replacing old bathoom fan with new low voltage fan

hi put the job on mybuilder you,l get the job cheaper than that , if its a straight forward change it shouldnt be that expensive , hope this helps . jeh

Hi as per regs. fan must be IP44 and circuit should be RCD protected other wise low voltage accessories in bath room (old regs)

If the fan is outside zone 0 which it will be (taken from table 8.1 on site guide BS7671:2008(2011) The following mains voltage fixed, permanently connected equipment allowed: Whirlpool units, electric showers, shower pumps, ventilation equipment, towel rails, water heaters, luminaires. The regs relax as you go out into other zones but your mains unit is compliant in all zones except zone 0 if manufacturers instructions also agree. Additional recommendation should obviously apply I.E RCD protection as in special location but for a like for like replacement this will not be mandatory. Kevin.

If your existing fan runs on 230 volts and is in zone 1 of your bathroom then your electrician is showing due diligence in his recommendations to you. The 230 volt fan can be sited in zone 1 but must be IPX4 rated. As per other replies RCD protection for the circuit must be taken into consideration. Ordinarily a low voltage fan will be SELV and the transformer it requires will be installed in an accessible location out of the bathroom zones, or above in the loft. I don't know where you are based but £180 for labour and materials is not an unreasonable price in my view, although it is the top end of the price range for what someone would charge for the work involved. If it is a case of upgrading the existing fan to IPX4 then you can get a silent vent axia model with integral timer for around £60 + VAT and fitting should only be charged at an hour's labour rate. Type in "bathroom zones" in Google to give yourself an idea of the distances and regulations involved.