IABO Code Talk
Comments
If you are replacing an existing unit and do not need to run a new circuit then no you do not need a permit. If however you are installing a new bath fan that requires a new circuit then yes you need a permit to do the electrical work.
And....if you are only replacing the fan unit...you do not need licensure either!
If you are talking by the code, then I would say they need a permit and be a licensed mechanical contractor for the duct work and an electrician to wire it.
That being said, on small jobs we do allow the electrician to install the fan and the duct work with only an electrical permit. This would apply to small remodels, they would be required to install the fan according to the mechanical code for the duct material and terminations. They may also need to upgrade wiring to the elec. code.
I believe that in new construction getting residential venting done properly is becoming more and more important. It is fast becoming a large issue trying to get any of the numerous persons installing the different parts of these vents to shoulder any responsibility that the whole installation is done correctly. It is my recommendation that electricians only run the wire to the area were the fan is to be installed, then allow the mechanical contractor to install the fan and take on the responsibility for it. The “installer” can slide the wire into the opening in the fan body. It can be connected by the electrician later just like every other electrical device in the structure.
I feel that whoever installs’s the body of the exhaust fan should be responsible for the complete installation. All of it, the fan, the proper duct material and its support, to the correct termination on the exterior of the building, this would also include the calculations to determine if it is sized properly so that it doesn’t interfere with other building venting like dryers and water heaters but still does its job.
At this time we don’t require a mechanical permit for a single residential exhaust fan. If you connect two (2) or more vent fans together on the same duct it is then considered a “system” which does require a mechanical contractor with a HVAC license have a permit be issued and an inspection done.
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