Confusing bathroom lights and fan wiring

[stringsonfire]

Hi

I'd like to separate my bathroom lights from the fan at the switch, but it's a mess. Can you tell from the photo what's actually been done here, and how can I safely figure out what all of these wires are for?

For full context:

• I've had IP65 downlights fitted in my bathroom, using Hue Smart Bulbs, which should be left on at the switch, but I can't do this because that would also leave the fan on
• I live in a flat with a single extraction duct for the bathroom and kitchen with an inline fan
• There is a fan isolator high in the airing cupboard (fan is located above, but access is very difficult)
• The fan can be turned on/off instantly using a fan switch in the kitchen or the light switch for the bathroom

Thanks!

 

[Pete999]

Some professional help will not go amiss, Mate

 

[SparkyChick]

Given the setup, I have to agree with @Pete999 .

The best advice is consult a local electrician.

 

[westward10]

Someone has done some rather non conventional wiring there through a double-pole switch and it is highly unlikely we can give you advice from a distance. Yes it is possible and as suggested above seek professional help.

 

[littlespark]

You've got a little problem there, mate. That is a 20A double pole switch being used as a lightswitch. There is a live conductor being switched through terminals marked as neutral. Confusing.

As my esteemed colleagues have already suggested, an electrician will be able to make sense of it within a few minutes with the correct equipment

 

[stringsonfire]

The electrician who sorted the spotlights spent a while on it, couldn't figure it out and ran out of time. Guess I'll need to find another electrician...

 

[telectrix]

if you post your location 1 of us may be close to sort it for you.

 

[westward10]

As a matter of interest does the fan carry on for a while after the switch is turned off, the wiring from what I can make out suggests it does not.

 

[Octopus]

The electrician who sorted the spotlights spent a while on it, couldn't figure it out and ran out of time. Guess I'll need to find another electrician...

Find another one has to be a good idea

 

[mhar]

It isn't that unconventional! It is just a method of wiring using an sfcu to give isolation to all 3 live fan conductors whilst not isolating the bathroom light (so that you can see what you are doing!). Avoids having a triple pole isolator and is a neat way od doing things