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Bathroom extractor fans

4 replies

HopeNotFear · 17/11/2017 20:14

We have a ceiling mounted one, but it’s really noisy and doesn’t appear to make much difference. Ideally I’m looking for the new one to be fitted where the existing one is.

Can anyone recommend a quiet but powerful one?

Thanks.

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 17/11/2017 21:33

yes

have you got access to the space above the ceiling (where there should be a duct)?

does it come on with the light switch and run on for x minutes after?

have you ever cleaned the fluff out?

A photo of the fan, the duct, and the outside vent will help. The duct is probably 100mm (4 inches) but please check.

HopeNotFear · 18/11/2017 11:34

Hi PigletJohn, thanks for your reply. In answer to your questions above:

We don’t have access to the space above ceiling.

The fan Switch is separate to the light switch, and runs for a minute or so after it’s switched off.

The fluff has been cleaned out.

See attached photos showing the extractor fan, the outside vent and a photo of the bathroom showing the position of the fan on the ceiling. The velux window is always opened during and for a good while after the shower has been switched off to air the room.

For what it’s worth, we don’t have any problem with mould or the like, but the ceiling & walls have streaks of condensation running down them after the shower has been on.

I appreciate any advice you can give me.

Bathroom extractor fans
Bathroom extractor fans
Bathroom extractor fans
OP posts:
PigletJohn · 18/11/2017 16:50

it appears to be a typical basic builders fan. It will have a nominal air throughput in the region of 80 cubic metres per hour. A basic one cost the builders about £10, but it's possible yours is the 12volt "safe" one that can be installed directly over a bath or shower even if within 2250mm of the floor ("zone 1" in the attached pic, coloured orange).

Is yours within the footprint of a bath or shower tray and within 2250mm of the floor? If so it reduces your choice.

As your existing one is a budget fan, it most likely has plastic bearings that are worn out, hence noisy (the other cause may be clumsy fitting so the rotating fan blades rub on the casing). There are quieter fans available, but not many 12volt ones. If yours is, there will be a transformer, probably in the roof space and (I hope) readily accessible through a hatch. It may however be mains voltage. An electrician can easily check with probes.

It's a bit sad you don't have access above the ceiling as there are much more powerful ducted fans, but they are bigger so wouldn't fit on the underside of the ceiling.

You can get better results by adjusting the fan timer to maximum (usually about 20 minutes) run-on, and it would be better if it came on every time you turn on the bathroom light, because this will cause the bathroom to be ventilated more frequently, without any conscious decision or effort to turn it on.

An extractor fan works better with the door and window closed because water vapour is lighter than air so will naturally rise towards the ceiling and extractor.

This is an example of a high-quality modern fan, very quiet, that would fit, but it is mains voltage so please measure you ceiling height, and confirm if the hole is directly above the shower.

Bathroom extractor fans
PigletJohn · 18/11/2017 17:11

good news

I just checked, and that fan has a protection rating of IP45, which means it meets the requirements for zone 1, so you can use it

"External influences

Any wiring system or equipment selected and installed must be suitable for its location and able to operate satisfactorily without deterioration during its working life. The presence of water can occur in several ways (for example, splashing, steam/humidity, condensation) and at each location where it is expected to be present its effects must be considered and suitable protection must be provided.

Consequently, Section 701 requires that electrical equipment in zones 1 and 2 shall have a degree of protection of at least IPX4.

Electrical equipment exposed to water jets (for example, for cleaning purposes), shall have a degree of protection of at least IPX5."
electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/53/section-701/index.cfm

You should never trust safety advice from anonymous randoms on the internet (like me), so show my assessment to your electrician before he starts. You do need a qualified electrician for bathroom work.

When the old fan is removed, check the duct and its mushroom for birds nests, leaves, etc.i

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