Bathroom fans in zone 1

Irbaboon46 · Aug 14, 2019

Hi everyone, new member here. I was an electrician some years ago but only qualified to 16th edition regs so very rusty. My question is can anyone point out to me where in the 18th edition regs it says you cannot install 230v extractor fans in zone one of a bathroom?

The reason I'm asking is I recently had an electrician in to do an electrical safety certificate as I'm selling my house. One of the faults he flagged up was a 230v fan in zone 1 with no RCD protection. I have since replaced this fan with a new one rated at IP34 and replaced the MCB with an RCD.

When I rang the electrician to come and do a re-test he said he still won't pass it as it's not 12v.

I've spoken to other electricians and had different answers as to whether the fan needs to be 12v or not, so I borrowed a copy of the 18th regs to look myself. The only thing I can find is reg 701.55 which states that as long as the fan is suitable for installation in zone 1 according to instructions then 230v is ok. Unfortunately the instructions that came with the fan don't mention any zones, just that the fan is IP34.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm just trying to get a definitive answer before I spend any more money on another fan.

Thanks

Taylortwocities · Aug 14, 2019

He needs to read his regulations. Don't have mine to hand, but it will be in 701.5 ish IIRC.
This is what can go in zone 1 (wrt fans)

Other than switches and controls of extractor fans specifically designed for use in this zone, and cord operated switches, only SELV switches are permitted.
Extractor fans designed for use in this zone must be at least IPX4 , or IPX5, where water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes.
A 30 mA RCD must be provided to the electrical circuit.

So, your fan is fine, assuming it doesnt have a non-SELV switch, it won't have one.

Irbaboon46 · Aug 14, 2019

The fan does have a pull cord switch if that makes any difference

westward10 · Aug 14, 2019

You need to contact the manufacturer, regardless of IP rating very few manufacturers okay a 230v extractor for use in zone 1. They are available though.

GeorgeCooke · Aug 14, 2019

Irbaboon46 said:
The reason I'm asking is I recently had an electrician in to do an electrical safety certificate as I'm selling my house.

It is usual for the buyer to commission surveys etc not the seller. As a buyer I would not trust a sellers certificate, who knows he may have a mate providing certificates.

Irbaboon46 · Aug 14, 2019

GeorgeCooke said:
It is usual for the buyer to commission surveys etc not the seller. As a buyer I would not trust a sellers certificate, who knows he may have a mate providing certificates.

Thanks, that really helped a lot

Deleted account · Aug 14, 2019

IP34 is not suitable for this zone if water jets are likely. Basically is there a shower or do you clean the area with a hose.

Probably not a hose as it’s domestic, but I would enterpret a shower as a hose and it could potentially be used to hose down walls in shower enclosures or over baths etc...

I would be unhappy putting a 230v extractor in zone 1 With a shower present at all. But regs say you can put an IPX5

Ian1981 · Aug 14, 2019

Some information you may find useful

Irbaboon46 · Aug 14, 2019

Ian1981 said:
Some information you may find useful View attachment 51312

That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks very much. Where is this from please? I've looked at the small print in the instructions now and don't think the fan is suitable for zone 1 so I'll have to get another one

Ian1981 · Aug 14, 2019

Irbaboon46 said:
That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks very much. Where is this from please? I've looked at the small print in the instructions now and don't think the fan is suitable for zone 1 so I'll have to get another one

It’s taken from the Niceic pocket guide updated to the 18th edition.
It’s on my phone so easier than going in the van for the regs book.

westward10 · Aug 14, 2019

At IP34 it is highly unlikely to be suitable. If your fan doesn't require a run over this is one of the few zone 1 230v fans, strangely the timer fan is not. The instructions do not state it is zone 1 compliant but I confirmed it with the manufacturer.