Wayne Whitney wrote:
On 2008-01-23, DerbyDad03 wrote:

the NEC doesn't require GFCI protection for the fan unless it's
located over the tub, and the manufacturer requires it

I'm not pushing back...just trying to understand the wording above.

The "and" in that sentence seems to indicate that the manufacturer has
the final say. In other words, the NEC requirement is based on 2
criteria: location and the manufacturer's requirement.

The NEC requirement is just the general one that equipment be
installed according to manufacturer's requirements. Manufacturers
typically say that their fans may be installed over showers if they
are installed on a GFCI. I don't know if there are any that allow
installation over a shower without GFCI protection.


A good description of manufacturer's requirements being mandatory, not
optional.

There are also requirements from the agency approving the device. That
is usually UL. Those requirements are also mandatory.

Bath fans and GFCIs came up about a month ago:
From the UL "White Book"
"Fans intended to be mounted over tubs or showers have been evaluated
for such purposes and are marked 'Acceptable for use over a bathtub or
shower when installed in a GFCI protected branch circuit.’"

The manufacturer will always require GFCI protection for a fan over a
tub. If the manufacturer misses it, it is required by UL. [Old fans may
have been made when the UL standard was different.]

(The UL "White book" is available at:
http://www.ul.com/regulators/2006WhiteBook.pdf
5.5M and not real easy to use)

The "final say" may be NEC, manufacturer, or approval agency.

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