Bathroom extractor fans - standard or low voltage?

[adamr7747]

Hi All,

I'm replacing the existing (240v) ceiling fan in my bathroom. I want a humidistat-controlled one and have bought this one for £30. However, I went into B&Q and they're currently doing a low voltage fan which is only 30dB and £6! Is there a catch I'm missing? Should you avoid low voltage fans unless you're putting them in a shower cubical? Obviously I'd need to buy a transformer as well (which would go in the attic) - I was thinking of this one.

Any help/opinions appreciated
Adam

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I went into B&Q and they're currently doing a low voltage fan which is only 30dB and £6! Is there a catch I'm missing?

How about the obvious one that there's probably a good reason why the B&Q one is 80% cheaper than the Screwfix one?

Should you avoid low voltage fans unless you're putting them in a shower cubical?

Not that I know of. (BTW - http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:voltage-bands)

Obviously I'd need to buy a transformer as well (which would go in the attic) - I was thinking of this one.

Thought you wanted a humidistat operated one?

 

[adamr7747]

I went into B&Q and they're currently doing a low voltage fan which is only 30dB and £6! Is there a catch I'm missing?

How about the obvious one that there's probably a good reason why the B&Q one is 80% cheaper than the Screwfix one?

Heh. Well, if I always bought expensive things just because they're expensive I'd be a much poorer man!

Should you avoid low voltage fans unless you're putting them in a shower cubical?

Not that I know of. (BTW - http://www.diynot.com/wiki/electrics:voltage-bands)[/QUOTE]
Interesting, thanks for that.

Obviously I'd need to buy a transformer as well (which would go in the attic) - I was thinking of this one.

Thought you wanted a humidistat operated one?

Yes. I was just going to leave the transformer on and let the fan turn on and off itself. Is that a mistake?

Thanks,
Adam

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They don't work like that. With ELV fans the timer or humidistat function is in the transformer.

 

[adamr7747]

From what I saw in B&Q, this cheap fan did not come with a transformer, but said it had a humidistat. That doesn't sound right given what you've just said. Maybe I was mistaken - I'll have another look in B&Q at the weekend.

Thanks,
Adam