Extractor fans in bathrooms are frequently powered from a lighting circuit. This is because many include a "run on" capability that is triggered by the operation of the light switch, and it is not permitted to have a device powered from two separate circuits.
Can a mains powered extractor fan be wired?
This article describes how mains powered extractor fans of the type often found in bathrooms and shower rooms can be wired. Extractor fans in bathrooms are frequently powered from a lighting circuit.
How do you wire a fan to a light switch?
Locate the switch cable, which should be sticking through the top or side of the box serving the fan or light. Using wire strippers, strip an inch of insulation from the end of the black and white wires. Splice the black wire from the fan together with the black wire from the light and the black wire from the switch, and cap them.
Can I use an extractor fan in a bathroom?
Extractor fans in bathrooms are frequently powered from a lighting circuit. This is because many include a "run on" capability that is triggered by the operation of the light switch, and it is not permitted to have a device powered from two separate circuits.
Can you have a fan and light on the same switch?
View Full Profile. Bathroom exhaust fans with built-in light fixtures are fairly common. If you have one of these, you may have wired the fan and light to separate switches. Now, you'd like to operate both of them from the same switch. The wires are already where you need them to be, so you don't have to run new ones.
How do you connect an extractor fan to a light switch?
1:1821:02How to fit a bathroom extractor fan using light switch ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the life goes from the loop. Around. Then you length the cable to your light switch - which isMoreSo the life goes from the loop. Around. Then you length the cable to your light switch - which is turned on the neutral cable is used to provide a live current back to the line.
Can you wire a fan and light switch together?
Connecting a Light and Fan to a New Switch Connect the white wires together in the same way, then repeat with the ground wires. When you splice ground wires, you don't have to cap them, but it's still a good idea to do so because the cap helps keep them together. Mount the fan and light and move to the switch box.
Can I run an extractor fan off lighting circuit?
You can have variations of powered extractors and still have it on your lighting circuit, however there are curtain considerations to take into account.
Can you wire bathroom extractor fan to light?
Wiring an Extractor Fan With an Independent Switch (not turned on by the light switch) As with the option above for connecting to the existing light switch, before you start any wiring, make sure that the power is off to the circuit you are working on!!
How do you separate a bathroom fan and light switch?
4:5618:02How to Put Bath Fan and Light on Separate Switches ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they're very easy to work with you just flip up the three levers. And pull it right off.MoreAnd they're very easy to work with you just flip up the three levers. And pull it right off.
Does a bathroom fan need its own circuit?
Bathroom Circuits If the vent fan has a built-in heater, it must have its own 20-amp circuit. This is called a "dedicated" circuit because it serves only one appliance or fixture. Heat lamps, wall heaters, and other built-in heating appliances may also require dedicated circuits.
Can you wire a cooker hood to a lighting circuit?
called a 'small power' circuit until all called it a 'lighting circuit' now. Without trawling through the posts the answer to "is it ok to wire a cooker hood to alighting circuit" is yes it is okay.
Does a kitchen extractor fan need an isolator?
Why do you need an isolator for an extractor fan? you have the switch on the extractor itself for operation of the unit. you do not need to touch the spur its only there for over current protection and not for functional switching! Switching off for mechanical maintenance or achieving electrical isolation maybe.
How do you wire a bathroom extractor fan with a timer UK?
0:069:19How to wire bathroom fan Extractor fan with timer and Fan IsolatorYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHi welcome to my channel in this video I'd like to show you how to wire bathroom fan with timer howMoreHi welcome to my channel in this video I'd like to show you how to wire bathroom fan with timer how to connect it to the fan isolator it should be outside the bathroom. And also from the isolator how
Does a bathroom extractor fan need an isolator switch?
Answer: The provision of isolating devices for extract fans in bathrooms or shower rooms is not specifically addressed in BS 7671. A fan isolator mounted adjacent to the fan would fulfill the requirement for switching off for mechanical maintenance.
Does an extractor fan need a permanent live?
For fans with timers you require a permanent live, along with the normal switched live and neutral, normally the switched live brings the fan on with the light and then the permanent live keeps it running for the desired time you set on the timer so that after the lights are turned off the fan will continue to run to ...
Specta79
I am wiring a timed extractor fan in my bathroom and want the fan to switch with the light. I am aware that I need a perm live, switched l and neutral to a three pole isolator switch then to fan. I am unable to access junction box where existing lighting circuit is.
Specta79
Thanks aragom. Is the rest of what I posted correct re adding a junction box?
ban-all-sheds
There is a two core wire going to the light fitting...which would have to be the s/l and neutral ..wouldnt it?
Specta79
Yes.....whoever wired the light has run those 2 then a single earth cable from bathroom light fitting to hallway light fitting.... hallway lighthas an earth coming from junction box.
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Where to find a neutral for a fan overrun?
You will also need a neutral, which are not often found at a pull cord switch and often not at a wall switch, so the neutral will be found at the light fitting, you will also find the switch line at ...
What is a push switch?
1) A simple push switch with built in timer. 2) A PIR. 3) Push switch plus lights. For the latter you need a double pole switch, so although it is physically the same switch, electrically they are independent, other wise when you push the button the lights would also come on.
Is there a retrospective light switch in a bathroom?
Building regulations are not retrospective, however it would make sense to follow the current regulations. So to switch with light switch is dependent on the window, with no window in the bathroom there is nothing wrong with using the light switch, also with an opening window there is no requirement for a fan so again nothing wrong ...
Where to take electrical feed for fan?
The best place to take an electrical feed for a fan from is often a ceiling rose or junction box where the main lamp fitting is connected. This has the advantage of having all the connections required available in one place. Normally a three core and earth cable would be used for this.
Why do fans need an isolation switch?
including neutral ). This is to allow safe cleaning and maintenance of the fan.
What is a humidistat fan?
Fans with a built in humidistat. Humidistat fans are triggered by the level of moisture in the air. Thus they respond when the air gets steamy, and run until the humidity level is reduced. Fans are available with a built in humidistat, or alternatively, an external humidistat can be connected to other types of fan.
Do you need a live connection for a fan?
Unlike other fan installations, it does not need a permanent live connection. This wiring plan will simply run the fan when the room light is on. It can also be adapted for separate switching if required. Options include a manual pull switch, and a Vacuum time lag switch.
Can you control more than one fan?
In some cases it might be desirable to include more than one type of control for a fan. Say to have timed run on operation for clearing smells from a bathroom, and additional humidistat control to reduce moisture and dampness in the room at other times.
Do manual switches need to be powered?
These manual switches have the advantage of needing no power themselves, and so will run with typical light switch wiring, and are compatible with all lamp types. (electronic time switches often need to bleed a small amount of power through the lamp to self power.
Do fans need fused protection?
Some fans may also need additional fused protection (e.g. at 3A) even when only connected to a 6A lighting circuit. So you may need to include a fused connection unit in the feed to the fan. Consult the manufacturers instructions.
How to test a switch if you don't know which wire is used?
If you don't know which one supplies power to each switch, turn the power back on and test the wires by connecting each to ground with your voltage tester. The live circuit wires will give you a reading and the others won't. Turn the breaker back off when you know which is which. Advertisement.
What to do after switching off breaker?
Even after switching off the breaker, it's still a good idea to use a voltage tester to test the wire connections before you work on them. Advertisement.
How to make a pigtail with two wires?
Make a pigtail with the two live wires and a short length of black wire of the same gauge. Connect the short wire to the top terminal of the switch you want to use. Do the same with the two other wires, and connect them to the bottom terminal of the switch. Unscrew the cap from the two white wires serving ...
Can you run a bathroom exhaust fan and light from the same switch?
Bathroom exhaust fans with built-in light fixtures are fairly common. If you have one of these, you may have wired the fan and light to separate switches. Now, you'd like to operate both of them from the same switch. The wires are already where you need them to be, so you don't have to run new ones. That detail greatly simplifies the electrical ...
Can you splice 4 white wires together?
If you want, you can also simply splice all four white wires together under the same cap, but you may find that difficult to do with four wires. Advertisement. Remove the ground from the out-of-service switch and the one from the switch you're using.
