HELP - what lights on what switch?

17 years ago

We are about to drywall our bath remodel, so this is the time to make a final decision about exactly how we want the lights wired. Here is a schematic of the light locations:
{{gwi:1408603}}From Master Bathroom Project

One main fixture to illuminate the room, one can light over shower, one can over tub, and a pendant over toilet (wanted a can light there too, but a giant beam in the ceiling made it a pendant). Currently, our plan is to have all these ceiling lights on one switch. I'm not sure I really like that idea, but I can't think of a better way to break them up.

One switch for central light, one for shower/tub/toilet? That could be weird....

The fan will have its own switch [although if we do a dedicated switch for shower light it might make sense to tie the fan to that one], the vanity lights will also have their own switch.

Would appreciate any ideas from people who have encountered this kind of issue or just have a little more experience with how these kinds of things are usually done.

Thanks!

Featured Answer

fidoprincess

17 years ago

My switches are: entering doorway at vanity-3 switches include-vanity light on a dimmer-LOVE this, Ceiling light above toilet and timer for exhaust fan. At shower entrance-2 switches-shower light and heater for same fan-love it!

We have the panasonic whisper warm and love it but I read here about putting the exhaust on a timer and that is wonderful. You never have to think twice about turning it off and thank goodness, because we would never remember. Since it is right at the door, everyone quickly got in the habit of turning the timer on as they turn the lights out.

I love having the vanity light on a dimmer, the sliding kind, for late night trips to the toilet but I didn't know I would sometimes love low lighting for showers too-very nice. I am also very happy that each light has it's own switch and use different combinations all the time. I would not recommend them coming on all at once with just one switch.

The biggest factor for me was to have all the switches as compact as possible so now the original regular sized toggle light switch by the shower has 2 easy switches -little plates that click side to side-one above the other in the same original space.

The only thing I missed (grrr-always something) was adding an additional outlet somewhere near the floor. I have just one outlet at the vanity so now I can't add a fancy toilet seat or a plug in towel warmer. It would have been so easy to add when everything was open and unfinished.

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Comments (6)

User
17 years ago
My DH is a light person, and would use a shower light if it was there to use, but I'm not, I like natural light whenever possible. I would definately install a separate switch for the shower light just so no matter who's using the shower has a choice. And I'd also not put a can over the toilet because that can be harsh especially at night. If you're really set on having a light by the toilet, I'd consider some type of sconce for the wall.
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weedyacres
17 years ago
I think the answer depends on room size (modified, of course, by your personal needs/desires).

Our large (16x20) master bath has 5 switches inside the door: vanity lights, can light, shower light, tub light, and fan. Plus a separate switch for the WC room, it's just on a different wall.

Our 8x10 guest bath has only 2 switches: one for the fan and one for 4 lights: 2 over vanities, one in WC room, one over shower. We were going to put them on separate switches, but decided the room wasn't big enough to really need to separate them that much.

Your room appears to be 10x10. I'd do 2 switches: one for vanity and one for all the rest. Plus a separate one for the fan.
raehelen
17 years ago
We are just wiring our basement bathroom, and I made DH redo the switches! I insisted he have a timer for the fan, cuz it will be primarily a guest bath and his bath- and I know I will have to go downstairs each time and turn that fan off otherwise! :>)

We are putting in three ceiling pots (one in shower on separate switch), the other two and the vanity lights will be on another switch. I'm assuming the timer will also be the on/off switch for the fan (haven't looked at the package yet). We figured if you're going to the BR, you don't need to have the shower light on (just one big shower, no tub).
pepperidge_farm
17 years ago
We have one switch for the recessed cans (general room lighting, compact fluorescent), one switch for the shower lights (DH wanted 2 so that there weren't shadows in the shower???) and one switch for the fan. Then in between the mirrors of the double vanity is the switch for the over the mirror lights.

Keep the fan separate in case you want to leave the fan on or want it on during a steamy bath when you perhaps just want candle light;-)
monicakm_gw
17 years ago
I have two 3-gang plates. All lights are on (sliding) dimmers). The first wall plate is at the entrance to the bathroom. It operates the three can lights, ceiling fan and the chandy over the tub. The other 3-gang plate is in front of the toilet. It operates the Panasonic exhaust (on a timer), Panasonic heater, and the wall sconce next to the toilet. With all three sets of (dimmable) lights (cans, chandy and sconce), the combinations are many. In case you can't tell, I love lighting :) I'd have them all on separate switches. If I had to combine any, it would be the vanity and center lighting.
Monica