Should a bathroom extractor have an isolator?

*debbie*

As my thread title really! We have had an extension and have converted a bedroom into an ensuite. The original idea wasn't to have an extractor as I don't really like them, but building control have insisted so in one went. However, it is connected to the light switch so comes on whenever the light goes on and there is no isolator switch. I understood that all extractors had an isolator outside the bathroom, but cannot find out if I am right or if I have only seen ones like this in friend's houses and made an assumption.

Can any electricians throw any light on this?

TIA

YorkshireBoy

*debbie* wrote: »

I understood that all extractors had an isolator outside the bathroom

Not necessarily.

If it's possible to padlock the MCB (if you're on a TN system) or main switch on the consumer unit then that will do instead.

Also, not every switch outside a bathroom is a 3-pole type (ie breaking permanent live, switched live, and neutral) for the fan only. Some, and I have one myself outside my bathroom (house built in 1993), are 2-pole fused connection units isolating both light and fan...so this wouldn't be of any use to you anyway.

Just out of interest, why don't you "like" getting rid of condensation and/or smells!? Or maybe it's the noise during run on?...in which case just reduce the timer setting.

macma

We had our bathroom converted to a shower room last year and have the same problem.The extractor is noisy and if you've only popped in to clean your teeth not really needed.We had the conversion partly to save energy but hearing the extractor groaning on I wonder how much that's using ?

*debbie*

Thanks...I think! The boss of the building firm has sent an electrician to sort out the mistakes the original electrician did (eg, not screwing sockets to walls, sockets at odd angles etc) so I will talk to him to check it is all OK.

And yes, it is the noise that I object to! I am usually in bed after my DH and I can't now turn on the light to bruch my teeth before bed as the noise disturbs him. Good job I know where my mouth is lol!

pinkteapot

When we did up our bathrooms, we had a sparky split the switching. We have two pull cords in our bathroom (and the same in our en-suite); one for the light and one for the extractor.

It's completely unnecessary for the extractor to come on when you get up to wee in the night.

DaftyDuck

pinkteapot wrote: »

When we did up our bathrooms, we had a sparky split the switching. We have two pull cords in our bathroom (and the same in our en-suite); one for the light and one for the extractor.

It's completely unnecessary for the extractor to come on when you get up to wee in the night.

... Unless you've been eating asparagus....

That's how our ensuite is wired; two switches. Not always perfect (forget to switch it on/off etc), but it keeps things quiet at night...

Grimbal

bit of a tangent really, but we had a PIR sensor linked to LED plinth lights. They give a nice low level light, enough for a midnight wee, and mean you don't have to remember to isolate the fan.

OH wanted the lights arranged like landing lights : one colour for when you're facing forwards, and another when you're, ahem, facing the other way

zax47

Well you wanted an electrican to comment, so.

If it was fitted since Jan 2008, and therefore done under BS7671:2008 17th Edition IET Wiring regulations, then YES it should have a (usually 3 pole) isolator switch - almost certainly outside the bathroom. If done before then, then no - it wasn't part of the regs prior to this.

Without it you won't get a completion certificate, to comply with Part P of the building regs. Who did the electric work? They should have known it needed an isolator.

Mankysteve

pinkteapot wrote: »

When we did up our bathrooms, we had a sparky split the switching. We have two pull cords in our bathroom (and the same in our en-suite); one for the light and one for the extractor.

It's completely unnecessary for the extractor to come on when you get up to wee in the night.

A Humidstat is the cure to your problem.

Mankysteve

pinkteapot wrote: »

It's completely unnecessary for the extractor to come on when you get up to wee in the night.

A Humidstat is the cure to your problem.

YorkshireBoy

zax47 wrote: »

If it was fitted since Jan 2008, and therefore done under BS7671:2008 17th Edition IET Wiring regulations, then YES it should have a (usually 3 pole) isolator switch - almost certainly outside the bathroom.

"Should", as in good practice/guidance notes...or MUST, as in it's an 'absolute' requirement?

Reason I ask is that when I researched for my reply above I found that the CU (MCB or main switch) isolation method via padlock would suffice/was allowable under BS7671.

Although I'm an electrical engineer, my expertise is in industry...not house-bashing...so apologies if I've misread something!