Bathroom Extractor Fan

GBY

I plan to fit an extractor in the bathroom. Where should I take the power from? One installation I read about ran the spur from the existing lighting supply but I would have thought it would be better to take it from a 13A mains socket.

Gawain.

GBY

Just to clarify, I mean run the spur from a socket, not actually plug the fan in!!

Mutton_Geoff

Standard extractors are only about 20 to 30 watts so you can easily run it from the lighting circuit. You'll need to wire it via a double pole switch (usually mounted outside the room).

latecomer

I'm about to do exactly the same thing. Note that if you are using a fan with a run on timer then you need a 3 pole switch. This diagram should be useful:

http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=65107#65107

GBY

Thanks, running it from the lighting circuit will make the installation much much easier. I don't plan to use a timer so a double pole will suffice.

Mutton_Geoff

The timer ones are run from the lighting circuit in any case so they operate when the switched is pulled. Might be worth running a permanent live in there through a 3 pole switch in case you wanted to "upgrade" in the future.

weekendwarrior

There are some good diagrams here also for wiring bathroom extractors-

Extractor fan wiring

Mutton_Geoff

Good link but I would fix the fan to the roof cross braces to minimise the motor noise coming through the ceiling and also help keep the pipe without any sagging parts in the loft as these will end up filling with condensed water over time. Better to have the motor at the highest point so the pipe can drain outwards or back towards bathroom rather than collect in the loft. (Another reason to use rigid pipe if you can).

moonrakerz

If your bathroom is any bigger than a dog kennel get a 6" fan; the 4" ones are not up to the task.

GBY

Thanks for the replies. I'll make a start once we've got rid of the rat that's made our loft it's home.