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Shower lighting / Controlling exhaust fan with multiple switches (logical or)

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2020 12:39 pm
by SirHumphreyAppleby
We need to install lighting in the shower area, ideally within the shower itself as natural light will be limited. It appears for this purpose we would require IPX7 rated lights, which limits our options, as does the low fire-rated ceiling. It would therefore seem that ultra-low voltage LED strips in channels are the way to go. Can these be used in a wet environment with a lower IP rating? The power supply can be installed on the other side of a wall, so that'd be well away from water. I'm also open to suggestions for specific products which can meet the fire/water requirements and not take up too much head room.

I would also like to have an exhaust fan controlled by both the shower light switch and a dedicated switch. Is a product (relay of some sort I presume) readily available that can accept two inputs to control a single output?

The main reason for this is it would allow the shower lights to have an independent switch next to the shower (IP rated if applicable). The other option would be to locate the shower switch on the same plate as the fan switch, and only allow the shower lights to operate if the fan were switched on, since that can be done simply by joining the switches.

Re: Shower lighting / Controlling exhaust fan with multiple switches (logical or)

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2020 3:55 pm
by AlecK
IP x7 is required for Zone 0 9ie where they could possibly be submerged of the drain got blocked.
For wall / ceiling lights in Zone 1 (above shower base), only need IP x 4.

There are LED strips that have suitable IP ratings, just need an SELV or PELV source.
Most cut-to-length strips will be constant voltage,so no "driver" as such & just need an isolating transformer.

Switching options are almost unlimited, but generally if the switches are reachable from in the shower they need to be IP x4.
Single & double UP-rated switches are available in most ranges of domestic accessories.

Some fans have built-in or add-on humidity sensor, giving automatic operation activated by the 'steam' from the shower.

Re: Shower lighting / Controlling exhaust fan with multiple switches (logical or)

Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2020 5:07 pm
by SirHumphreyAppleby
Thanks Alec. Good to know I only need IPx4 as there are plenty of choices for such products. We just need to find something with a low enough profile.

I considered a fan with humidity sensors, but as this property is a rental and tenants never seem to clean extractor fans, reliability is a concern. Our dryer seems to run longer if I don't stick my hand down the hole and clean the damp fluff off the sensor. The simplest solution is to tie the extractor fan to the lights, which we will do if there isn't an easy alternative.

Re: Shower lighting / Controlling exhaust fan with multiple switches (logical or)

Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2021 3:57 am
by markperkins
Still mulling over a rainfall led shower head. I WANT it flush to the ceiling. Current thinking is to buy a cheap as chips, Chinese, stainless steel circular one. THEN have a st/st plate laser cut and put x4 15mm dia, 12V deck lights at the corners.