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The Guide to the Different Types of Extractor Fan for the Bathroom

The Guide to the Different Types of Extractor Fan for the Bathroom

The Guide to the Different Types of Extractor Fan for the Bathroom

The bathroom is considered a very humid and wet environment therefore, it is important that the bathroom is properly ventilated. For this, most people install powerful bathroom extractor fans. 

When upgrading your bathroom or installing a new bathroom for your new home many people find it difficult to choose a type of extractor fan for the bathroom.  The reason is that there are different types of extractor bathroom fans and often people are confused about what type of extractor fan is suitable for the bathroom.

Bathroom ceiling extractor fans and wall-mounted extraction fans come with different power configurations. A toilet extract fan can either be a plug-in extraction fan or be connected to a light circuit. It is important to take that into consideration when purchasing an extractor for bathrooms. 

 

Types of Bathroom Extractors:

Types of Bathroom Fans

You are probably confused about what type of extractor fan to use for the bathroom. 

There are two types of commonly sold bathroom extractor fans.  There are axial bathroom extractor fans and centrifugal bathroom extractor fans. Here's a quick breakdown of the different types of extractors for bathrooms. 

Axial Bathroom Extractor Fans:

An Axial extractor fan is the most common toilet extract fan bought for bathrooms. These extractor fans are the least powerful and they suck air in at the front and discharge it out the back. The extractor fan itself should be installed on a wall that has good access to the outside so that the air has somewhere to exit.

Axial extractor bathroom fans are typically installed in bathrooms that are positioned 1.5 meters from the wall.  These types of bathroom fans have many advantages but the main advantage is that they tend to be small therefore they won’t spoil the look of the bathroom. The extractor fan is also extremely energy efficient and tends to be very quiet which is often important in smaller bathrooms.

Axial extractors for bathrooms shouldn’t be ducted more than 2 to 3 metres as after this their efficiency drops. Installed into a ceiling the duct run also tends not to be straight which causes the fan to lose ‘pushing’ power due to the back pressures produced from the bends. Axial extractor fans are often both wall mounted as well as bathroom ceiling exhaust fans. 

At Meteor we supply a wide range of axial bathroom extractor fans including the following:

Powerful bathroom extractor fans

One of our bestselling axial extractors for bathrooms is the Simply Silent 4"/100MM Square Bathroom Fan With Timer from the brand Xpelair. It's a popular choice for customers looking for compact and silent but powerful bathroom extractor fans.                 

Centrifugal Bathroom Extractor Fans:

A centrifugal bathroom extractor fan is slightly different than an axial toilet extract fan as it uses a drum blade to extract air. This is done through the drum rotating the air so that the pressure can build up which in turn allows for a more powerful airflow. This increased pressure in the centrifugal bathroom extractor fan means that the air can travel further distances and around bends.

The XID100 100mm Centrifugal Metal Inline Duct Fan by Xpelair is suitable for a wide range of commercial extract applications including shops, schools, factories, offices, and restaurants.

XID100 100mm Centrifugal Metal Inline Duct Fan

Centrifugal bathroom extractor fans are ideal for installation on ceilings as ceiling mounted fans often have ducts that are bent. Centrifugal bathroom extractor fans are ideal if your bathroom is more than 1.5m away from the wall. These extractor fans are designed to be more powerful and shift air over longer distance.

There are some disadvantages to these types of extractor fans, the main disadvantage is that the centrifugal bathroom extractor fans are substantially larger and as a result they do produce more noise which is often not ideal in the home.

At Meteor Electrical, we supply a wide range of silent-running extractors for bathrooms and more, including the following:

What do Extractor Fans do? 

Bathroom extractor fans are designed to fulfill air ventilation standards. The bathroom extractor eliminates condensation. Showers create a lot of steam, an extractor fan helps to reduce this. The extractor fan also prevents molding. The purpose of the extractor fan is to make the bathroom last longer. Without an extractor fan, there can be damage to the bathroom.

Choosing the Size of Bathroom Extractor Fans:

Extractor bathroom fans are available in two different sizes including 4 inch and 6 inch. In typical cases, a 4-inch model is recommended however, in bathrooms larger than 9m2, a 6-inch fan is advised.

Installing Bathroom Extractor Fans:

Installing Extractor fans bathroom ceiling mounted

Once the decision is made on which fan is to be installed the next stage is to pick the right bathroom extractor fan zone for installation. An electrician must follow zones to comply with regulations. The bathroom extractor fan zone zones are quite easy to understand as it basically means the closer the wall or area is to water i.e. the bath or show the stricter the installation rules are.

Depending on the installation rules of the specific fan it will depend on which bathroom extractor fan zones it should be installed in.

IP Ratings in Bathrooms: 

What is a Bathroom's IP Rating?
The IP rating, which stands for "Ingress Protection Rating," is used to decide which bathroom electricals may be used in certain bathroom zones. Bathroom lights and extractor fans are frequently mentioned. An IP (Ingress Protection) number or code is used to define the level of environmental protection provided by enclosures surrounding electronic equipment. Specific tests are used to get these ratings.

Two digits make up the IP (Ingress Protection) number:
The first number might be anything between 0 and 6. This refers to the amount of resistance to solid foreign things like dust.
The second number might be anything between 0 and 8. This refers to the degree of water resistance.

The greater the number, the more secure the system. IP44, for example, is resistant to solid object penetration up to 1mm as well as water splashes. An IP67 light fixture, on the other hand, is entirely dustproof and can resist brief immersion in water. Bathroom lights and electricals with an IP68 grade are water-resistant for lengthy durations of immersion. This also applies to a zone 1 extractor fan. 

To ensure that you are installing electrics in your bathroom securely and legally, you must first determine the minimum rating necessary in your chosen zone.

Installing Bathroom Extractor Fans:

Once the decision is made on which fan is to be installed the next stage is to pick the right bathroom extractor fan zone for installation. An electrician must follow zones to comply with regulations. The bathroom extractor fan zone zones are quite easy to understand as it basically means the closer the wall or area is to water i.e. the bath or show the stricter the installation rules are.

Depending on the installation rules of the specific fan it will depend on which bathroom extractor fan zones it should be installed in.

 

How to Install Bathroom Extractor Fan: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

1. Turn Off Power:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Begin by ensuring safety. Turn off the power supply to the bathroom at the circuit breaker to create a safe working environment.

 

2. Choose the Right Location:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Select a strategic location for the extractor fan to ensure efficient moisture removal. Ideally, place it near the shower or bath.

 

3. Cut the Opening:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Utilize the template provided with the fan to mark and cut the opening for the fan housing. Precision in dimensions is crucial for optimal extraction efficiency.

 

4. Install the Fan:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Mount the fan housing securely into the opening, following the manufacturer's provided instructions. Connect the wiring according to the supplied diagram.

 

5. Connect to Ductwork:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: If the extractor fan is ducted, connect it to the ductwork. Ensure a secure and airtight fit for efficient ventilation.

 

6. Seal Gaps:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Prevent air leakage by sealing any gaps around the fan housing using appropriate materials. This step is essential for ensuring the fan operates efficiently without losing extracted air.

 

7. Restore Power:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Once the fan is securely installed, restore power at the circuit breaker. Test the fan to ensure it operates efficiently by checking for proper airflow and ventilation.

 

8. Precision Control for Optimal Efficiency:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Consider fans with precision controls, allowing you to adjust the extraction rate based on your bathroom's size and ventilation needs.

 

9. Zoning and Individual Room Efficiency:

  • How to install bathroom extractor fan: Take into account your bathroom's layout for efficient positioning of the extractor fan. Installing it near moisture-prone areas ensures effective ventilation.

 

10. Energy-Saving Features and Modes: - How to install bathroom extractor fan: Opt for a fan with energy-saving features like timers or humidity sensors. These features enhance the fan's efficient use by automatically turning it off when not needed.

 

11. Remote Control and Automation: - How to install bathroom extractor fan: Some advanced extractor fans offer remote control or smart home integration. This provides convenient ways to manage ventilation settings for optimal efficiency.

 

12. Size and Design Efficiency: - How to install bathroom extractor fan: Choose a fan of an appropriate size for your bathroom. Modern designs cater to aesthetic preferences while ensuring efficient ventilation.

 

By following these steps on how to install a bathroom extractor fan, you can enhance ventilation efficiency and contribute to a healthier and more comfortable bathroom environment.

 

Bathroom Extractor Fan Zones:

The UK Electrical Wiring Regulations have categorised bathrooms into three zones based on their closeness to water sources to ensure safe installation. Electrical and water should not be mixed. The different bathroom extractor fan zones will help you determine the type of bathroom fan you should purchase.

All electrical equipment such as light fixtures and bathroom extractor fans have an IP rating which clearly defines what zone they are suitable for installation. An IP rating defines the resistance against solid items and liquid/moisture. The higher the ingress number, the greater the level of protection. 

Zone 1: Zone 1 is the shower and the area vertically 2.25m above the bath. A zone 1 extractor fan and any other equipment installed should have a minimum IP45 rating. Please note that ideally, equipment like a zone 1 bathroom extractor fan or any other fixture is advised to have an IP65 rating.

Zone 2: Zone 2 is the area from 0.6m from Zone 1. This zone should have an IP rating of at least IP44.

Zone 3: Zone 3 is the area that surrounds 2.4mm from Zone 2. No IP rating is required as there are no water exposure in these areas.

Bathroom Extractor Fan Zones

Installing an Extractor Fan Yourself

Since extractor fans are relatively easy to install, many people opt out of calling an electrician and choose to do it themselves. However, the process can be quite complicated if you're a beginner. There are many factors and variables to consider when putting in a toilet extract fan yourself. Here are excellent DIY guides on everything you need to know and how you can install a bathroom extractor fan yourself. 

Installing a Toilet Extract Fan Using a Lightswitch 

Did you know that you can wiring a bathroom extractor fan using a lightswitch? While it may sound a bit daunting, with the right instructions, it can be pretty straightforward. Here's a quick tutorial:

Installing a Toilet Extract Fan using an Independent Switch

If you're not willing to experiment with your light switch, it's understandable and we've got you covered. This is a simple tutorial on how to install a exhaust fan for bathroom in an independent switch. 

For a deeper dive into extractors for bathrooms, here is a comprehensive guide

Need more Help?

At Meteor Electrical, we have a wide range of the most powerful bathroom fans with an IP65 rating. If you require further advice or help with the different types of extractor fan types, please contact our specialists via email at [email protected] or chat with our friendly advisors on the live chat