Fan/light control options for bathroom.

[ScottishGasMan]

I'n renovating the house, the bathroom is about to start getting done and I'm looking at options to control the fan/lights.

I really want to have seperate control over the lgihts so I can have them on and off without the fan coming on.

I know I could simply fit a double switch, but the wall on the outside of the bathroom is curved concrete so not going to be easy to fit neat switch to or channel the wiring in.

I was wanderign if you get a single pull cord switch that can act as a double switch, ie, pull once for lights/twice for lights and fan/3 time turns lights off/4th turns all off that sort of thing?

 

[flameport]

I really want to have seperate control over the lgihts so I can have them on and off without the fan coming on.

In a bathroom with no window, a separately switched fan is not likely to meet building regulations for ventilation.

I was wanderign if you get a single pull cord switch that can act as a double switch, ie, pull once for lights/twice for lights and fan/3 time turns lights off/4th turns all off that sort of thing?

No such item. Far too complex and impractical, as it could only be used by those who had prior knowledge of it's operation.

 

[ScottishGasMan]

Thanks for that, never considered the vent regs.

Doing a bit more reading I've seen these humidity controlled fans but never seen one work or used one.

Can they be wired straight to mains so they only come on and off when steam builds up in room? bypassing light switch circuit al together? That would be perfect.

 

[ScottishGasMan]

Building regulations state that if your room is enclosed with no opening windows, then a fan with a run-on timer must be used. If you dont have a switched live connection, this option can simply be connected to live and neutral, eliminating the need for additional switched live wiring with the added benifit of automatic humidity control.

got this off of a website, so looks like I need to have the fan controlled at least by humidity if its not going to be connected to lights.

So like I say, I've never worked with a humidity fan before, I take it I could just fit fused spur in safe location and wire fan directly to mains, set the humidity level on fan and leave it?

I hate going into bathroom to use toilet at night or just to brush teeth etc and having loud fan running away every time I turn lights on. When in reality It only needs to run when shower is in use.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You might need the fan after having used the toilet.

But if you really only want it when the shower is used have the use of the shower trigger the fan.

Is it a gravity mixer, pumped mixer, or instant electric?

 

[virgilns]

I've never understood the whole idea of connecting the fan to come on with the lights...I've always connected mine to a separate switch (with run on)

And there's no logical argument that it forces people to make sure they use the fan as its connected to the lights...cause who turns the lights on during the day?? thats a huge assumption that people only shower at night or early in the morning before the sun comes up!!!

 

[bernardgreen]

If there is no window then the chances are the light will ( have to ) be turned on during the day. Mechanical extraction to ensure a change of air is a health requirement and should not be avoided just because it makes a noise.

There are sequencing switches which provide the required function

Part# 30-9158
Philmore Pull Chain Switch - Two Circuit / L-1, L-2, L-1&2, Off

Features: Type: Dual Circuit Action: 3-Way (L-1, L-2, L-1&2, Off) Actuator: Pull Chain

but they require some creative engineering involving a back box and blank front plate to make them suitable to be used under BS7671

But as already said unless one is familiar with the use of a sequencing switch they are impratical in most domestic rooms.