Location of bathroom fan isolator switch

[Gringoking88]

Hi all,

I have been asked to fit an extractor fan to a bungalow, normally I chase out a box for the fan isolator and locate it above the bathroom door, is there a reason I cant locate it in the loft, im guessing due to accessibility or something, but just wanted to check?

Many thanks,

Martin

 

[pc1966]

I would say an isolator switch that is not accessible (or even known about if the owner changes) is kind of pointless!

I think the EAWR has requirements on access for any safety isolation, while that might not apply in a domestic situation it would be difficult to argue it is not good practice to follow that.

Hopefully others on here will know if there are specific regulations apply to this, though if the manufacturer advises that an isolation switch is necessary, it would follow it has to be usable by the occupants in an emergency (however unlikely that might be).

 

[Gringoking88]

I would say an isolator switch that is not accessible (or even known about if the owner changes) is kind of pointless!

I think the EAWR has requirements on access for any safety isolation, while that might not apply in a domestic situation it would be difficult to argue it is not good practice to follow that.

Hopefully others on here will know if there are specific regulations apply to this, though if the manufacturer advises that an isolation switch is necessary, it would follow it has to be usable by the occupants in an emergency (however unlikely that might be).

Hi,

That was kinda my thought process, but tbh just wanted to double check or understand the reg.

Thanks,

M

 

[James]

Have you thought about mounting it in the ceiling with a dry line box, just above the door?

Saves chasing out for a box

 

[Gringoking88]

Have you thought about mounting it in the ceiling with a dry line box, just above the door?

Saves chasing out for a box

Hi,

TBH, I hadnt, that is a good idea, apart from this property has quite large coving so might look a bit odd.

Great idea though.

 

[loz2754]

Or a pull cord fan isolator in the bathroom?

 

[loz2754]

I agree it's a bit pointless having an isolator above the ceiling.

 

[DefyG]

As it is a bungalow, could you not fit an 'in line' fan in the attic, then as the isolator is there principally for maintenance it could go adjacent to the fan in the attic.

 

[7029 dave]

My preference too is to mount above the bathroom door outside, would mini trunking and surface box not be an option.

 

[loz2754]

As it is a bungalow, could you not fit an 'in line' fan in the attic, then as the isolator is there principally for maintenance it could go adjacent to the fan in the attic.

Good idea.
Most people though would, I think, prefer to be able to easily switch off the fan for other than maintenance purposes.

 

[Strima]

I tend to fit mine near the fan so it can be used for isolation, also the FCU if it needs to be fused down.

I have used a switch in the past to control the fan switched live so it can be turned off if the fan is not required, i.e. if washing hands or cleaning teeth etc. This is normally done if I have the switch outside the bathroom.

 

[loz2754]

I tend to fit mine near the fan so it can be used for isolation, also the FCU if it needs to be fused down.

View attachment 63443

I have used a switch in the past to control the fan switched live so it can be turned off if the fan is not required, i.e. if washing hands or cleaning teeth etc. This is normally done if I have the switch outside the bathroom.

View attachment 63442

Great ideas thank you.

 

[Brando]

Hi,

That was kinda my thought process, but tbh just wanted to double check or understand the reg.

Thanks,

M

To be fair pointless putting one in if u put it in the loft , who else knows its there it supposed to local isolation,