How to choose and install a bathroom fan + how to connect a fan to a switch

The principle of operation of a silent fan in the bathroom

The device is quite simply arranged, it includes an engine, housing and bearings.They affect the noise level. High-quality manufacturing of these elements ensures silent operation of the device.

The principle of operation of a silent fan in the bathroom is simple: the electric motor rotates the blades that transmit the air flow in the required direction. To better understand how the device works, take a closer look at the design of the main elements:

1. Frame. One piece, high strength construction. Made from quality plastic. This allows you to minimize the vibrations that occur during operation and reduce the noise level.
2. Electric motor. The same engine is used as on conventional models, it is attached to the body with rubber bushings. If the fastening is of poor quality, then vibration will occur, the walls will begin to resonate and extraneous noise will appear.
3. Bearings. High-quality bearings are used for quiet operation. They differ from those used in conventional devices by higher workmanship.
4. Grease. An important element that affects the noiselessness of operation. High-quality lubrication not only reduces noise, but also extends the life of the device.

2 Step 2: Electrical connection and fixing the fan to the wall

The final installation of the exhaust fan is carried out after tiling the walls. We unpack the device and carefully study the instructions.

We remove the decorative cover and the fuse, under which there is a terminal block. Select the appropriate mounting type. There are several options here. Standard - fastening with dowel-screws, which are included in the kit. We pre-insert the fan into the hole, set it according to the level, mark the points for drilling in tiles. We remove and drill holes with a special tile drill at low speeds to prevent cracking of the tiles. We insert the dowels into the holes obtained, connect the electrician and fasten the fan with screws. The second mounting option is liquid nails. We coat the exhaust fan pipe with adhesive and mount it in the mortgage, press it tightly. It is not easy to pull out and clean the fan with this mount. This must be taken into account. And another option that other masters advise is sealing gum. We put them on the pipe and insert the device into the mortgage. With this mounting option, the replacement and cleaning of the fan takes place in a matter of seconds.

We decided on the appropriate type of fastening, it's time to connect the fan to the power supply. When installing a standard device, a three-core cable will suffice. The phase must be supplied from the switch, ground and zero. Several connection options are possible: to a two-gang, one-gang switch and installation of a fan with a timer. The most convenient and common option is to install a two-gang switch. With this installation option, the light and fan work independently of each other, which is very convenient. The hood can be turned on for a certain period and as needed. The one-key option is less convenient. It is responsible for the simultaneous switching on (off) of light and ventilation. There is not enough time to ventilate the air while in the bathroom, so you have to leave the lighting and the hood turned on after leaving, and these are extra kilowatts. In order not to forget to turn off the fan on time, you can mount a device with a timer. We set the desired time, after the end of ventilation, the system automatically turns off.To install a fan with a timer, a 4-wire cable is required. After choosing the connection scheme, we clean it, connect the wires to the fan and the switch, and fix the device.

What is needed to install a fan

Checking the draft in the ventilation system First of all, before installing the exhaust fan, check the presence of draft in the ventilation ducts.

In order to establish whether there is movement of air currents, a simple test should be carried out. It is necessary to light a candle or a match and bring it as close as possible to the air duct.

When air moves, the flame will deflect. The better the pull, the stronger the displacement of the flames will be. You can also use a sheet of paper to check. With sufficient traction, it should be attracted to the ventilation grille and held by air currents.

If there is no draft, first of all, you should make sure that the ventilation duct is not clogged. If this did not help, or the air current is still insufficient, then an additional device is required to create a forced air outlet.

After checking the state of natural ventilation in the room, a decision is made on the need to install an exhaust fan. However, before installation, make sure that fresh air enters the room.

Most often, a gap under the door leading to the room is used for this. To improve air exchange, it is also possible to install special grilles in the door.

Many people worry about whether installing a fan will interfere with the natural air circulation in the room. It has been verified that even if the device is turned off, air passes freely past the blades, slightly spinning them.

Before connecting a fan in the bathroom, you need to choose a model based on a number of criteria:

• Installation location and installation method. For city apartments, it is possible to use only overhead devices of a round or square shape. They are mounted in an air vent. For a private house, it is possible to install a duct fan, the advantages of which are high power and quiet operation.
• Device design. There are axial and radial fans. In the bathroom, axial devices are most often used.
• Appearance. The design of the device is also important. It should organically fit into the interior of the room.

In addition to these parameters, it is also important to take into account the technical characteristics of the installed device:

1. Performance. This parameter shows how much air the device is able to move in a certain period of time. The larger the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the higher this indicator should be.
2. Noise level. A characteristic that directly affects the comfort of staying in the room. Preference should be given to quieter models.
3. Hull protection class. For the bathroom, you should choose a model that has protection against moisture.

Having decided on the basic parameters and the installation location of the device, you should pay attention to the equipment of its additional functions. This is how the switch for the hood and light might look like

This is how the switch for the hood and light might look like

Pay attention to the following options:

• Built-in switch.In some cases, autonomous switching on and off of the fan can be convenient, but most often these are unnecessary problems.
• Timer. A useful feature that allows you to program the device so that the hood will continue to work for some time after the person leaves the room. This will allow for more efficient air exchange.
• Motion Sensor. A convenient option, but it is irrational to use it in the bathroom and toilet.
• Humidity sensor. In this case, the device starts to work if the humidity in the room has reached a certain limit. Cons: unexpected inclusion, impossibility when taking a bath to heat the room due to steam.
• Check valve. Prevents back draft. A useful option that does not allow unpleasant odors from outside to enter the room. The main thing is to choose a quality device that does not interfere with natural ventilation.
• Overheat protection. Availability is mandatory, as it is primarily the safety of operation.
• Mosquito net. Protects the house from penetration of insects. Of the minuses, it should be noted that the grid needs to be periodically cleaned of dirt and dust.

After choosing the most suitable device, you can proceed to drawing up the installation diagram and directly to the connection itself.

How not to connect and why

The first options have a lot of inconveniences, at first not quite noticeable.

For example, you mounted the inclusion of the hood by the door opening sensor. At the same time, it turns off on a timer after 5 minutes. It would seem very convenient.

However, on the interior door is quite problematic to install such a sensor. Not to mention other points of operation.For example, what to do if you linger in the toilet longer than the set time.

Open and close the door again? What if there are guests in the kitchen?

In addition, the cable will have to be led under the tile, a few extra holes must be drilled, etc. Simple motion sensors are capricious of humidity and fail very quickly.

You will have to select expensive models with appropriate IP moisture protection, according to the zones in the bathroom.

Someone considers the most convenient option to install a switch on the hood directly inside the bathroom. However, the PUE prohibits this.

Why this is so, the relevant links and explanations of Rostekhnadzor specialists will be given at the end of the article.

How not to make a mistake in choosing

In order for silent exhaust fans in the bathroom to perform their purpose of removing exhaust air efficiently, choose the right model that matches the parameters of the room. Consider a number of important characteristics that affect the efficiency of the device. Among them:

• power;
• productivity per hour;
• duct diameter;
• noise level;
• price;
• manufacturing firm;
• economy indicators.

Duct diameter, mm

Based on the type of fan, manufacturers indicate either the size of the exhaust duct for which the specified equipment is designed, or the size of the outlet pipe. In apartments and private houses, pipes with a diameter of 100 and 125 mm are used to organize the ventilation system; when choosing the model you like, look at its installation size.

Productivity, m3/h

The characteristic is calculated by a special formula, taking into account the volume of the room and the amount of air exchange per hour.To determine power or performance, multiply the volume of the bathtub by the amount of air exchange.

For a bathroom and a bathroom, the frequency of air changes is a normalized value and, depending on the number of people living in the house, is 6-10, an average value is taken. When selecting the fan power, the obtained value is taken with a margin of 15-20%, and equipment is selected based on this indicator. For enough productivity about 100 m3/hour.

Noise level, dB

An electric motor is used to rotate the fan, both aerodynamic and mechanical noise occur. Mechanical noise is created by the vibration of the device, and aerodynamic noise is created by air movement.

Noise exceeding 35 dB negatively affects the human psyche, so silent models work creating noise not exceeding 25 dB. You will find this indicator in the passport data of the purchased product.

When choosing, look at the mark on the degree of protection from moisture.

Economy

To save electricity, almost all fans have a timer or a special switch, which allows you to turn on the device when necessary.

There are models of exhaust fans for the bathroom that have automatic mode, they are equipped with a motion sensor and work when someone is in the room

There are other additional features that allow you to save electricity, you need to pay attention to them.

Brand

When specifying the country of manufacture, the country of origin of the brand is indicated, which does not always coincide with the place of manufacture of the device. Experts recommend looking not at the country of origin and brand, but at customer reviews.The most popular brands of fans: Soler&Palau, Maico, Elicent.VENTS, Colibri and others.

Price

The price is affected by:

• specifications;
• the reputation of the manufacturer;
• the presence of electronics (humidity sensors, timer).

We recommend looking at the availability of quality certificates, warranty card.

The cost of fans varies from 10 to 100 dollars, it all depends on the characteristics and dimensions of the equipment. Not always high cost guarantees the same high quality and durability of the device.

5 Forced ventilation

The modern forced ventilation system consists of a heat exchanger, filters, fans. Therefore, the air coming from the street is first cleaned, and in cold weather it is preheated, and only then it is distributed among the rooms, displacing the exhaust air outside.

The system includes the following components:

• A fan that moves air masses.
• Air ducts. They are made of branch pipes 0.5, 1 and 2 meters long and are used to move air flows.
• Couplings. With their help, individual sections are collected into a single whole.
• Swivel outlets. Redirect the flow in the right direction.
• Check valve. Prevents the return of exhaust air.
• Brackets, fasteners. Installed on the walls and ceiling, they hold the entire structure.

To organize an effective exhaust hood in the bathroom, toilet, there are enough fans, to which the main requirement is presented - the noise level is not higher than 35 dB. Devices on bearings have a large resource, and on bushings they are quieter in operation and more affordable.

Axial type fans have an average noise level and are well suited for installation in a ductless system.The centrifugal device is louder than the rest, but has a high performance

Paying attention to the listed characteristics, centrifugal-axial type products look more attractive, characterized by low weight, noiselessness and high efficiency.

Several types of connection are common - to a light switch, a separate switch, which is located near the device on the wall (or on its case), using a motion sensor. The latter is triggered when someone enters the room.

For this reason, it is recommended to install air humidity sensors for forced ventilation, especially in the bathroom. Then the mechanism will be triggered when the specified parameter is reached.

If the installation of forced ventilation is planned only in the bathroom, and the rest of the rooms are simply subject to ventilation, then for these purposes it is advisable to install a ductless system with a fan inserted into it. It is fixed to special mounting terminals and connected to the power supply using a two-wire wire.

The arrangement of forced-type ventilation throughout the house requires the purchase of special equipment - a special unit responsible for supplying, removing, cleaning, filtering and heating air. The installation site is an attic or technical room. Power is calculated by the number of residents based on the size of the house and the material of the walls, but on average this figure is 200-600 m3 / h.

Air ducts are assembled by the constructor method, using ready-made sections, adapters.As far as possible, they are hidden from view behind suspended, stretch ceilings, taken to the attic. If everything is assembled correctly, then normally working ventilation will provide good air exchange not only in the bathroom, toilet, but throughout the house, and, maintaining the required level of humidity, will reduce the likelihood of mold and mildew on the walls.

Fan selection and start method

There are many models of exhaust fans on the market, including those for the bathroom. They differ not only in size and appearance. There are a number of characteristics that should be considered when choosing and buying.

Bathroom fans are overhead and duct, with a solid front panel or grille, different colors and designs

The first thing that determines the connection scheme of the fan for extracting air from the bathroom is the way it is started.

Depending on the model, there are the following options:

1. Turning on the fan on the case with a button or a cord - they are the easiest to connect, but each time reaching for the ceiling is not very convenient.
2. Start by separate switch or in parallel with lighting. The fan itself also has only 2 wires, but the possible connection schemes are more complicated and varied. Including with an external timer or hygrometer, motion sensor or door opening.
3. Control via built-in timer or hygrometer. Such models are connected with a three-wire wire.
4. Remote control via remote control. These models combine the simplicity of connecting the first option and maximum ease of use, but they are also the most expensive of all.

In addition, not every exhaust fan is suitable for a bathroom.The fact is that this is electrical equipment, and in order to work in conditions of high humidity, the protection class must be at least IP45, which is confirmed in the documents.

In this case, each marking digit should be taken into account separately, that is, IP62 protection is not suitable, since the second digit indicates moisture resistance, it must be at least 5.

In practice, protection is implemented in the form of isolated connection contacts, a hidden or moisture-resistant control board, and a sealed motor housing.

Even fans with high moisture protection characteristics are not recommended to be placed where water can get on them.

You should also decide on the type of device design. Axial models are cheaper but noisier because the air flows straight through them. Centrifugal fans form streams-vortices that push air in a circle - this is much quieter. In addition, for a private house, you can choose which are installed inside the ventilation duct, and not at the exit from it.

Another critical parameter is the power and performance of the fan. To do this, the volume of the room must be multiplied by 6 - 8, depending on the number of residents. The resulting figure is the minimum required volume of air exchange per hour.

A fan that is too weak will not do its job well, it will have to be left on for a long time. Too powerful will not only add strong drafts, but can also provoke a reverse flow of air from a common ventilation shaft, with all the neighboring smells.

Also pay attention to the diameter of the fan.If it does not match the diameter of the existing vent, the installation will additionally require a pipe and building foam or a perforator, as well as much more effort.

The comfort of use is significantly affected by the noise of the equipment. Quiet models produce no more than 25-30 dB, less successful solutions - about 50 dB, and sometimes more.

The non-return valve will protect you from odors and moisture from the neighboring bathroom when the fan is turned off. It also partially protects the device from dust in the mine.

In addition to the above parameters, pay attention to whether the fan is equipped with a check valve, a ventilation function, a mode switch, a display with temperature and humidity indication. Design solutions include original or replaceable protective panels, sometimes with backlight

Purpose of fans for bathrooms in apartments and private houses

During the design of the bathroom, a ventilation system is necessarily provided, but some owners, when making repairs, simply close it. You can't do this. If it works on natural air supply, after a while the air ducts will become clogged and work efficiency will decrease. To prevent this from happening, experts recommend installing forced ventilation, which includes a fan.

It must be installed in the following cases:

• high humidity, resulting in the formation of mold and fungus;
• the desire to get rid of unwanted odors;
• to avoid large temperature fluctuations.

Bathroom ventilation

In this room, ventilation is necessary to remove a large amount of moisture that accumulates here constantly.Thanks to the presence of an exhaust hood, it is easy to breathe in the room, plumbing and household items do not deteriorate, mold and fungus do not appear.

Recommendations of engineers when choosing ventilation for the bathroom

Engineers recommend not to purchase expensive equipment of large sizes. The main thing is to correctly calculate the required power

Experts advise to pay attention to the power of the wiring in the room. Since the hood has considerable power and pressure, the cable may be damaged due to an overload of the electrical network.

When buying, quality, its productivity, dimensions are taken into account.

How to install a fan in the bathroom

During installation, you must follow the rules:

• remove the cover;
• places that will be adjacent to the surface of the wall, grease with liquid nails or reliable glue;
• place the product in a hole in the wall (the working part is hidden);
• press the body well;
• install an anti-moxite net;
• put the cover on, fixing it with dowels or screws.

At the end of the work, wires are laid, and the structure is connected to the mains.

The principle of connecting to the mains

There is a separate wiring to the ventilation duct for automatic activation using device programming or a motion sensor. If the model has a cord, then you can turn on the system mechanically.

Control by switching on/off lighting

Often, electrical equipment turns on at the moment when the light in the room comes on. But since the hood is usually needed during bathing, this option is not very convenient - electricity is wasted, for example, during washing.Therefore, it is better to automate the system in order to save energy and additional convenience.

Why do you need a bathroom fan timer?

The hood equipped with a timer will turn on when the light is turned on, and turn off after a few minutes, after the person who took the shower left the bathroom. During this time, the device extracts moist air. If the stay in the room was short-lived, then the design will not turn on, since there is no need for its work.

Connecting a bathroom timer

The timer is a compact device. It should be connected using 6 pins. To connect correctly, you need to use the diagram.

Bathroom timer connection diagram

Connection via switch

Before you start connecting the power wires, you need to turn off the switches on the shield. Then the front panel of the device is removed, and wiring is inserted into it through the channels.

How to connect an exhaust fan to a switch

The wires are connected to the terminals of the device located under the cover. In the absence of grounding, 2 wires are enough: phase and zero. The wires are connected to the terminals, strengthened, tightened with bolts, a protective cover is placed.

Wiring diagrams

In order to find out how to properly install a fan in the bathroom, it is enough to carefully study the phased sequence of work shown in detail in the presented video.

In addition to the established installation procedure, attention should be paid to labor safety - all work is carried out with the power turned off.There is no particular difficulty in installing the fan, however, in order not to disrupt the operation of the electrical wiring as a result of a short circuit, an experienced electrician must indicate the connection diagram

Further, it is possible to install a fan in the bathroom with your own hands.

Installing a fan in the bathroom with your own hands

There are two main options for connecting the hood:

1. The simplest scheme is to connect it in parallel with any of the lighting fixtures. In this case, the hood will start working at the same time as the lighting is turned on.
2. If there is a need for the fan to operate in an independent mode from its own switch, a separate electrical wiring line with a cross section of 0.75-1.5 is carried out, for which it will be necessary to violate the integrity of the walls. This method is best used if the apartment is undergoing primary or major repairs. You can also use the phase from the lighting switch by installing a double switch. Zero - from a junction box located nearby. Such work is easier to do if the bathroom has a false ceiling where cables can be easily placed. You can hide the wiring from the switch to the ceiling by ditching the wall, or by carefully laying the wiring in a plastic channel that will not violate the integrity of the interior.

Now you can proceed to the direct installation of the fan on a previously prepared place on the wall of the ventilation duct. Having figured out how to install a fan in the bathroom and having completed the wiring work, it will not be difficult to independently connect the device to the mains.

Network connection

To connect the fan to the network, use the terminals installed on the wires of the device.In the new fan, the terminals and wires are protected by a cover that is attached to the case with a small screw. By unscrewing the screw located on the cover and holding it closed, you will get access to the wires, at the ends of which there are terminals with devices (mini-couplings) for connecting to electrical wiring wires. Insert the wires into the holes of the mini couplings and fix them with the screws supplied with the couplings. Check the tightness of the connections by hand, and if the ends of the wires are fixed, close the cover with a screw. The fan is ready to work. Turn it on according to your wiring diagram with the switch or with a cord and check how it works. After that, you can proceed to the installation and fastening of the fan in the ventilation duct.

Fan installation - wiring diagram

Fastening

Options for mounting the fan to the installation site in the ventilation duct may be different. Most often, manufacturers attach an additional set of fasteners to the kit, with which the fan is attached to the tile with self-tapping screws, but there is a serious risk that the tile may break, breaking the lined surface, which entails additional costs. Craftsmen and experienced craftsmen offer various alternative methods, one of which is to mount the fan on ordinary silicone - gluing the device to the tile and fixing it in a certain position for 30 minutes using adhesive tape.

Installation and connection of the fan

This is where you can complete the description of the work on the selection, installation, connection of an exhaust fan for the bathroom with your own hands.A simple procedure, a small amount of additional materials, a large selection of fans in stores - all this greatly facilitates the installation of a fan, even if there is no experience in performing such work.

The problem is also simplified thanks to detailed technical descriptions of the device, instructions for its installation and connection, as well as instructions for safety during work.

Connection errors

When connecting the system, it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme in order to avoid errors.

How not to connect and why

You should not connect an electrical appliance using a door opening sensor, although this is a convenient way. First, it turns out a complex installation. Secondly, an unpleasant situation will happen if you have to stay in the toilet a little longer. In addition, it is inconvenient to mount, since the cable must pass under the tile, which will have to be drilled.

How to avoid common mistakes

To avoid errors when connecting independently, conduct it according to the diagram. Then the design will work for a long time and flawlessly, adding comfort to the life of the owner.

Wiring diagram for a fan with a humidity or motion sensor.

Varieties of fans with sensors

Modern models are produced with various additional elements. These include electrical appliances with or without a timer.

Fan without built-in timer

Equipment without a built-in timer deprives a person of some amenities. The device consumes a lot of electricity during operation. The connection scheme is simple.

Fan with built-in timer

A fan with a built-in timer allows you to save electricity, it works effectively for some time after turning off the light in the room.Thanks to the exhaust fan with a timer, there is no excessive moisture and mold in the bathroom. Also, the timer allows you to save electricity, since you do not need to leave the lights on in the room until the moisture disappears.