Fastlec

Q&A – Setting Up and Wiring Extractor Fans In The Home.

Please note – These are the most common questions that our customer service team are asked on a daily basis about extractor fans. Some of this information is given to aid understanding of some of the most common fan wiring issues – We would always recommend that any wiring in the home is done by a suitably qualified electrician as there are very real dangers and stringent laws associated with the majority of electrical work.

Question: I bought a timer fan to replace a standard fan, why won’t it work?

Answer: Usually this due to the original standard fan only having a single live connection. Most timer fans (and fans with other automated options such as humidistats and PIR sensors) require an additional permanent live cable to make the timer function work. This type of fan uses a switched live to activate the fan on first use and then when this circuit is broken (i.e. the fan is switched off with the light for instance) then the other ‘permanent’ live provides a feed to the fan in order that it can run on for the duration that the timer has been set to. The fan cannot be used, unless the extra live is provided or the time function is completely linked out (see below).

There are some exceptions to this rule, for example the Airflow Quietair timer, humidity and sensor fans will work without the additional permanent live its just the over-run timer won’t function.

Question: How can I get my timer fan to work when I only have 1 live cable and a neutral?

Answer: Most timer fans can be fitted to a circuit with only a single live if the permanent and switched live terminals on the fan are ‘linked’. This will allow the fan to run in a straight forward on/off operation only, the timer will not activate. This should only be attempted by an electrician after first consulting with the manufacturer of the fan.

Question: I have just had my humidity fan installed and its continuously running and it wont turn off

Answer: Most humidity controlled fans leave the factory with the adjustable humidity stats  pre-set (sometimes as low as 40% RH), it may well be the humidity in the area that you live in is higher than the factory setting thus resulting in the fan running continuously. Simply increase the humidity stat setting to the required level of relative humidity. We advise starting at full (usually 90%) and working back down in small increments until you are happy with the fans response to turning on the shower etc. Please also be aware that unless your house is completely 100% sealed, then increases in external humidity levels during the year will also have an effect inside your house, so you may need to adjust the fan setting every 6 months or so.

Question: How do you wire a fan so that it comes on with the lighting circuit?

Answer: Pretty much any extractor fan (continuous running fans are usually set to run at a very low speed when the light (or remote switch) is off can be wired to be switched on/off at the same time as the light in the room. In simple terms, the light source is wired between the ‘switched live’ and the ‘neutral’ on the input side of the fan (or more likely the fan isolation switch to comply with regulations).

Question: Are 2 Speed (or multi-speed) fans more difficult to wire?

Answer: Not necessarily, but you do have pay close attention to the manufacturer’s wiring diagrams. You have a choice of terminals to wire to for one speed and another set for the higher speed. The complications can arrive if you wish to be able to externally switch the fan between speed 1 and speed 2. This will usually require the wiring in of an additional switch that will alter the speed (with a separate pull cord for example switching the fan on/off). It is also possible to buy a 3 position switch that has a centre off and then a speed 1 and speed 2 setting so that fan can be controlled from just one switch. You can further complicate things by adding a lighting circuit and timer facility. This is why qualified electricians have to spend a long time in the classroom and on courses learning all the possible permutations and how to confidently read some of the more complicated wiring diagrams. It is also worth noting that ‘having a stab’ at the wiring of extractor fans can not only be dangerous but also risks damaging the fan circuitry, so that when its eventually re-wired correctly it may still not work.

Question: How are Continuous or DMEV fans used?

Answer: Continuous running fans are usually set to run at a very low speed when the light (or remote switch is off) and then go into ‘boost’ mode (higher fan speed) when the circuit is activated. In continuous mode, the fan provides gradual replacement of air very quietly and with a small amount of energy. The boost function helps to remove humidity and stale air when a room has been recently used for showering, bathing, tumble drying etc..

Question:  How do I keep fan noise as low as possible?

• Pick a fan with a low decibel levels (Vent Axia Silent, Airflow Quietair etc..)
• Be aware that fully tiled bathrooms can act as an amplifier for any noise present.
• Use an in-line fan in the loft or void if possible (Airflow Aventa, Vortice Lineo etc..)
• Use the lower fan speed setting on in-line mixed flow fans as often high speed is over kill in standard sized bathrooms
• Cushion the fan mountings – Many contractors use cut up pieces of mouse mat under the in-line fan mountings to reduce vibration noise transferring through the joists.
• Extreme noise reductions – Its not uncommon for in-line fans to be ‘wire suspended’ in some lofts so that vibration issues are taken out all together.
• Consider using acoustic, insulated ducting.

View the extractor fan section of the Fastlec website

Out Now – Use The New Loovent Eco Extractor Fan In Any Room In Your House.

Fresh on to the scene this month, comes the Airflow Loovent Eco. A complete revamp of the incredibly popular and long-lived (still going now) Loovent range.

Features:

• Very compact size – One of the smallest footprints of any modern fan means you can fit it in anywhere. (187 x 167mm)
• Multi-function – Can be used in toilets, bathrooms, en-suites, kitchens (adjacent to hob) and utility rooms with only 100mm ducting.
• Dual Mounting – Each fan can be either surface or recessed mounted straight out of the box with no extra accessories to buy.
• Full 5 year warranty – For long term peace of mind (The old Loovents could last up to 20 years!)
• Humidity model can be adjusted from as low as 40% to 90% helping to reduce nuisance operation.
• IPX5 – Highest protection for bathroom areas.
• Retrofit – has been specifically designed to replace the old Loovent fan by keeping the spigot and mounting positions the same.

There’s also a DMEV version that’s SAPQ approved for the new build sector.

View and buy the Loovent Eco range from the Fastlec website

Models:

• Timer 72684305
• Humidity Timer 72684306
• PIR 72684307
• DMEV Timer 72684308

Airflow have also thrown in free cool bags and a ‘Silverstone’ racing promotion to kick-start the marketing.

The new units have an original styling which looks clean, minimalist and should suit most bathroom decors.

Out Now – Greenwood Airvac’s ‘Omnique’ – The only fan you’ll ever need?

This fan really does have all the features rolled into one…….

• Multi-operation – This one fan can be used in basic, continuous, timer, humidity and pull cord operations
• Safety – Oh and its also safety extra low voltage 12v
• Back-draft control even when on – the shutter opens just enough to allow the extract to take place, ensuring the building is kept as close to airtight as possible
• Costs - Less than 0.5p per day to run
• Smart – Timer and humidity functions
• Maintenance – Nearly all components are replaceable by any competent person to prevent landfill waste and extended life costs
• Flexibility – Change the required operation to any new tenants preference

Many manufacturers are producing multi-function fans but the ‘Omnique’ does seem to cover all bases with just the one unit. Very handy to have in the van, as no matter what the domestic application, you’ll always have the right fan for the job.

They look great too don’t they?

View and buy the Greenwood  Airvac Omnique from the Fastlec website

Coming Soon -

Xpelair are soon to launch their latest eco versions of the extremely popular GX6 kitchen fan.

Also, Silavent are currently launching a low carbon version of their SDF100 wall fan range.

watch this space…..

Vent Axia – Xpelair – Vortice – Airflow – Greenwood Airvac – Silavent – Domus

The phrase ‘Number One Fan’ if you are a Stephen King reader, may mean something quite sinister but in our line of work the phrase is an exciting challenge.  To find the best fan on the UK market is impossible simply due to the sheer choice of quality extractor fans available.  There are countless ‘number one fans’ available and their ranking is only defined by what each and every individual user hopes to achieve from the installation of their fan of choice.

Extractor fans are hardly new, they have been around for decades but we are fortunate now to have a group of major fan manufacturers who not only are brilliant at the basics, i.e. ensuring that the manufacture of the fan maintains its ‘fit for purpose’ classification and that the design of the fan meets even the most stringent aesthetic design expectations of today’s demanding consumer.

There are several ‘brand leaders’  in today’s market, each one bringing years of product design and development to the fore and each specializing in a different yet no less important aspect of fan design and functionality.  In addition, historic research and development undertaken by these companies has made them more keenly aware of the advantages gained by being aware of potential changes in Building Regulations, Statutory Requirements or market trends.  This awareness drives them to constantly expand existing ranges and develop their new and potential products in such a way that the consumer will always have a choice of the best possible range of fans to meet any requirement.

Vent Axia, offer a huge range of fans ranging from a highly efficient basic extractor fan right through to a sophisticated low voltage, design conscious fan also capable of being used in wet rooms with timer and humidity options.   It was way back in 1936 that the first electrically operated window fan was developed and Vent Axia was born.  Today they are as forward thinking and committed to ongoing product development as ever and their forward thinking philosophy means they constantly strive to maintain their position as leaders and innovators in the lo-carbon and energy saving fields of design.  The brand is trusted world-wide and their consistent commitment to innovation and excellence is universally recognised.

Whatever your air extraction needs Vent Axia will have researched and developed a fan to meet your requirements.

Top Vent Axia Special Offer At Fastlec: Vent Axia Centrif Duo HTP Centrifugal Humidity Fan (256420) – Extra 50% Off!

Represents a huge saving on this extremely popular Vent-Axia kitchen fan.  Big performance, multi-speed and multi-function.  Only requires 100mm ducting.

Vortice, an Italian company, are also a household name worldwide and their fans are so stylish they could almost be be classified ‘Works of Art’.  Throughout the development process of these much sought after fans Vortice have not compromised in any way on efficiency, safety, ease of installation ease of use,  or price and their ranges of fans will  ensure not only highly efficient operation and economy but stylish good looks in any location.  The Vortice Quadro for example, is a super quiet, low consumption  fan with a unique and stylish design, suitable for ducted installations in private or commercial premises.

Vortice’s mission is to provide the user with the very latest technology and effective solutions when improving air quality and for over fifty years their product development has  focused on energy efficiency.  This research led to the development of the Vort Notus (one fan for any room)

Top Vortice Special Offer At Fastlec: Vort Notus Continuous Ventilation DMEV Fan (11903) - Extra 35% Off!

Understated sleek design, quiet and SAP Q eligible.  Low power with three performance levels to suit different rooms in any dwelling.

Silavent, another highly competitive and successful name in the extractor fan market have recently been acquired by Polypipe and are currently investing heavily in research and development as well as maintaining this highly successful range of fans including the  Curzon Range.   These are standard fans of a traditional design, and are  an ideal choice for use in bathrooms and toilets where longer duct runs may be required.   New models and designs are eagerly awaited and which will complement and add to their already exciting range of fans.

As a market leading brand of Polypipe,  Silavent has a well deserved reputation for high quality and reliable intermittent extract fans and mechanical extraction appliances which are loved by contractors everywhere, due to their compliance with relevant Building Regulations.  They offer a full support service to installers which not only includes comprehensive technical support but also an online support facility in relation to specifications and technical support.

Top Silavent Special Offer At Fastlec:  Silavent SLP100TB 100mm Low Profile Axial Fan with Timer (SLP100TB) – Extra 20% Off!

Ultra slim, good looking fan with a tiny price tag.

Xpelair is probably the most instantly recognisable name when talking about extractor fans and they have, in recent times, massively revamped and extended their range.

Xpelair lead the way with innovative technologies and style and their mission is to provide a clean, fresh and healthy environment and ensure safety, energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions with their constantly evolving range of intelligent products.  The Xpelair brand is available worldwide and is recognised as being of high quality, easy to install, reliable and supplied at a competitive price.

They have maintained their well loved range of traditional favourites  and have also introduced Lo Carbon, Low Voltage and SELV options one of which is the LVCF20 premier, which is a Low Voltage Centrifugal fan suitable for use even in wet rooms.  Xpelair have ensured that this exceptional unit is easy to install, is suitable for installation at any angle in ducting or in walls ceilings and windows.  The unit has clean sleek lines with a white gloss finish and is one of the  ’new’ designs  launched or about to be launched from this long established company.

Top Xpelair Special Offer At Fastlec: Xpelair Xodus XX100T Extract Timer Fan (90874AW) - Extra 20% Off!

Piled up to the rafters in our place, our clients just can’t get enough of these (virtually the same design as their DX100 range, but half the price!)

Airflow is another name synonymous with innovative ventilation and  air extraction and since 1955 they have maintained and are constantly expanding their range of fans.

They are undoubtedly, currently leading the way with their unique iCON range of fans the design of which is so revolutionary that it also falls under the category of ‘designer fans’   The Airflow Icon fan has a unique ‘iris’ system which opens during operation and closes when the fan is inactive.  This helps prevent any back-draft, again making it eminently suitable for use in any room in the house. The ‘Quietair’ range of fans offer elegant, discreet axial fans that are supremely quiet and activate only when they are really needed, using exceptionally low energy.

Airflow are constantly researching and developing their range in relation to ever changing Building Regulations and Government legislation in the journey towards carbon zero homes.  They are looking ahead making sure any future guidelines and industry standards regarding indoor air quality and planned and catered for.

Top Airflow Special Offer At Fastlec: Airflow Aventa AV150T Timer Fan 150mm Mixed Flow 2 Speed (9041090) – Extra 45% Off!

Extra functionality for kitchens, offices or extra large bathrooms with this powerful 6 inch in-line turbo fan.  Absolutely monstrous performance (680m3/hr!) at a price you simply won’t believe.

In conclusion, consumers can relax in the knowledge that there are companies out there who are constantly researching and developing fans to meet even the most stringent design requirements and technical specifications and our knowledgeable team, who undergo on-going training, are on hand to offer up to date help and guidance making sure you have exactly the right fan to meet the demands of your particular installation.

I first entered the world of Electrical Wholesale 15 years ago, and the demand at that time, for extractor fans was generally focused on who could supply the cheapest, regardless of performance! Today, with a clear customer demand for powerful and effective Bathroom extractors, Humidity controlled fans are as popular as ever, as they are seen as an automated method for managing moisture within the Bathroom.

Here on the Fastlec Blog we have covered the issues around correct setting of Humidity Control before, but this summer a new issue raised its head. A client from the London area contacted us to say that her Vent Axia Humidity fan, which had been fitted at the beginning of the year, was now running continuously. A quick chat with the Vent Axia Technical Department, and one of their helpful staff revealed that it was most likely due to an exceptionally high Humidity level in the UK at that period.

Sure enough, Vent Axia Humidity Controlled fans come factory set at 72%, a quick check on Google, Humidity in London that day, 75%! The client just needed to increase the Humidity setting to around 80% to avoid this nuisance switching and return it once the humidity levels had dropped, simples!

Oddly enough, I have just checked the Humidity levels in London at present (a Wet and Cool afternoon on the 28th September) and its 82%!!! I can almost hear those Vent Axia fans running in chorus.

If you want to know more about setting Humidity Fans, which includes the often counter-intuitive dial settings (turn it all the way down and it stays on, turn it all the way up and it stays off) take a look at our earlier blog post Troubleshooting The Airflow iCON HTM Humidity Module.

It is now widely accepted that an extractor fan in a kitchen, bathroom or en-suite is an essential, not a luxury.  It reduces condensation and eliminates damage to the décor of a room and also helps prevent damage to the fabric of a building caused by humid air being retained in a room.

The key word here is décor.  If you have spent a lot of time and money designing and decorating the most logical next step would be to install an aesthetically pleasing extractor fan which would blend in or enhance your home.

Fortunately, several forward thinking manufacturers have introduced models to their range which have continue reading…

Ventilation Promotion From The Market leaders (these don’t come along too often from these guys)

If you get in quick you could get a real branded bargain here! – Limited Stock Available.

Vent Axia have recently discontinued their ‘Vent A Light’ shower fan with light and duct kit in favour of their more expensive Lo Carbon ‘Vent-A-Light’ range (You know the kind of thing, add ‘Lo-Carbon’ or ‘Eco’ to the name and then £20 to the price) and are clearing them out at -55% off the trade price:

• Manufacturer’s code 432504A  Vent Axia Vent-A-Light non timer version *£37.08 +VAT
• Manufacturer’s code 432505A Vent Axia Vent-A-Light over-run timer version *£40.36 +VAT

Both fan kits come complete with:

• Light and lamp
• External grille
• 100mm inline axial fan
• A 3m length of flexible pvc ducting

Fan and light operate together and the unit is IP44 rated, so it can be fitted in bathroom or shower room ‘Zone 1′. Great for removing humidity and moisture and preventing the damage that can be caused by excessive condensation (Plus you may also be able to see yourself in the shaving mirror after having a shower, which is always a bonus).

This is an extremely good buy for a ‘Vent Axia’ labelled product. *Minimum order quantity is 3 mixed  pieces to qualify for these prices. Vent-Axia are holding the offer price until 30th November 2012 or until they run out of stock.

They’re not on our own Fastlec website (because they are officially discontinued now), so please just contact us by email, phone, twitter, facebook etc if you would like to order some. If you want to see further technical details, then please take a look at them on Vent Axia’s own website here.

763 Lines of Quality Switches, Sockets, Clips, Lamps, Power Leads and Lighting Products to Clear At Massively Reduced Prices!

Its said too often I know, but you really will have to be quick in order to take advantage of this incredible sale.

Click wiring accessories in both plastic and metal, standard plate and flat plate, various colours – Example 2 Gang Switched Clean Earth Chrome Sockets for only £3.25! – At that price you can fit them instead of standard sockets and save at least 50%. If you use clean earth sockets, then you’ll probablybe saving in the region of 70%!

Type B domestic MCB’s from only £1.30

RCD’s from £6.47

RCBO’s £7.98

Fire Rated Downlights from £1.70

and loads more. Download the full list from here:

http://www.fastlec-pdf.com/Scolmore/Click-Surplus-Stock-July-12.xlsx

Its well worth a look – There may be some items on there you may have been going to buy anyway for current projects.

To place an order, please contact us ASAP at:

Tel. 01903 730050

email. sales@adirectresponse.co.uk

The Kitchen Extractor Fans are included in our comprehensive extractor fan range, and many of these could be successfully installed and employed in a kitchen.

Deciding which one to go with can be a daunting process and to help make the choice easier for the majority of customers we have brought together continue reading…

The Iris is opened by an actuator that is fixed to the main body of the fan, as a result, if the cover is not properly located on the base, this will cause it not to open. To identify the problem, simply remove the cover and follow this procedure:

Place the cover onto the mounted base, with the cover turned anti-clockwise by about an inch, this should firmly locate and then allow you to turn the cover clockwise to lock into place with the icon oval emblem in the centre at the bottom. You will know you have located it correctly because the grub screw will fasten up correctly and hold the cover from turning.

If following the above, the iris does not open after the fan has been running for approximately 60 seconds (the fan does have a delayed opening shutter) then the actuator may be faulty and the complete fan will need replacing.

Ventilation Ducting

 Fastlec offers ducting for every ventilation application.   Our range includes

• Flat ducting and round ducting systems from Domus provide solutions for domestic and commercial installations.
• Flat Ducting is available in sizes from 110x54mm to 308x29mm.
• Round ducting sizes range from 80mm to 1000mm. 
• Round ducting is available in plastic, galvanised steel and a wide range of flexible materials including aluminium, insulated and PVC.

For heavier duty commercial and industrial applications, continue reading…