbalance.
If it detects an imbalance, it will quickly shut off the power to prevent electrical shock.
3. Electrical Outlets in Bedrooms
You should have at least one electrical outlet in your bedroom.
Most bedrooms have several of them.
Additionally, these outlets must be grounded and protected by a GFCI if they are within 6 feet of a water source, such as a sink or shower.
4. Smoke Detectors in Bedrooms
The NEC requires that all homeowners must install smoke detectors in every bedroom.
These detectors must be connected to the electrical system and powered by a dedicated circuit. The idea is to ensure they function even if the power goes out.
Four Ways To Determine If Your Bedroom And Bathroom Are On The Same Circuit
If you need clarification on whether your bedroom and bathroom are on the same electrical circuit, there are several ways to determine this.
Here are four simple methods you can use:
1. Check Your Circuit Breaker Panel
One of the easiest ways to determine if your bedroom and bathroom are on the same circuit is to check the circuit breaker panel.
You must look for a circuit breaker labeled “bathroom” or “bedroom.” See if it controls both rooms. If it does, your bathroom and bedroom are on the same circuit.
2. Use a Circuit Tester
As the name suggests, a circuit tester is a device you can use to determine which circuit a particular outlet or fixture is on.
Just plug the circuit tester into the bathroom and bedroom outlet.
If the tester lights up in both locations, it indicates that the two rooms are on the same circuit.
3. Turn Off the Circuit Breaker
You can also determine if your bedroom and bathroom are on the same circuit by turning off the circuit breaker for the bathroom.
If both the lights and outlets in the bathroom and bedroom go out simultaneously, the two rooms are on the same circuit.
However, if only the lights and outlets in the bathroom go out, then the two rooms are on separate circuits.
4. Consult a Licensed Electrician
If you can figure out the exact answer after all the above methods, you can opt to hire a professional to check it for you.
Licensed electricians have the knowledge and tools to accurately determine your home’s wiring configuration and verify that its safe and up-to-code.
Final Words
Having your bedroom and bathroom on the same circuit can pose many complications.
Your bathroom requires a huge amount of power because of other appliances and installations that use electricity.
If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician to ensure your electrical system meets code requirements and is safe.
References
https://www.thespruce.com/easily-wire-a-bathroom-1152676
https://ask-the-electrician.com/dedicated-circuit-for-bathroom-outlets/outlets/
