extractor fan switch

[austin]

Hi Guys
Just a quick one, i am installing a fan in a bathroom and have put a three pole switch next to the fan high up near the ceiling. Just realised this should be outside the room! how big a mistake is this? should i move it ? It is out of reach, is it going to be a real problem.

Thanks for your help..

 

[Sav]

Hi,
It should really be outside.
How about either installing a pullcord isolator ( not as pretty I know ) or failing that I would see if a 3 pole isolator that is IP rated ( like the switches you can put outside on a wall that have a waterproof enclosure ) exists !!
Again, I dont think such an item exists, but I may be wrong ( not pretty either ).

Finally, if there is a window in the bathroom, you wont need an isolator, as its ment for bathrooms with no windows, so you can turn the fan off, work on it with the lights still on ( page 65, electricians guide to building regs)......but hang on, I read somewhere in BS7671 that you must adhere by suoppliers instructions with regards to fitting a fan and most, if not all do say that a 3 pole isolator must be fitted !!!!!!!!!

SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS !!!!!

I would go with pullcord and no, I dont want to phone a friend !!!!!

Hope this helps, if not confuses you even more...sorry

Sav

 

[DurhamSparky]

how far is the switch from the ground and from any fittings i.e sink bath etc???

 

[austin]

Hi
I am pretty confident I am outside all zones, the room does have a window. The fan had to be installed in the opposite corner from the shower about 3M away. The isolator is right up next to the ceiling out of reach (steps needed). To be honest I don't think this fan will be doing much steam removal, the hole has been made for it now so will be installing it. If I get picked up on it I will move the isolator or not install one.

Thank you for your reply s

 

[andyb]

If you are outside zones & it seems you are then as long as it is suitable for the location & not liable to splashes you will be ok.

A window is neither here nor there, a fan has to be fitted.

 

[bugsy]

Regardless of the zoning do a pukker job ans stick it outside if you dont youll always wish you had

 

[Davey101]

Eh? Why should he have to stick it outside the bathroom?
As long as its appropriate for its location, there is no need at all to install it outside.

 

[bugsy]

I'd put it down to good practice , if you want to stick a fan isolation switch inside special locations thats down to you

 

[Davey101]

Fair enough. I guess its personal preference, never heard anyone worry about it before though.