Choosing a Bathroom Fan
Bathroom fans are crucial for extracting moisture and steam produced during showering or bathing. They play an important role in ensuring a healthy and safe environment in the bathroom.
Bathroom Zones
To place fans properly in the bathroom, it is important to know the zones defined by the ČSN 33 2000-7-71 standard. These zones are set to minimize the risk of electric shock if a person comes into contact with electrical devices that are wet or damp.
The bathroom is divided into the following zones:
Zone 0: The area inside the bathtub or shower.
Zone 1: The area around Zone 0, within a 60 cm radius.
Zone 2: The area around Zone 1, within a 60 cm radius.
Fan Placement in Different Zones
Zone 0: Fans must not be installed in Zone 0.
Zone 1: Fans can be installed in Zone 1 if they meet the following requirements:
They must be protected from direct contact.
They must be protected from splashing water (IP44 rating or higher).
They must be connected to a separate circuit with a 30mA residual current device.
Zone 2: Fans can be installed without restriction.
Recommended Fan Placement
For safety reasons, it is best to install fans in Zone 2, which is the area beyond 60 cm from Zone 0. If this is not possible, fans can be installed in Zone 1, but they must meet the requirements listed above.
General Guidelines for Fan Placement
Easy Access for Maintenance: Fans should be placed in locations that are easy to access for maintenance and cleaning.
Do Not Disrupt Bathroom Users: Fans should be positioned so they do not disturb bathroom users.
Moisture and Steam Extraction: Fans should be placed to extract air from areas where moisture and steam accumulate, such as near the shower or bathtub.
Ducted Fans
Another option for extracting air from the shower area is to use a ducted fan (e.g., DVP HIDE). This allows you to use more powerful fans. You can place an intake vent in the shower area and connect it to the fan via ductwork. The fan can be positioned in the ceiling structure or a false ceiling, and it can serve as part of the extraction system for other parts of the bathroom.
Advantages of Ducted Fans:
Higher Performance: Ducted fans tend to be more powerful than fans installed directly in the shower area.
Aesthetic Solution: They can be placed in the ceiling or a false ceiling, providing a more aesthetically pleasing solution.
Multi-Functional: Ducted fans can also serve as part of the extraction system for other parts of the bathroom.
Disadvantages of Ducted Fans:
Higher Cost: Ducted fans can be more expensive than fans installed directly in the shower area.
More Complex Installation: Installing ducted fans can be more challenging than installing standard fans.
Conclusion
When selecting a fan for extracting air from the shower area, it is important to consider factors such as performance, placement, cost, and installation complexity. Ducted fans can be a suitable solution for bathrooms where higher performance is needed or where installing a fan directly in the shower area is not possible. Properly placed fans will help maintain a healthy and comfortable environment, preventing excess moisture and mold formation.
