Wiring bathroom fan in loft void

[RegB]

Hi,
I have two questions about an timer extractor fan set-up I'm putting in the bathroom. The important point is that the fan itself is not in the bathroom. It's an in-line duct fan and is located in the loft void above, so there are no actual electrics in the bathroom.

According to the place I got the fan this is therefore not considered a special location in terms of the wiring regs : http://www.fantronix.com/acatalog/Fitting_an_Extractor_Fan.html

My questions were:
First: are they right about the wiring regs?
Second: regarding the wiring, should I use an FCU and/or an isolator for this type of fan and if so, could this double as the fan switch?

Many thanks for any help.
All the best, Reg

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If the equipment is outside the zones, I don't see why not.
FCU if it needs down fusing or RCD protected FCU if not already protected elsewhere by an RCD.

 

[RegB]

Thanks for that info PBD
Does it need an RCD if the fan isn't actually in the bathroom and is only 24W? I thought RCDs were for high wattage bathroom applieances.
Thanks,
Reg

 

[londonboy]

It needs the RCD reguardless of wattage/useage etc.

ALL items in a bathroom now need RCD protection.

 

[RegB]

Thanks London Boy
The point is this fan ISN'T in the bathroom. It's in the loft. There's just a vent grille in the bathroom ceiling - no electrics at all. Would that set up need this RCD?
Cheers, Reg

 

[londonboy]

Oops sorry I must read posts properly!

I think you might be right and no it wont need RCD protection, but id definately recommend it!

What were you thinking about doing reguarding the switching?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

if your extending the circuit, the new bit needs to have rcd protection, if the circuit is already covered by a rcd/rcbo at the CU that will do, it is a new requirement. So if your installing an FCU these can be purchased with RCD protection as well.
In my original post I did mean out side the bathroom, rather than the zones

 

[londonboy]

if your extending the circuit, the new bit needs to have rcd protection, if the circuit is already covered by a rcd/rcbo at the CU that will do, it is a new requirement. So if your installing an FCU these can be purchased with RCD protection as well.
In my original post I did mean out side the bathroom, rather than the zones

Even if the fan is fitted outside the bathoom?
And if the cables are run surface?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If they are surface mounted fair enough, but I'd assume (shouldn't really) that the switch/isolator/FCU may not be!

 

[GaryMo]

If they are surface mounted fair enough, but I'd assume (shouldn't really) that the switch/isolator/FCU may not be!

It's probably not as there's a good chance it'll reside by the side of the fan in the loft for maintenance.

 

[RegB]

Thanks for those replies guys. All very helpful. The power will come from a light circuit which doesn't have any form of RCD at the CU, only an MCB. If I need an FCU it will go on the wall OUTSIDE the bathroom. Do you reckon with that set up I need an RCD? Maybe one of these ?:
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/83049...eed-_-Electrical Supplies-_-Volex 13A RCD FCU
Cheers, Reg

 

[GaryMo]

You may also need a 3 pole isolator.

How will you run the cables to the FCU located which is located outside the bathroom?
Will they be concealed in the wall at a depth of less than 50mm from the surface of the plaster?

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[RegB]

Hi Garymo, thanks for the answer. I'll run the cable in the wall cavity. The walls are made of wood, not plaster and there's a cavity about 10 in across. Does that make things more complicated!
Cheers, Reg

 

[GaryMo]

If the cable is installed less than 50mm from the surface of the plaster with no mechanical protection (either side) then it'll need RCD protection.