Help with an external extractor fan

MrPupsi · Apr 23, 2024

Evening all,

Got a vent axia TX6 6” fan I need to replace.
A like for like replacement is around £500, client is asking for a cheaper option.
Matching replacement controller is around £150 also.

It’s mounted outside in an external wall, will anything IP44 rated be sufficient?
Will replace the current controller with a fan isolator switch.

Can’t say I’ve ever replaced an externally mounted 6” fan before, but don’t see why it should be any different!

davesparks · Apr 23, 2024

The biggest expense will be getting a gas safe registered person to remove and then reinstate the boiler flue so that the extractor can be removed.

MrPupsi · Apr 24, 2024

Once the two screws on the wall bracket are loosened, the flue pulls out, leaving just the right angle out of the wall.

That’s how I got the internal pic to find out it was a VentAxia TX6 fan!

Just want a much cheaper alternative now.

DPG · Apr 24, 2024

MrPupsi said:
Once the two screws on the wall bracket are loosened, the flue pulls out, leaving just the right angle out of the wall.

That’s how I got the internal pic to find out it was a VentAxia TX6 fan!

Just want a much cheaper alternative now.

Not sure I'd want to be the last one who removed the flue pipe if anything went wrong in the future.

MrPupsi · Apr 24, 2024

DPG said:
Not sure I'd want to be the last one who removed the flue pipe if anything went wrong in the future.

Spoke to the guy that installed it, he specifically added the joint in so that it could be removed easily.
Doesn’t effect the boiler as the angle pipe coming out from the wall doesn’t move.

Either way, just wanted help with fan recommendations please!

MDJ · Apr 24, 2024

MrPupsi said:
Once the two screws on the wall bracket are loosened, the flue pulls out, leaving just the right angle out of the wall.

That’s how I got the internal pic to find out it was a VentAxia TX6 fan!

Just want a much cheaper alternative now.

Don't touch it, once the flue has been broken you will need a piece of test equipment to ensure when it is re-instated no fumes escape from the joint, a can of worms IMO

Marvo · Apr 24, 2024

That fan looks like it's bi-directional and maybe speed controllable as well. what's the application? Is it just for extraction in that room?

MrPupsi · Apr 25, 2024

Marvo said:
That fan looks like it's bi-directional and maybe speed controllable as well. what's the application? Is it just for extraction in that room?

It extracts for the bathroom and the kitchen.
There’s a big hole in the wall, and in the void is 2 x 100m ducting pipes which go to each zone.

It doesn’t need to be bi-directional, just need to extract outwards, single speed is fine.

Marvo · Apr 25, 2024

Maybe you could use an in-line mixed flow fan which will be quieter and more efficient than an axial.

This one is an S&P which is a good make and it has different speed options.

There's also cheap nasty versions available but it depends on customer budget I'd personally avoid them....