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exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2022 2:59 pm
by Peter
a fan in shower cubicle . above 2.25 m Fig 6-11 OK in NZ ? Is this commonly done ?

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2022 11:49 am
by DougP
As long as the fan has the required degree of protection, installed in a wall is outside the zone.
6.2.1 "Ceilings, walls with or without windows, doors and floors that limit the extent of rooms containing a bath, shower or other water container also limit the associated zones."

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2022 4:36 pm
by Peter
Thanks . How do I ascertain the the correct rated fan .
Any good ones people have used ?

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2022 4:48 pm
by AlecK
the fact that a wall limits the Zone means that if the (whatever) is inside the wall, that limits the Zone, then it's not in the Zone.
But an extract fan won't be installed inside the wall, it is mounted - at least partially - on the wall, and that part of it is in the zone.

Z 1 for a water outlet on wall extends up to 2.25 m, and above that is outside all Zones.
Accordingly no particular measures are required
- however I'd still tend to go for at least IP X4

In cited edition, Fig 6-11 is for basins / washtubs.
So I presume the OP is referring to 2018 edition, where Fig 6-11 is elevation of shower with fixed plumbing connection

And if we're in 2018 edition; note that there's a revised definition of shower zones [ 6.2.2.1];
where (c)(iii) allows for plumbing connection on ceiling
Still limited in vertical dimension to between floor & 2.25 [(c)(v)]; unless the water outlet is above that, in which case Z1 extends up to height of water outlet [(c)(vi)]

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2022 7:26 pm
by Peter
Thanks . So 6.2.1 note 2 means an ipx4 fan can be used in any zone . Above 2.25 Meters is not any zone so a ipx34 voltex wall fan will be ok .

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 9:52 am
by AlecK
No, that's not what the Note means at all.
Table 6.1 sets out the rules for various types of equipment in each Zone;
although the actual requirements are on the respective clauses.


Step 1: establish the Zones for the particular case.
While the Figs help; always check by reading the relevant clause; in this case 6.2.2.1 for baths & showers.

Being above 2.25 m you will generally be above all bath/shower Zones;
unless the fixed water connection is above that level

If not in any Zone; no need to go further.

If below 2.25, or if below the fixed water connection (but above the lip of the shower tray); you'll be in Z1

Step 2: check the Rules for the type of equipment .
A fan is 'other electrical equipment'; so 6.2.4.5
(a) covers Z0, and (b) covers Z1, Z2, & Z3.
Again the Table provides a quick reference, but always check the words of the clause.
The Table is pretty good (I am not aware of any errors / omissions); but officially it's only guidance, while the clause is the enforceable requirements.

The "required degree of protection" is set in 6.2.4.1.
Generally for Z1 it's IP X4, but IPX5 is required for a "communal" shower.

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 8:21 pm
by Peter
Thanks for answers , much appreciated .

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 2:14 pm
by DougP
So the answer is yes, the IP34 fan is fine in zone 1.
6.2.4.5 "Zones 1, 2 and 3 Appliances and other electrical equipment installed in Zones 1, 2 and 3 shall be provided with at least the required degree of protection for the particular zone."

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 5:07 pm
by AlecK
That's a valid answer; just not to any question that was asked in this thread.

Re: exhaust fan in shower

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2022 10:11 pm
by MikeNZ
I would also make that fan an SELV fan, not mains voltage.
Run off of a transformer in the roof.