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

A forced ventilation device is one of the ways to ensure a comfortable microclimate in a private house or city apartment. Simpler devices - fans - over time turned out to be supplanted by split systems and air conditioners, but retained their relevance in the bathroom or toilet.

Let's try together to figure out how to choose and install a fan in the bathroom for the most effective cleaning and removal of air.

Reasons for installing a household fan

The highest level of humidity in the house is located in the bathroom or combined toilet - where water is actively used and in large quantities. The small size of the room, the peculiarities of the wall cladding, and sudden changes in air temperature are additional factors in which high humidity becomes the most dangerous.

There is a risk of the spread of fungus and mold - unpleasant microorganisms that form colonies and are strong allergens.

Even if the bathroom has a large area and has a window (direct exit for natural ventilation), a device for extracting used air may be required in winter, when opening the windows in the room while taking water procedures is risky

The appearance of black spots in the seams between tiles or condensation on mirrors, plumbing fixtures and pipes that do not have time to dry are the first signs that the natural ventilation system is broken. The reason may be a lack of fresh air flow through window openings (frames, transoms, special openings under the window).

In a private home, problems may arise due to ill-conceived installation of ventilation ducts or supply valves in the walls.

Properly equipped ventilation not only protects health from colds and allergies, but also extends the life of electrical wiring, plumbing, furniture, and wall decoration

The simplest solution to ensure forced air circulation in the bathroom is to install a fan. Modern devices have an attractive, laconic design and convenient controls, have a reduced noise level and sufficient performance to create a comfortable atmosphere. If you have experience with electrical wiring, you can select and install the fan yourself.

Criteria for selecting suitable equipment

To buy a good fan, you can simply visit a supermarket and find out all the secrets from a sales assistant.However, you should not rely on 100% honest and reliable information, since one of the seller’s tasks is often the sale of stale or most expensive goods. But it’s better to start by studying rating the best devices, after which you need to carefully study the important aspects of the upcoming purchase.

Types of fans for domestic use

Unlike industrial units, home appliances are small in size, have less power and have a less industrial look. Typically, stationary exhaust ventilation devices are used, built into the wall or ceiling (mobile portable systems are used on construction sites, in workshops, etc.).

Bathroom fixtures have a small grip area. It is slightly larger than that of point-type equipment (for example, kitchen hoods located above the stove), and much smaller than that of general exchange systems for servicing workshops, hangars, swimming pools, etc.

Based on the method of air intake and design, household fans are divided into two types:

• axial, located in a cylindrical body and equipped with blades that capture and move air parallel to the axis;
• radial, used to change the direction of air flow from axial to radial when passing through the impeller of the device.

The first type is in demand much more often due to the simplicity of design and installation in residential premises.

According to the location and method of installation, two groups are also distinguished:

• invoices, having a square or round shape, mounted in the ventilation duct hole (usually on the wall under the ceiling);
• channel, more powerful and quieter, which are placed inside the air ducts.

For a city apartment, only the first category is suitable, but for private houses there are options.

Designs of duct fans: on the left - a device of a conventional type, on the right - a device with flow pressure, the distinctive feature of which is the presence of an impeller

Often, when choosing a bathroom fan, they focus solely on design. Appearance is important, but without suitable technical properties, the device will not cope with the task assigned to it. Let's consider the parameters that play a decisive role when purchasing.

Technical characteristics of bathroom appliances

A fan has much fewer nuances than a refrigerator or washing machine, but each characteristic is important for comfortable living:

• device performance, reflecting the speed and volume of air exchange in the room;
• noise level;
• safety (moisture protection).

The performance must be indicated in the technical description of the device.Average values ​​are in the range of 50-250 m³/h.

The noise levels produced vary from 25 to 50 dB. The lower the noise level number, the quieter the fan operates, and, accordingly, the calmer the atmosphere in the house. The ideal parameters are 25-30 dB. They are required if the device operates in night mode.

Be careful when choosing powerful models whose noise level reaches a maximum. Our other material contains a rating of the best silent fans for the bathroom, we invite you to familiarize yourself.

Powerful and durable metal fan PRO-150, with a capacity of 730 m³/h (rpm - 2800 per minute), but with a high noise level - 48 dB

The fan is an electrical device, so the degree of protection is also important. Equipment marked IP 44 and IP 45 is suitable for the bathroom.

Calculation of productivity using the formula

It is not difficult to find the performance of the device - it is indicated in the passport, but how to determine whether a fan with such characteristics is suitable for your bathroom? One solution is to make calculations using ready-made formulas. First you need to calculate the volume of the bathroom and find out the optimal air exchange rate.

The formula for calculating volume has been known since school:

V = a x b x h

(the length must be multiplied by the width, then the result obtained by the height)

For example, the length of the bathroom is 2 m, the width is 1.8 m, the height is 2.5 m. We multiply everything, we get a volume of 9 m³.

Next, you will need parameters for the air exchange rate for the bathroom.

A table that reflects air exchange standards in residential premises in accordance with SNiP 31-01-2003 (clause 9.2) and GOST 30494-96.These are minimum values, more accurately it is necessary to calculate separately for each room

According to building codes, for a family of 1-3 people, the multiplicity (the number of fresh air changes per hour) is 6, if there are more than 3 residents, then 8. We multiply the resulting volume of 9 m³ by 8, we get 72 m³/h. Therefore, when purchasing a device, we pay attention to samples with a productivity of 75 m³/h or slightly higher.

Modern additional devices

The simplest modifications, equipped with a noisy rotating propeller and an inconvenient control method, are a thing of the past. Today, bathroom fans are equipped with devices that expand their functionality and even allow you to program the air exchange process. Let's look at some improvements:

• Check valve. This is a special automatic damper that prevents exhaust air from entering back into the room. As soon as the fan turns off, the damper slams shut.
• Motion Sensor. A technical device that responds to the appearance of a person. Its use is not always justified, since the short periods of time during which a person is in the bathroom are not enough to ventilate it.
• Humidity sensor. A device that automatically adjusts on/off depending on the percentage of moisture in the air. According to the requirements of SanPiN (5179-90), indoor humidity should not exceed 60-65%. If the indicator is higher, the hydrostat is activated and starts the fan.
• Timer. A device that allows you to delay turning on the fan for a certain period of time. Suppose the motion sensor is triggered or you press the light switch off button - and exactly 15 (30, 45) minutes later the fan turns on.

The additional function “ventilation” is the ability to constantly maintain the most comfortable microclimate in the bathroom. The device constantly operates at low speeds, but if necessary it turns on at full power.

Hydrostat connection diagram. If the humidity level in the room rises above the specified value (manually adjusted), the hydrostat activates the fan, which automatically turns off when the set parameters are reached

On our website there are several articles devoted to choosing exhaust fans for the bathroom. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with them:

1. Exhaust hood in the bathroom: selection rules and installation features
2. Exhaust fan for the bathroom: how to choose the right one + installation rules
3. Ventilation in the bathroom and toilet: operating principle, typical diagrams and installation features

Connecting several electrical appliances into a single network is not an easy task. Let's consider several of the most popular options for hood equipment.

Bathroom fan connection diagrams

The possibility of using several methods of turning on and adjusting the fan makes it difficult to choose the desired circuit. When connecting, you should focus on the design features, the presence of additional devices and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The simplest scheme is to install a fan with a built-in on/off device.

Installation requires only the fan itself and a 220 V electrical network. The device is turned on manually: press the button located on the body or pull the cord (relevant for devices mounted high under the ceiling)

The following diagram shows how to connect a bathroom fan to a separate switch^. The control process becomes easier, but you will have to lay a couple of additional cables.

Usually the hood switch is mounted next to the light switch. The most convenient place is on the wall near the door, in front of the entrance to the bathroom or toilet.

Installing a timer somewhat complicates the connection process: you will need another additional phase wire.

The timer will ensure that the device turns on at a delayed time - after 5 ... 30 minutes. The convenience is that the fan does not interfere with water procedures and works when the bathroom is free

The connection diagram for a fan together with lighting is convenient from a control point of view, but ineffective. It turns out that the room is ventilated only during the period while the light is on.

This leads to either incomplete ventilation or excessive energy consumption. A more expedient option is to install two-gang switch.

The use of a two- or three-key switch increases the functionality of the ventilation and lighting system. The circuit can be improved by connecting a timer or two lighting sources - ceiling and wall

Before choosing a circuit, check whether it is possible to groove and lay additional electrical wires.

Installation instructions for a fan with a timer

For self-installation, we recommend purchasing an overhead fan that is attached to the ventilation outlet. Before installing the device, you should carefully study the accompanying technical documentation. There is no need to buy a timer separately; it is usually supplied complete with diagrams and installation instructions.

The low-noise Silent fan is very popular, known for its modern design and long service life (more than 30 thousand hours)

Similar models - Era, CATA, Migliore, VENTS, VULKAN.

Checking installation conditions

In order for the installation to proceed smoothly, you should check whether there is air draft in the common house shaft (or the air duct of a private house), whether the hole in the wall is suitable for mounting the selected model, and whether the electrical wiring corresponds to the connection diagram.

Having chosen a convenient electrical appliance with a check valve, remember that when it is turned off, the ventilation duct automatically closes, that is, you need to consider options for natural ventilation or select a mode to increase the operating time of the device

Older homes have vents in bathrooms, toilets, and kitchens. They are usually located high under the ceiling and have the same diameter (shape).

However, after a major renovation, when additional walls, partitions and suspended ceilings are erected, there is a possibility of moving the installation location of the fan, but with the installation of an additional channel leading into the same hole.

As a rule, the layout determines the typical location of the ventilation holes - opposite the doors. It is the best solution in terms of effective air exchange for all ventilation systems

If you want to make the installation process as fast as possible, prepare in advance the tools and materials that may be required for installation:

• tape measure, pencil, square;
• perforator for punching walls;
• screwdriver, hammer, pliers;
• sealant or liquid nails (if necessary);
• fasteners (dowels, screws).

When choosing a circuit with a switch as a control device, you need to purchase it, as well as electrical wires.

Important nuances of electrical wiring

If you are installing the fan for the first time, be prepared for the construction work required to install the electrical cable. You may have to remove the plastic ceiling, make holes in the tension ceiling, trench the walls and dismantle the tiles.

If this is too difficult or expensive, you can choose a simpler way - external laying of wires in cable channels. It's not as aesthetically pleasing, but it's quick and inexpensive.

An option for installing a combined ventilation system for the bathroom and toilet. Two fans are attached to one ventilation duct, which is equipped with a tee and a pair of check valves

Requirements for wires and sockets:

• the cable cross-section must correspond to the load;
• Do not install wires in a metal braid;
• all cables must be insulated;
• socket protection class - not lower than IP 44;
• it is necessary to consider protective disconnection or grounding.

It is strictly forbidden to ground wires through heating or sewer pipes.

Fan assembly and timer connection

Assembly of the device usually occurs along with installation, since first the housing is attached, then the wires are connected, and at the very end the decorative panel is snapped into place.

This is what a ventilation hole in the wall looks like with wires connected. The safest closed wiring diagram is used - the cable is installed during the finishing of the walls and hidden under a layer of plaster

Using the back wall of the case, which will be fixed directly to the wall, we make markings.

There are several options for fixing the fan housing.This model is attached with screws, but some use liquid nails or glue

When the working part of the fan is securely fixed to the wall, we bring in the wires and connect them to the terminals of the device.

In order not to make mistakes in connecting wires and to quickly find the clamps inside the case, it is better to first study the technical documentation for the device

If there are no other devices, install a decorative cover.

The decorative panel that covers the internal “working” part of the fan is usually made of plastic. It provides complete protection for the device, but under one condition: if it is located at a sufficient distance from water splashes

To connect an exhaust fan with a timer, you must select one of the circuits. Ideally, if the fan is also connected to a switch, a 4-wire wire is required. The wire, which is usually used for grounding, is connected to the timer.

Timer connection diagram (indicated by a cross). A two-key switch is used to control the lighting and fan; protection is organized using an automatic machine installed in the apartment panel

After installing all instruments and devices, testing must be done to check how the fan functions.

At the same time, a timer is usually set - a time interval is set, after which the hood will automatically turn on.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video instructions for installing the simplest model:

Detailed instructions for installing a hood with a check valve in a private house:

Instructions from the manufacturer of the silent model Silent 100:

Fan switch installation:

As you can see, you can install exhaust ventilation yourself, without the involvement of professional electricians, but subject to several conditions. To connect a fan (simple, with a timer or switch), you need to understand the electrical circuits, carefully study the design of the device and take into account technical and sanitary standards during installation.

While studying the material, did you have any questions about connecting an exhaust fan in the bathroom? Or can you give valuable advice to those who are faced with a similar task for the first time? Please leave your comments in the block below.