Broken Fan In Shower Room

[Halsu]

This may seem a very stupid question but forgive a silly woman please? :-) the extractor fan in my shower room has stopped working. It comes on when you pull the light cord, would a plumber fix it or an electrician or both.

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

An electrician

[stewey]

It's an electrical problem. I'm sure someone will be on here soon to give you more informative information.

[stewey]

"informative information":)

[Clanad]

At least here in the U.S., the ceiling mounted ventilation fan (extractor in the U.K.?) is covered by a snap on plastic grid that is easily removed. Once it's removed, assure the accompanying light switch is in the off position and then using a vacuum cleaner with the soft brush tip attached to the hose, clean out all the accumulated debris. Rarely, but sometimes, this has clogged the small fan itself and may start to work again. Use caution for the exposed wiring and, if possible turn off the circuit breaker powering the device.

In most cases the little electric motor that drives the plastic vaned van has ceased working and needs to be replaced. Inside the same grille work I described should be a tag identifying the make and model which will assist in buying a replacement. You'll need an electrician, as already recommended if it comes to that. This is a lot less expensive that replacing the entire system...

[Gizmonster]

It's very possibly just a blown fuse. Look to near where the fan is mounted - is there a housing for a fuse ?? Try replacing that first, before you do anything else.
..... and make sure the light is switched off first :)

[BRIGHT SPARK]

As its in a shower room get a registered electrician to swap or repair the fan. If its been fitted properly you should have a fan isolation switch...possibly above the door outside the room.

[Gizmonster]

Yea that's what I was referring to Bright Spark .... the isolation switch thingy.
Ours has a fuse fitted in the switch, that you can just pull out - I would def check that first, just in case it's blown (assuming yours has one) .

[beachkat]

Screwfix sell a basic (Manrose trade version) timer fan at under £20 so not worth messing about with repairs or checking fuses. Any part P registered electrician will do this job (see checkatrade or similar).

NB Switching off the light as described by Clanad isn't correct as there are usually *3* connections: 1.switched 2.always live 3.neutral
so even with the lightswitch off, one terminal can still be live.
The relevent lighting circuit must be completely disabled.

[Gizmonster]

... so you're saying it's easier to replace the fan, than check the fuse ??

[Disco Fever]

Definitely an electrician, I'm a sparky and extractor fans are not that expensive. Does the fan run on once you've turned the light off, if it does you'll need a new timer version fan, if not then you'll just need a normal fan. The wholesaler I use have them on offer at the minute, with timer £6.99+vat and without, £4.99+vat.