Ground Floor Bathroom Extractor Fan Query

[lmike19]

Hi. My current axial Xpelair model 92614AW ground floor bathroom extractor fan is installed in zone 1 and doesnt work efficiently at all. Its wall mounted but doesnt go straight to the outside as there is now an extension on the back of the bathroom. I think either I need to get a more powerful fan (going by Google search of data sheet, looks like the max air flow is 76 m3/h) or due to ducting I believe to be over 1.5m, I require centrifugal fan.

So I have some questions regarding this - should I try a more powerful axial IP65 fan wall mounted, or should I try to make this centrifugal and be mounted on ceiling (dont particularly want a big unit on the wall). If I went to mount this on ceiling, can existing ducting be extended? The wall in bathroom sticks out slightly so I think I can take duct this route if need be. Finally, And are there any regulations for this being installed on ground floor in first floor void, apart from adequate access being available?

Thanks

 

[lmike19]

Thanks for your replies.

I'm happy to install 230V in zone 1 as per manufacturer's instructions.

Existing installation is wall mounted, and ducting travels horizontal and then vertically up to the roof of the extension. I can see the steam coming out from extension roof when fan is operating/shower is on, so maybe just need more powerful axial fan? There is no window in bathroom anymore but there is a good gap beneath door.

 

[brianmoooore]

Axial fans don't work well into ducts of any length. You should be looking at centrifugal fans.

 

[lmike19]

Thanks Brian. I'll look to get the ducting re routed to being ceiling mounted instead.

 

[brianmoooore]

Don't know what the practicality is in your case, but an inline fan is superior to any wall or ceiling mounted fan if you have somewhere accessible to fit it. Quieter as well, if fitted properly.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Just fitted one of these: Soler & Palau TD Silent In Line Fans - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Ventilation_Index/Soler_TD_Silent/index.html and it is amazingly quirt compared to others fitted previously.

 

[SparkyChick]

Just fitted one of these: Soler & Palau TD Silent In Line Fans - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Ventilation_Index/Soler_TD_Silent/index.html and it is amazingly quirt compared to others fitted previously.

I'll second this suggestion from Mike. I've fitted one of these and was able to solve the clients condensation problems with practically zero noise. Very impressive units.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Forgot to mention I also fitted one of these as a control unit for the fan, impressed with how sensitive the humidistat is: Remote Humidistat Fan Control & Timer | Manrose (1361 / HRU-HVHT) - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MR1361.html working in the shower room and getting hot sets it off.

 

[lmike19]

Thanks for the product suggestion. I'm not ready for the job yet (will be done when doing bathroom up) so not sure what space I have yet. I see ideally inline should be installed at half way point but not sure this will be manageable - how much will this affect end result?

Also how do we define accessible as per regs? As this is ground floor bathroom, inline electrical connections would be situated in ground floor ceiling void/first floor floor void, so would mean removal of first floor carpet/floor boards. For example sockets etc would be fitting wago connections here rather than JBs if required, so how is there a way to get past this for inline?

Thanks