Cleaning bathroom fan filter - switch off mains?

AliceBanned

Hello I have a Greenwood airvac centrifugal fan in my bathroom which hasn't been cleaned for ages (was there before I moved in). I am struggling to get the front cover off easily and when I tried a screwdriver went right in, which was a bit worrying with the electricity on. On my fuse board it is a bit unclear which switch to switch off to ensure it isn't on - is it ok to just switch off at the mains whilst I try to take the cover off and clean the fan? Just feeling a bit scared about tampering with anything electric. Thanks

phill99

Better safe than sorry.

Ectophile

Alternatively, keep flipping breakers off until you find the one that switches the fan off. It's probably a lighting circuit, especially if the fan's linked to the bathroom lights. But don't make any assumptions with live mains.

G_M

Turn on the fan.

flip one of the circuit breakers (eg lighting) and see if the fan stope. If it does, you're ready to clean. If it doesn't, switch that breaker on again and try another!

AliceBanned

Thanks everyone. Yes it is connected to the light.

I'll try finding the breaker and just switch that one off whilst I clean it.

It is a nightmare getting the cover off!

Ectophile

Lighting circuit breakers are usually 6A. Maybe 10A sometimes. So start with the lower rated ones if they are not labelled.

Le_Kirk

It depends upon the exact type of Greenwood fan but have you tried a coin in the side of the front grill and twist it to push the cover off. See the following link: -
http://www.greenwood.co.uk/uploads/docs/202.pdf page 5