shower extractor fan isolator switch

[Jeremya]

Hi. Can anyone help? We have a Silavent fan fixed in the ceiling space above the shower. The fan is controlled by the light switch. Next to the light switch is an isolator switch. The fan has stopped working so I need to replace it. Is it sufficent to switch off the isolator switch so I can safely work on the fan or should I switch off the whole lighting circuit that the bathroom light is part of.

I guess I am also asking what is the purpose of the isolator switch?

Thanks

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If you are sure the isolators is for the fan, you can isolate the power.
But you MUST then prove that the circuit to the fan is dead, using a two probe approved voltage indicator! This is regardless of what method of isolation you use!
Fan failure can be down to a number of things, sometimes a loose connection, sometimes PCB failure and some have in-line slow blow fuses that have popped!

 

[riveralt]

Hi. Can anyone help? We have a Silavent fan fixed in the ceiling space above the shower. The fan is controlled by the light switch. Next to the light switch is an isolator switch. The fan has stopped working so I need to replace it. Is it sufficent to switch off the isolator switch so I can safely work on the fan or should I switch off the whole lighting circuit that the bathroom light is part of.
I guess I am also asking what is the purpose of the isolator switch?

Is the switch a fused connection switch similar to this?
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-13a-dp-sw-fcu/13479
Or is it similar to this:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-10a-3-pole-fan-isolator-sw/12319
Did the 'broken' fan have a timer over run? So that when the light was switched off the fan carried on runnng for a few minutes.

 

[Jeremya]

Hi. The isolator is similar to

Or is it similar to this:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-10a-3-pole-fan-isolator-sw/12319

Thanks

Jeremy

 

[riveralt]

Hi. The isolator is similar to
http://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-10a-3-pole-fan-isolator-sw/12319
Thanks
Jeremy

This three pole isolator is normally fitted for extractor fans with an over run timer so make you replace the current broken fan with a similar type model otherwise you will have to disconnect and make safe the permanet live.
As PBofD stated this switch should isolated all three live cables from the fan Switch Live, Permanent Live and Neutral.
However, you need to ensure that the power at the fan is dead by testing with a two prong tester - not a screwdrive or a magic wand.
If you cannot test the circuit is dead then turn all the power off the installation while you work on the fan.