Wiring for a basement bathroom

[daven41]

The present wiring to a basement bathroom, done by the previous owner, is run from a 20 amp breaker with 14 gauge wire to a junction box where 12 gauge wire is run to the bathroom, one run to a GFCI outlet and another run to 3 lights and a fan.  It is my understanding that running 14 guage wire from a 20 amp breaker is not permitted according to code.  If I am correct, I am prepared to change out the 20 amp breaker for a 15 amp breaker.  I do understand that a GFCI outlet is required for a bathroom (wherever water is or may be present).  Is is permissable to run such an outlet off a 15 amp breaker?  Also, is there any problem with running a second line from the junction box for the 3 lights and a fan?  Thank you for your reply.

[JP]

If it were me I’d put the GFCI on a dedicated 20 amp circuit and use a 15 amp circuit for the fan and lights. If anyone uses a blow dryer or curling iron the circuit will be overloaded.

Having said that, changing the 20 amp breaker to a 15 amp is a must, and you can get away with having it on a 15 amp circuit as long as no one plugs in the wrong thing, passing code is another thing.