What is an extractor fan in your house?
It can be utilised in bathroom to extract humidity, steam, condensation and unpleasant odours.
It help to keep the bathroom mould free.
Do fan need to be installed in prescribed zone?
Yes fan need to be installed in a specific zone:
If it is a mains 230V I advise it to be installed outside of zones or at proximity of zone 2.
Fans must be installed in accordance with the latest IEE Wiring Regulations
18th Edition (BS 7671:2018).
Zone 0 – IPX7
The Interior of the bath or a shower tray NO Fan can be fitted
Zone 1 – IPX4
Relates to the external edge of the bath or a shower tray, extending up to 2.25 mtrs from the floor of the bathroom
(Fan to be fitted above a fixed showerhead). Or SELV (safety extra low voltage) products may be used to ensure that the transformer is located in Zone 3 or beyond. A 30ma RCD (residual current device) should also be used in this zone to protect the circuit if using a 240v supply on a separate circuit.
Zone 2 – IPX4
Extends beyond Zone 1 by 0.6 mtrs extending up to 2.25 mtrs from the floor of the bathroom
(Fan to be fitted above a fixed showerhead)
Please note:
IPX45 ratings can be fitted anywhere in Zones 1 & 2
Wiring Matters – Your Insight into BS 7671 www.theiet.org/wm
Bibliography:
https://www.airflow.com/ipxratingszones 21 March 2026
https://www.fastlec.co.uk/blog/bathroom-zones?srsltid=AfmBOooMTDjQe-Zqa3EbD5qVX6MQEKDXZauBJKRD1eO6kn_x1UlDFjS4 21 March 2026
