If you are looking to install a bathroom extractor fan at your Birstall home, you may be wondering exactly where it should go.
Should it go in the ceiling…on the wall…and at what height? And you are probably wondering if it’s safe to have an electrically powered appliance in the bathroom. Don’t panic, Quality Electrician are here to answer all your questions and explain how we decide where to install a bathroom extractor fan.
Ceiling Vs Wall installation
Bathroom extractor fans come in many forms, but they all fall into one of two categories – wall mounted extractor fans and ceiling mounted extractor fans. The difference is obvious, one is installed through the ceiling of your Birstall home and the other directly through the outside wall. Whilst we are happy to install both kinds of bathroom extractor fan, we would generally advise selecting a wall mounted extractor if that option is viable. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, ceiling fans are more expensive and for most customers this is a key concern. Secondly, ceiling extractor fans have much more complicated ducting and venting arrangements. They often require condensate traps and drainage. This can cause issues with maintenance later as the ducting is hard to access. In comparison, a wall mounted extractor fan is generally easier to install and maintain. We simply select a safe site and core a hole using a power tool. We then install the fan in this new opening.
The right place for a bathroom extractor fan
There are several factors we take into consideration when selecting the location for your bathroom extractor fan. When we choose the site make sure to:
- Avoid corners – Not only is it tricky to install an extractor fan right in the corner of your bathroom, but it also prevents good air flow.
- Not directly above the shower head – Often people think this is the ideal spot but in fact the movement of the water pushes the air away from the extractor fan making it work less effectively.
- The right height – To work as efficiently as possible, the bathroom extractor fan in your Birstall home should be installed 150-400mm from the ceiling.
- Away from the window – To avoid sucking the fresh air straight back out of your bathroom, an extractor fan should always be installed away from your window. Ideally at least 600mm away.
- Easily Accessible – You will need to be able to safely access your new bathroom extractor fan for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
- In the right zone – This is an important one. When it comes to electrics, bathrooms are divided into zones. These zones are defined based on the proximity to a water source. All electrical appliances, including a bathroom extractor fan, must be sited within a safe zone. A mains extractor fan will need to have a sufficient IP (water ingress) rating for the zone it is placed in and be installed on an RCD protected circuit to meet regulations. Your electrician will be happy to advise you in regard to this.
Bathroom extractor fan installation in Birstall
If you would like to install a bathroom extractor fan at your Birstall home, get in touch with us today. Based just down the road in Birkenshaw, Quality Electrician are your local, fully qualified electrician. We are NICEIC registered, fully insured and are highly experienced in the installation of bathroom extractor fans. We will help you to choose the right extractor for your needs and site it correctly. If you would like to know more, please give us a call, we are always happy to help.
