Wiring advice - bathroom extractor fan

plums1_2001 · Jul 3, 2014

Hello,

I have purchased a new extractor fan and need some advice.

I have 4 cables
L - Brown
N - Blue
E - Green/Yellow
Live Switch? - Yellow

My new fan only has connections for 3 cables
L
N
E

I understand that the new fan probably hasn't got a timer function (isn't a problem) and will turn on and off with the wall switch.

My question is: if I connect the live switch to the live connection what do I do with the redundant permanent live wire?

Thanks in advance.

Richard Burns · Jul 3, 2014

If a timer fan was required before in the room then the building regulations state that you should not make compliance any worse than it was before, so having a non timer fan may breach this requirement, however the 15 minute overrun requirement only applies to rooms without openable windows.

Regarding the permanent live connection this should be terminated in an insulated connection within the fan body.
You could use a terminal block or a push fit or lever action connector, so long as the cable is fully enclosed and will not pull free, just taping it over is not suitable.

plums1_2001 · Jul 3, 2014

Thank you Richard, much appreciated.

jaypp · Jul 3, 2014

plums1_2001 said:
Hello,

I have purchased a new extractor fan and need some advice.

I have 4 cables
L - Brown
N - Blue
E - Green/Yellow
Live Switch? - Yellow

My new fan only has connections for 3 cables
L
N
E

I understand that the new fan probably hasn't got a timer function (isn't a problem) and will turn on and off with the wall switch.

My question is: if I connect the live switch to the live connection what do I do with the redundant permanent live wire?

Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure you'll have these colours unless some conductors are sleeved

plums1_2001 · Jul 3, 2014

Hello again,

Could I use a closed end wire crimp connector?

Thanks

plums1_2001 · Jul 4, 2014

jaypp said:
I'm not sure you'll have these colours unless some conductors are sleeved

Hi, to be honest the live may have been red it was hard to see at the time as it was a bit dark in the loft. Would this make more sense?

jaypp · Jul 4, 2014

It was only an observation really. The colours aren't important (generally) so long as you identify and 'flag' them. RB's posts are helpful, informative and polite

Richard Burns · Jul 4, 2014

plums1_2001 said:
Hello again,

Could I use a closed end wire crimp connector?

Thanks

You could, but remember that if you needed to change the fan to a timer model at a later date that you would then need to cut the cable to gain access to the conductor and it may then be too short to reach. If you have plenty of length then no problem.

telectrix · Jul 4, 2014

as richard said. and the brown is most likely red. also, you need to be sure which is perm L and which is switched ( between red and yellow. this should be clear if you look in the light fitting and the switch.