Oddest place to put an isolation switch!!!

[1sttimeonhere]

We got a new bathroom fitted and they have put the isolation switch for the fan here!!! Is that unusual? Aren't they usually out of sight?

[1sttimeonhere]

The picture attached, basically right next to the light switch... so you are going to be constantly knocking it off by mistake

[Pipandmum]

No, one of mine is right next to the bathroom light switch. Isolation switches for electric showers, which are red, tend to be high up.

[1sttimeonhere]

@Pipandmum
Ok thanks , I just feel like it would be more practical to have it more out of sight. It isn't like you need it everyday.

[PigletJohn]

I see yours is outside the bathroom door. I think it was put there for the convenience of the electrician and is not a good choice. Modern practice is to have the fan automatically come on with the light switch and have a run-in timer.

They can also go above the bathroom door, or near the ceiling in the bathroom where they are easy to see and operate when needed, but not likely to be accidentally turned off.

Some people have an aversion to ventilation and like to turn fans off.

[1sttimeonhere]

@PigletJohn my thoughts exactly. Something I didn't think to tell the electrician because I kind of assumed nobody would do that in a new build.

[Dotinthecity]

Our fan switch is next the light switch outside our ensuite and it's easy to remember which switch is which. We didn't want a fan on a timer as if you get up in the night or early in the morning, when your partner is asleep,the fan would drone on after the Light had gone off. Similarly, we can leave the fan running if it's very steamy but switch off the light.

[MrsEricBana]

Same as Dotinthecity, we actively don't want the fan coming on unless we are showering, not just because we pop in the loo at night, so we turn it on at the main switch to use. Layout as above.

[1sttimeonhere]

Thanks @Dotinthecity and @MrsEricBana you don't find that is a lot of switches?

[PigletJohn]

A good modern fan with a ball-bearing motor is almost inaudible.

With the door shut, it is inaudible.

[MrsEricBana]

Not really, happy with my switches 😊 I also have the bathroom spots on a dimmer so not blaring lights late at night.

[notheragain41]

We bought a new build this year, our fan isolation switches are next to the light switches outside of the bathroom, much prefer it to when they put the bloody things on top of the door so I had to jump to press it!

[Mutunus]

Ours is outside the bathroom door near the ceiling. It's a bit annoying that if you have to have the light on to run the fan.

[Wherehavetheteletubbiesgone]

Isolation switches need to be accessible. So normally high up but still easily findable and accessible without needing tools. The number of people who put them in cupboards loft ect is a bit concerning.

[womaninatightspot]

I have this in my holiday cottage. It annoys me whenever I stay. There are additional separate isolation switches, higher up the wall like you'd expect, but the light switch for the fan also has to be turned on.

Electrics done in 2012.

[womaninatightspot]

I did wonder if it's done so you can run the fan without the light on?

[Oldraver]

Ours is above the door, ideal place as it's used very little

[1sttimeonhere]

To the people asking if it is done in this way to allow the light and fan to be operated separately, there are already switchs to do this job. The isolation switch is in addition. I would prefer it up High but that is probably a pain to ask for.

[PigletJohn]

An isolation switch has a particular purpose, enabling the fan to be maintained or replaced in safety. It is not just an on-off switch.

So it needs to be accessible to a person maintaining the fan, and for proper safety, it should be within their sight while they are working,or capable of being locked off, so no-one puts them at risk by switching it on.

Isolation switches are generally fitted close to their appliance, so this one is badly sited.