Bathroom Extractor Fan Options

[GP1]

Hello,

I have two ceiling extractor fans fitted in my house (before us). One is in the bathroom. Both appear to have stopped working or burned out. I am particularly concerned about the bathroom one which is making a noise and some water has appeared in the cover. I think this could be rainwater being blown in.

I could fix the water ingress problem and then just replace the fans however both rooms have windows and ventilation is not a problem so I'm thinking maybe I'll do without the fans.

So my questions are as follows.

1. If I want to get rid, how do I make the electrics safe? i.e. what would I have to do with the cable it is wired from if I disconnect the fan? The fans appear to be wired to a ceiling cable (3 core +earth) and come on when the light switch is pulled. A timer used to switch the fan off after a time. I have no access to the cable other than the end that comes down from the ceiling.

2. In their current state (fans wired but not working) and some possible water ingress, how safe are they? Is there a fire risk? One of them appears to get quite hot although the fan is not working.

3. Could I just leave the fans in place and make the wiring safer inside?

4. Are there regulations that say I have to have these fans even if I have window ventilation?

I'd be grateful for your expert thoughts.

Many Thanks.

GP

 

[jj4091]

The latest building regs say a bathroom must have forced ventilation even if you have an openable window, as far as I know, but they are not retrospective. However at less than £10 each nowadays, I can't understand why you don't just replace them, it will be easier & quicker. I would have thought water in the bathroom one was more likely to be condensation than rainwater if it goes from a wall to the fan via a flexi duct.

 

[GP1]

Thanks for your reply. Can you get timer/fans for less than £10? (fed from 3 core). Are they difficult to get and where from?

GP

 

[EddieCurrent]

Hello,
Try searching for the' tlc direct' website.
Hope this helps.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Many of the cheaper fans are only designed for vertical (wall) mounting.
If your fan is fitted in the ceiling, make sure the new one is suitable for ceiling mounting otherwise the bearings will shag in no time flat

TTC

 

[jj4091]

Thanks for your reply. Can you get timer/fans for less than £10? (fed from 3 core). Are they difficult to get and where from?

GP

Screwfix or Toolstation

 

[RF Lighting]

Thanks for your reply. Can you get timer/fans for less than £10? (fed from 3 core). Are they difficult to get and where from?

GP

You can, but I strongly reccomend spending £20-£30 on a 4" timer fan.

It is false economy to buy one for £10, and you will be whining in 18 months when your 'new' fan has packed up too.

 

[securespark]

you will be whining in 18 months

And so will the fan...