Air Vent Removal (Electrical wires removed or capped?)

jonoaskew · Dec 5, 2018

Hi folks,

First post here and needing some help if that's ok?

I'm looking to remove an electric air vent from our downstairs toilet. The previous owners stated they used to have a shower in there, but this was removed by them and we have no need for one.

We are looking to renovate it though and as it's a bit of an eye-sore and lets in a lot of draft, I wanted to remove it. The vent is still hooked up to the electrics, although it doesn't actually work.

Upon removal of the vent, the wires are embedded in the wall and run across the window. I don't really want to pull the wites out of the wall as this will be a messy job if I can avoid it.

So, my question, is there a way that I can remove the vent and cap the wires off somehow before filling in the hole after removing the vent's fascia? Would I need a qualified sparky to do this or this a pretty easy fix?

I've included some pictures to hopefully give you a better idea of what I mean.

Appreciate any help on this.

[ElectriciansForums.net] Air Vent Removal (Electrical wires removed or capped?)

Deleted account · Dec 5, 2018

Probably easier to just fit a new extractor.

cost £12.00.

You cannot just cap off cables and leave them in wall. You will have to find the source and disconnect from there. It may be in a extractor isolator outside bathroom, or in a extractor pull cord or hard wired without means of isolation.
If it's the later it could be in the light switch, or the lamp, or in a junction box/wiring centre above cieling.

As I said probably easier to replace than remove.

Deleted account · Dec 5, 2018

Just looked at the photo again and it looks like you have an extractor isolator pull cord next to light switch pull cord.
Is it plastered in or buried in the wall? It looks that way.

jonoaskew · Dec 5, 2018

The wiring - I assume - is buried in the wall. Runs over the window and then through the covering you can see into the extractor pull cord. Ideally, I'd like the whole thing to be removed, but again, trying to save a little on both the mess and the cost... but, then aren't we all. Interesting point about replacing it, might be best unless you think it can be removed?

buzzlightyear · Dec 5, 2018

imo I think you need a spark in to sort it out for you .

westward10 · Dec 5, 2018

Provided it can be safely isolated so that it can never become live ditch the supply and leave it in the wall. An electrician could do this in a short space of time.

buzzlightyear · Dec 5, 2018

westward10 said:
An electrician could do this in a short space of time.

mmmm time lord maybe .

Deleted account · Dec 5, 2018

It can be removed, but only after it's been fully disconnected. Impossible to talk you through it from iPad unfortunately.

Maybe if I had an iPad Pro!

jonoaskew · Dec 5, 2018

Paignton pete said:
It can be removed, but only after it's been fully disconnected. Impossible to talk you through it from iPad unfortunately.

Maybe if I had an iPad Pro!

You'd get a virtual high-five if you did!

In all seriousness, looks like this might need a pro in to sort out.

Wilko · Dec 5, 2018

Hi - I'd be upgrading the fan to one with built in draft excluder. Ventilation is good

.

jonoaskew · Dec 5, 2018

Wilko said:
Hi - I'd be upgrading the fan to one with built in draft excluder. Ventilation is good .

Agreed, but that window works, so figured that would be good enough given that it's only a small room and no shower? Could be wrong?

jonoaskew · Dec 5, 2018

Wilko said:
Hi - I'd be upgrading the fan to one with built in draft excluder. Ventilation is good .

Hmm this might be the best solution actually. Can you recommend any with a draft excluder? Cheers

Wilko · Dec 5, 2018

What size is the fan please?

mhar · Dec 5, 2018

Wilko said:
Hi - I'd be upgrading the fan to one with built in draft excluder. Ventilation is good .

Definitely.
The term to look for when researching is a backdraught shutter. I live in a coastal location and try to persuade customers to go for fans with electronic backdraught shutters, the Airflow icon 15 is quite affordable and funky the way the shutters open and should be a straightfoward replacement

123 · Dec 5, 2018

jonoaskew said:
Hmm this might be the best solution actually. Can you recommend any with a draft excluder? Cheers

Vortice Punto M100/4" AT
The automatic shutters are a great job, far better than the ones that flap about and make a right racket as the wind hits them