PIR sensor for bathroom fan

[WillumS]

I have a PIR sensor (ceiling mount type) and it's rated IP44. Can this be mounted in the ceiling above a shower tray to switch on/off the bathroom fan?... or would I need to find a higher rated sensor - IP67 or whatever.

thanks.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Firstly, does the manufacturer say it is suitable for the environment - in a shower?
It is doubtful that they would even if it were.


Zone 1 extends to 2.25m from the floor level. Minimum IPX4 is required for zones 1 and 2 so, ok.

However, 240V switchgear is not allowed in zones 1 or 2.
If classed as current-using equipment then it may be installed in zone 2.

I shall leave others to decide if it is switchgear (although you don't have to touch it) or current-using equipment.

 

[WillumS]

I suppose I could always install it outside the shower cubicle and blank off the sections of the "eye" that aren't looking at the shower.

 

[endecotp]

If your intention is to detect when someone is using the shower, another option to consider is fitting a pipe thermostat on the hot water pipe to the shower.

 

[WillumS]

It's an electric shower so there's only a cold feed to it.

 

[EFLImpudence]

There are flow switches.

 

[endecotp]

Under no circumstances should you drill a hole in the side of the electric shower and connect a wire to the heating element, and use that to turn on the fan. Not even I would consider doing such a dangerous hack, even if my shower were RCD protected.

 

[flameport]

Get one of these, fitted above the shower:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DNCEFLPIRS.html
It's made for that purpose, and is suitable for switching a fan - other types may not be.

(edited incorrect link)

 

[endecotp]

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DNCEFLPIRS.html

(Typo)

 

[JohnW2]

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DNCEFLPIRS.htmll

Delete the final 'l' - otherwise it doesn't work!

Kind Regards, John
Edit: that wasn't my slow typing this time - endecotp's post wasn't appearing on my screen 2 minutes ago!

 

[WillumS]

That looks like just the job but is it really all that different to this one?
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-indoor-ceiling-flush-pir/47121

I'll happily pay an extra £30 to not be electrocuted in the shower...

The cheaper one says it's suitable for outdoors so it must be at least splashproof too.