Bathroom Extractor Fan

[Clarqex]

Hi all! My first post of many to come.


I'm hoping someone out there has a solution for me, as I've done a quite a bit of research and cannot seem to find one.


I basically want to to use my bathroom extractor fan separately from the dimmable down lights that I will eventually have installed.
I'd like to be able to switch the extractor fan on, even if the lights are off. Is this is big job that would mean running a separate twin and earth cable to the extractor switch, and where would you connect that source to? Is this possible and can anyone tell me what materials/components are needed for this job?


No I am not doing this job myself, I just like to know what I'm talking about, so that I don't look like a complete noob when talking to electricians when asking for a quote for the job. I've been ripped off before and I've realised it helps to know a little jargon when pricing up! Plus, I'd like to purchase all the components to avoid added costs at a later date.


I don't know what kind of lights I will be using, definitely LED's,(low wattage 3-10) dimmable, maybe a lowered ceiling, and yes, I will have the necessary resistors and transformers for the wiring, but that's later. Right now I want to separate the extractor switch from the pull cord, so that it works separately when lights are on or off.


I hope that I have given you all the info you need. I'm new to forums so I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Sorry if it sounds like I'm repeating myself, I just want to make sure you all understand exactly what it is I want without you having to ask a load of questions before I get my answer.


Thanks in advance and I hope you can help.

 

[SJD]

How big a job depends on how accessible the lights/fan/switches are. For example, if this is upstairs, with a fan in the loft, switch in a stud wall, and fan and light fitting(s) are accessible in the loft, it is often very simple to run the extra cable needed. It gets harder if the fan and light are not accessible, and the switch drop is chased into a solid wall, but it is still possible, you just might need to make more mess first!

While you can buy the parts yourself, if you really are getting an electrician to do this work, bear in mind you might not buy what is optimum or actually required and also you will be responsible for the parts working, whereas if they are supplied, the installer is responsible for them working properly.

Just to add: try to avoid low voltage LEDs, there's usually nothing wrong with 240V GU10 LEDs in a bathroom, provided the fitting is suitable for the environment, which means no transformers to fail.

 

[Spoon]

Am I right in that you have an extractor fan that operates from a pull cord coming out of it? (We have one)
Where is the fan getting its power from? This is what you want to tap into. The switch (pull cord) inside the fan would just be on all the time.
Could do with more info on that you have at the moment. The more detail the better.
Also have to go with what SJD says and let the electrician buy the parts.

 

[Spoon]

Does the fan have an Isolating Switch?

 

[Jay Sparks]

You can buy fans that have their own pull cord, or ones that have a humidistat in them. Both will need a perm supply. You can get the perm supply from any lighting/JB point that is on the same floor as the fan in question. So, for example if its upstairs, you would take the feed from a perm supply on the upstairs circuit etc...

Jay

 

[Spoon]

Sounds to me Jay, that they are trying to go away from the pull cord switch. Will find out if the OP replies.

 

[Jay Sparks]

Sounds to me Jay, that they are trying to go away from the pull cord switch. Will find out if the OP replies.

I think when the OP mentions the pull cord, they mean the the pull cord for the bathroom lights. Basically when he switches the lights on, the fan comes as well, a timer fan. You can get fans that have their own little pull cord attached and they can be switched on when as and when they want. If the OP doesnt like the little pull cord fan, they can get a humidistat one.

Jay

 

[Octopus]

I'd recommend getting 2 or 3 quotes and see what the guys who can actually see the layout come up with!

 

[Spoon]

Its really disappointing when people don't get back to you... What's the point in asking a question in the first place....