Advise on how to proceed with extending cables for bathroom extractor fan

[mjgreen81]

Hi all,

I need to replace a bathroom extractor fan, but the cable for the existing fan is too short to reach the connections on the new fan (different make).

The cable currently comes down a small hole in the ceiling next to the vent pipe. I can't see an easy way for me to install a junction box in the ceiling void as I can't really access it without creating a big hole in the ceiling.

There also doesn't really appear to be enough room for me to use connectors within the fan housing (i prefer wago's and they are quite chunky).

What are my options here?

Thank you

 

[mattylad]

Post a picture looking at the ceiling, the vent pipe etc.
Also one of your fan from behind, mention it's make/model.

That way we may be able to help you better than saying - just use some wago's and wire (which is what I'm doing for the same issue.)

 

[plugwash]

Another possible option, which does come with some risk but may be worth considering is to use the existing cable as a pull line to pull through a new longer cable.

 

[mjgreen81]

Post a picture looking at the ceiling, the vent pipe etc.
Also one of your fan from behind, mention it's make/model.

That way we may be able to help you better than saying - just use some wago's and wire (which is what I'm doing for the same issue.)

Unfortunately I've temporarily put things back together until I can next have a go in a few days time.

However I can confirm the new fan is an Envirovent Silent 100T (the old one was a Manrose, I can't remember the model).

If I could use the wago's without an enclosure and stuff them up the ceiling void, it would be fine. However, my presumption is that they need to be enclosure if they are up in the ceiling void.

 

[EFLImpudence]

There also doesn't really appear to be enough room for me to use connectors within the fan housing

Surely there must be.

What are my options here?

Solder (done properly) - either in the fan or in the ceiling.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

There also doesn't really appear to be enough room for me to use connectors within the fan housing (i prefer wago's and they are quite chunky).

Could you perhaps use crimp connectors instead? If space is still an issue, you could offset the crimps, so they don't all need to be alongside each other.

 

[Sureitsoff?]

these are quite slim/small so might fit in the fan housing

Ideal Industries In-Line Push-In Wire Connectors

With its small size and tool-free application, the SpliceLine® from Ideal Industries is a real time-saver when it comes to connecting wires in a wide range of installations - particularly prefabricated wiring, lighting and ring main circuits.Existing wire cut too short? Space too tight to use a...

www.toolstation.com

 

[mattylad]

I'm sure the wago police will be coming to inspect it if you do not put them in an enclosure so best to do so.
There must be thousands of them stuffed into areas, perhaps covered in electrical tape doing their job and wondering why they are not in a little enclosure.

Ye gods, those wago boxes are massive.
Can you fit a pair of these up there?

Debox 24A In-line Junction Box 50 x 102 x 28.5mm White - Screwfix

Or even these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/debox-32a-junction-box-35-x-47-x-107mm-white/970gv

This reminds me, I have a few of those somewhere, I just have to find them.

 

[blup]

Replace the relevant cables, if that’s not practical crimp and shrink sleeve

 

[scousespark]

Have a look at the quickwire site. The splitters may fit your needs.

 

[mjgreen81]

Thanks for all the suggestions, think I'll try with those slim Ideal push connectors, I reckon they will fit in the fan casing. If they don't, plenty of other excellent suggestions. Thank you.