Electrical Regulations Bathroom Extractor Fans

The bathroom zones for extractor fans uk electrical regulations divide the bathroom into 4 zones.

Electrical regulations bathroom extractor fans.

Electrical requirements a point to note is that for any bathroom extractor fan installation to be successful all the circuits in bathrooms and showers need to have rcds. Recommended extractor fans which are rated to a minimum of ipx5 include. Initially it was a compulsory requirement to have a local supplementary bonding but this requirement has been relaxed provided you have met the rest of the requirements. In this regard electrical extractor fans are a relatively cheap and easy to fit solution to quickly freshening a room without the potential for draughts.

Bathroom heating all electric heaters and water heaters in a bathroom must be fixed and permanently wired. Now we all know that electricity and water don t mix thus the need for the zones. Bathroom exhaust fan venting code summary section r303 3. For utmost safety the transformer or power supply pack should be installed outside the bathroom area.

They must comply with providing the following ventilation airflow rates for intermittent extract minimum rates. Extractor fans installed within zone 1 must be at least ipx4. Exhaust fan most communities require bathrooms to have either a window that can be opened or an electric vent fan that will exhaust moisture from the bathroom to the outdoors. In addition background ventilators trickle ventilators must comply with the total ventilator area mm depending upon the design air permeability.

An extractor fan is essential and will help cut down steam in the bathroom. Bathrooms must have windows. Hot water central heating or underfloor heating is the safest way of keeping a bathroom. When this section is adopted by a community it essentially says that for venting purposes bathrooms must have windows that open.

Extractor fans are located in the bathroom ensuite kitchen and utility room. Extractor fans installed within zone 1 must be fitted with 12v selv motors with the selv transformers and isolators fitted outside of zone 0 1 2. In new build bathrooms with a bath and shower mechanical ventilation is required in the form of an extractor fan. Applicable to both zone 1 or 2 a selv fans with a rating of ipx5 or above may also be installed in these areas.

These zones are determined by their proximity to water humidity and condensation and the likelihood of the electrical items installed in those areas getting wet. Current building regulations require all kitchens and bathrooms to have adequate air extraction. Some communities may require a vent fan even if there is a window in the bathroom.