3 amp fuse and extractor fan

[teknojon]

Hello -
I inadvertently wired a bathroom timed extractor fan without fitting the 3 amp spur - there is a 3 pole etc.
the bathroom circuit comes off the lighting circuit for that floor so I can't change the mcb to a 3 amp.
the bathroom has been boarded and plastered to a nice high standard, it is in a loft conversion so no access from above and it would be very bad news to have to knock a hole somewhere and try to fit a spur to the bathroom feed.
can you buy extractor fans with built in 3 a fuses?
the feed to the bathroom goes straight to a loop-in in a choc box above a downlight - could i fin an in-line 3a fuse here before the rose?

any help/advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[Des 56]

A 3 amp fuse and a 6 amp mcb are likely to have a photo finish to see who will disconnect first in the event of a fault

It may be a manufacturers recomendation for the particular fan,and we should follow their instructions,but, ,its safe as it is,its got adequate overcurrent protection and an isolator for maintenance

Manufacturers like to suggest 3 amp fuses, but being safety consious(sarcasm here) they dont see the need or like the idea of going to the trouble themselves of fitting a fuse so,

Dont worry about it

 

[teknojon]

phew - cheers Des,
it's a bit of a nightmare job and i've fallen out with the guy supervising the build. i was worried that if i had to leave the job and he contracted another sparky, he would then have ammo against me should the new sparks realise the missing spur...
So - it's not compulsory to fit the 3 a spur then, just recommended?

thanks for your help

 

[SEC-Tom]

We don't generally fit a spur. Feed in to the light switch then run a 3-core from there to the 3 pole FI then off to the fan. As des said earlier 3a-6a very close. Very little chance of danger occuring...

 

[ezzzekiel]

usually manufacturers instructions (on certain types) require fusing down, and unfortunately as youre the subcontractor if its in the spec or the manu instructions it should be fitted - although as Des stated it wont really cause any probs.

A case arose where a fan caught fire and although it was nothing to do with a 3 amp fuse not being fitted the contractor was beaten in court by the manufacturer for not following instructions.

 

[teknojon]

Cheers Tom - that's how i've wired it.
I'll stop stressing about it now.

thanks

 

[pennywise]

If you really do want to fuse it down, we put these inline fuse carriers in on all the fans in a nursing home after a fire was caused by one of them, all 125 of them

 

[Risteard]

You must remember that it is a requirement of the Regulations that manufacturers' instructions be adhered to. Therefore if the manufacturer requires a 3A BS1362 fuse and you don't fit one, then by default you haven't complied with BS7671:2008.

Your best bet is to fit it regardless of whether it serves any useful purpose or not.

 

[T&Earth]

Hi Pennywise

great idea using these inline fuses could you please tell me where you get them from and its name

Many Thanks
Steve

 

[pennywise]

Hi this is where I found it no prices but at lest a reference for a wholesaler this is the manufacturers website.

In-Line Fuseholder - Rating up to 10A 50V (up to 250V) by Bulgin Components

Found them on RS and farnells.

Your Search Results | Farnell United Kingdom

 

[AA410]

Hi all i can relate to this thread have just done the same thing the inline fuse is a great idea can you tell me would you fit two inline fuses to a fan one for the switch line and one fore the live supply and will they fit in the back of a deep box behind the isolating switch hope you can advise me on this many thanks