Fan in shower

[Steve 82]

Hi guys,

I've got a job with a faulty 4inch fan in a shower cubicle that will need replacing. The problem being at the moment they have a 230v supply there, and the fan is only 2 metres from ground level, not 2.2 metres. So i dont want to replace it with a 230v fan.

Now i know that replacing it with a low voltage replacement with a transformer would be ideal, but the feed is at the light switch outside and i would have to make some damage and a lot of messing around running a new feed from the tranny.

A friend of my has previously instaled a 230v fan that is ok for shower cubicles (apparantly) because it is sealed so that no water can get in. Would i be ok to fit one of these?? Or would i need to go with the low voltage, bearing in mind the flat has a re-wireable fuse board and no rcd protection.

Their not cheap either, i think about £60.

Cheers

 

[polo1]

My understanding is that IPX4/5 fixed mains equipment can be used in Zone 1, but that any switchgear must be outside the zone.....but interested in the views of others!

 

[vernam616]

For me if it had to be 240v, id be putting a 30mA rcd on that circuit and supplying a fan which has a IP rating or IPx4 or higher, if it was me personally id be looking at IP67 , some may say its overkill but id rather be safe

Definatly needs a RCD on that circuit though

 

[Steve 82]

yeah but the thing is its rewireable fuses. so the whole fuseboard would need to be changed would i still need rcd protection on a 12v low voltage feed. the thing is, the fan is more or less directly above the shower head.

also there is no fan isolation triple pole switch. is this a legal requirement too???

 

[vernam616]

Just one of them things unfortunatly, i know it can be a pain trying to explain to a customer about how and why, but at the end of it all, its your profession on the line if something go's wrong with a install you carried out

You might be better off anyway if they agree to changing the board, its good advice to have it changed anyway

I used to do a lot of social housing, very funny changing a old rewireable DB and getting called back the day after/few days later ( kettle/hoover/iron doesnt work anymore)

tenants reply " well it used to work before you changed the wiring and now it trips when i plug (kettle/hoover/iron) in, they cant see its a fault with their appliance and the reason its tripping is for their safety

 

[Steve 82]

yeah i know for sure i would always advise on rcd protection. buts up to the landlord i suppose (they never want to spend money)

so if they don't agree to the fuseboard change . would me installing a low voltage replacement pass regulations or is rcd protection a must???

 

[telectrix]

if you are replacing like for like, then it's debatable whether or not you have to fit an RCD. as said before, 230v IP rated fan. if necessary, divert the circuit from it's rewireable fuse to a stand alone RCD then to the circuit.

 

[Richard]

This came up on the forum recently. So long as the manufactures specifically state that it is suitable for use in Zone 1, then you are permitted to use it as you say. I think i'm correct in saying that anyway!

Rich

 

[Steve 82]

funny enough i just checked the one already there and it is actually allowed in zone 1 (ipx 4). and its only £10.95 plus vat. so will just put a like for like. apparently its splash proof.

Vectaire 4 Inch 'A' Range Axial Fan IPX4 - Standard Model - QVS Electrical Supplies | Electrical Wholesaler

 

[telectrix]

wouldn't even consider 12v fan. bloody rubbish, and then if the fan's ok, the transformer will go down. 12v is for cars. 230v for houses.

 

[vernam616]

:toungeincheeksmiley

 

[ian]

if you are replacing like for like, then it's debatable whether or not you have to fit an RCD. as said before, 230v IP rated fan. if necessary, divert the circuit from it's rewireable fuse to a stand alone RCD then to the circuit.

I would have no problem with replacing it with aIPX4 230v fan, and if its a direct replacement probably would not install a RCD, i would deem it as maintanance.

ian