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Extractor fans

Extractor fans safety advice

Extractor fans are designed to extract moisture and other dirty air, especially from a bathroom. But they are constantly subjected to contact with dust, floating fibres and other airborne pollution. 

UK Electrical Wiring Regulations requires a readily accessible and easily operated means of isolation for the maintenance of fixed fans, and it divides the bathroom into three zones relating to their proximity to water sources. Different fan types are allowed in each zone.

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Use a registered electrician

Always use a registered electrician to advise you if you need an extractor fan replaced or installed and to carry out the work.

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Extractor fan maintenance

A build-up of dust and grime will clog up a fan's air intake, eventually causing the vents to become blocked or stop the blades from rotating, resulting in moisture and dirty air circulating in your room.  

A blocked fan will overheat causing the back-up thermal cut-out to operate and will also consume more power and create more noise. The increased room moisture will increase dampness and may promote the growth of mould which can spread into adjacent rooms.

  • Regularly check to see if the blades are spinning freely, and that it is running quietly. If the blades are spinning slowly or it sounds noisy it may need some maintenance.
  • If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, or if there are sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or circuit-breakers tripping, switch the fan off immediately and contact a registered electrician to investigate. 
  • To clean your fan, always consult the instruction manual or check the manufacturer’s website or search for your model online. 

ALWAYS

  • Use a registered electrician to select, fit, and replace an extractor fan.  
  • Check a fan regularly to ensure it is working properly. 
  • Regularly clean an extractor fan to keep it free of dust and grime in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. 

AVOID

  • Using an extractor fan if there is any sign of damage or smell of burning.
  • Allowing an extractor fan to become blocked as this can cause it to overheat.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

Answers to commonly-asked questions we receive about electrical safety.

View all our FAQs

A periodic inspection is an inspection and associated testing to check whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. On completion of the necessary inspection and testing, an Electrical Installation Condition Report will be issued detailing any observed damage, deterioration, defects, dangerous conditions and any non-compliances with the present-day safety standard which might give rise to danger.

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

To find a registered electrician near you, please go to the Find an Electrician section of this website where you will find information specific to your region of the UK.

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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