Powering Bathroom Extractor fan from Lightswitch

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 01:31PM #1

As the title says;

I am trying to determine if i can power a bathroom extractor fan from a 3 gang light switch i.e take a loop from the COM terminal at the back of the light switch and power the extractor fan etc.

I have an existing 2 gang switch outside the bathroom which i could get changed to a 3 gang if it was do-able etc.

I just require the fan to come on, on the switch and do not require it on when the lights are on etc.

Can't post pic at the minute but will post a pic of the extisting 2 ganag switch later.

Any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

25-11-2013 01:37PM

In general this is not a problem.
What is the size of the load of the fan in watts?

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 01:51PM

The Fan is 34w. Its an xpelair sl150t

25-11-2013 02:02PM

That is a small load so that it should not be an issue in terms of load size.

I am assuming that the cables on this circuit are al least 1.5 sq. mm and that the circuit is not overloaded and it is properly protected (a 10A B type MCB would be normal).

However I am not so sure that this fan is suitable for installation in a bathroom.
I would suggest that you check this. It appears to be designed for kitchens and utility rooms.

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 02:05PM

2011 wrote: »

That is a small load so it should not be an issue.
I am assuming that the cables on this circuit are al least 1.5 sq. mm and that the circuit is not overloaded and it is properly protected (a 10A B type MCB would be normal).

Yes on both counts 2011.

Moocow100 · 25-11-2013 02:08PM

No Problem

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 02:25PM

On the wiring diagram HERE i need a L and Neutral feed (SL150 wiring diagram). Where would these be positioned with reference to the pic in my first post?

Cycling Dumbasses · 25-11-2013 07:56PM

It would be worth noting that not providing an isolation switch for bathroom fans as required by the Wiring Rules clause 555.1.2. the installation does not comply with ETCI rules.
A 5amp functional switch is not acceptable as a maintenance isolation switch for bathroom fans.

Crazy Eye · 25-11-2013 08:30PM

Cycling Dumbasses wrote: »

It would be worth noting that not providing an isolation switch for bathroom fans as required by the Wiring Rules clause 555.1.2. the installation does not comply with ETCI rules.
A 5amp functional switch is not acceptable as a maintenance isolation switch for bathroom fans.

so a bath extractor fan needs its own seperate swtich plate along side the light switch outside the bathroom ?

tomdempsey200 · 25-11-2013 08:39PM

Cycling Dumbasses wrote: »

It would be worth noting that not providing an isolation switch for bathroom fans as required by the Wiring Rules clause 555.1.2. the installation does not comply with ETCI rules.

wrong rule.. it's 555.5 specifically for fans

Bruthal · 25-11-2013 08:50PM

Crazy Eye wrote: »

so a bath extractor fan needs its own seperate swtich plate along side the light switch outside the bathroom ?

Yes a 3 pole fan isolating switch. They are usually put high up on the wall outside the bathroom, as they dont need to be operated during normal use of the fan.

Cycling Dumbasses · 25-11-2013 08:56PM

If one uses an inline extractor fan and fan is in attic triple pole isolator should be in the attic, exception to a lockable type where maintenance person is the key holder of isolator while carrying out maintenance.

tomdempsey200 · 25-11-2013 08:59PM

Cycling Dumbasses wrote: »

If one uses an inline extractor fan and fan is in attic triple pole isolator should be in the attic, exception to a lockable type where maintenance person is the key holder of isolator while carrying out maintenance.

obviously...duh:rolleyes:

"vicinity of fan" as per rules

Cycling Dumbasses · 25-11-2013 09:13PM

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

obviously...duh:rolleyes:

"vicinity of fan" as per rules

Just being helpful to the OP.

25-11-2013 09:45PM

tomdempsey200 wrote: »

obviously...duh:rolleyes:

"vicinity of fan" as per rules

This may not be obvious to the OP.
Let's be nice, thanks.

Bruthal · 25-11-2013 10:03PM

Cycling Dumbasses wrote: »

Just being helpful to the OP.

Yes was worth a mention alright.

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 10:16PM

Cycling Dumbasses wrote: »

It would be worth noting that not providing an isolation switch for bathroom fans as required by the Wiring Rules clause 555.1.2. the installation does not comply with ETCI rules.
A 5amp functional switch is not acceptable as a maintenance isolation switch for bathroom fans.

Yes agreed. I was aware of that.

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 10:22PM

Alright lads I appreciate the comments. Really i do....sooooo what about the wiring that I mentioned earlier?

Crazy Eye · 25-11-2013 10:40PM

Bruthal wrote: »

Yes a 3 pole fan isolating switch. They are usually put high up on the wall outside the bathroom, as they dont need to be operated during normal use of the fan.

could you place a switch at normal wall height outside bathroom so that fan could be kept off when just wanting to brush teeth or go to the loo ?
but when you want a shower you press the shower switch on and then press the fan switch on aswell . can you do it that way ?

Bruthal · 25-11-2013 10:57PM

Crazy Eye wrote: »

could you place a switch at normal wall height outside bathroom so that fan could be kept off when just wanting to brush teeth or go to the loo ?
but when you want a shower you press the shower switch on and then press the fan switch on aswell . can you do it that way ?

A better way to do that would possibly be to have the fan on its own light switch as well, as in a standard light switch just for the fan. And keep the Isolating switch up out of the way, rather than using the isolator switch as the on off switch.

dingdong1234567 · 25-11-2013 11:04PM

Bruthal wrote: »

A better way to do that would possibly be to have the fan on its own light switch as well, as in a standard light switch just for the fan. And keep the Isolating switch up out of the way, rather than using the isolator switch as the on off switch.

This is exactly want I want to achieve. Just need to to determine the wiring etc.

Cycling Dumbasses · 25-11-2013 11:07PM

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/MK/3_Pole_Fan_Isolator.pdf

Does page 3 of above link help you?

Crazy Eye · 26-11-2013 12:08AM

Bruthal wrote: »

A better way to do that would possibly be to have the fan on its own light switch as well, as in a standard light switch just for the fan. And keep the Isolating switch up out of the way, rather than using the isolator switch as the on off switch.

nice one thats what id like to have as i dont see the point in the fan being on if im washing hands of teeth , or if i leave lights on in bathroom for litle uns incase they need the bathroom during the night

Powering Bathroom Extractor fan from Lightswitch

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