What cable size and breaker would I need for two extractor fans in a public toilet? 1.5mm 3 core and a 20amp rcbo?

[LastManOnline]

Do they make special fans for the UK, different from the millions they make for countries where you can't get any overload protection beyond the circuit OPD?

That is a very good question actually. I think it has less to do with the type of fan and a little more to do with the " fuse culture" in UK (and ROI). The only place (usually) you will find fuses in the continent is at the CU. Of course in UK you are obliged to have 13 amp fused plug tops because of the 32 amp ring circuit. But sometimes you also install fuses for convenience. We may for instance install several FCU, s on a circuit for small appliances whose purpose is to ensure one faulty appliance does, nt take the whole circuit out

 

[westward10]

The reason some manufacturers suggest a 3A fuse is for fire protection so should the fan seize then the theory is the fuse will rupture before the windings overheat and catch fire. There was a study I found online but can't find now where this was put to the test and the success of the 3A fuse was dependent on the manufacturer, some worked whilst some did not.

 

[LastManOnline]

The reason some manufacturers suggest a 3A fuse is for fire protection so should the fan seize then the theory is the fuse will rupture before the windings overheat and catch fire. There was a study I found online but can't find now where this was put to the test and the success of the 3A fuse was dependent on the manufacturer, some worked whilst some did not.

Good comment and new information for me. I must be honest and say I have never installed a 4 " fan that required an inline fuse. I have also not come across them over here (yet). However I must also say I have at times replaced fans without rigidly reading every word in the instruction manuel so that is a good reminder for me

 

[Soi disant]

The reason some manufacturers suggest a 3A fuse is for fire protection so should the fan seize then the theory is the fuse will rupture before the windings overheat and catch fire.

So are they selling us different fans to the ones they sell in countries where, short of a dedicated circuit, you can't put them on a 3A fuse?

 

[westward10]

So are they selling us different fans to the ones they sell in countries where, short of a dedicated circuit, you can't put them on a 3A fuse?

No idea what you are getting at.

 

[Soi disant]

No idea what you are getting at.

If I go to Mr.Bricolage and buy a ventilateur de salle de bains, 'cos Iive in France, I'm not going to be able to put it on a 3A fuse, am I?

 

[Mike Johnson]

No under the French regulations you will have to put it on an independent 6amp MCB.

 

[Soi disant]

OK - so it goes on a 6A, like millions of fans here on lighting circuits.

Are the multinational fan makers producing different products for here, such that our 6A circuits won't do, but French ones will?

 

[Mike Johnson]

OK - so it goes on a 6A, like millions of fans here on lighting circuits.

Are the multinational fan makers producing different products for here, such that our 6A circuits won't do, but French ones will?

I have no idea what you are asking?

 

[LastManOnline]

I have no idea what you are asking?

He is asking why would a fan suitable for a 6amp protected circuit in France not be suitable for a 6amp protected circuit in the UK?. Why the requirement for a 3 amp inline fuse in UK?. Unless it is of course a different type of fan being installed in the UK.?

 

[Mike Johnson]

The requirement for a 3amp inline fuse in the UK is generally from the manufacturer, not a regulation.

 

[Soi disant]

The requirement for a 3amp inline fuse in the UK is generally from the manufacturer, not a regulation.

Indeed.

So why do they require that in the UK when they don't require it in other countries?

As I said

Do they make special fans for the UK, different from the millions they make for countries where you can't get any overload protection beyond the circuit OPD?

So are they selling us different fans to the ones they sell in countries where, short of a dedicated circuit, you can't put them on a 3A fuse?