Exhaust & Ceiling Fan Installation

Exhaust & Ceiling Fan Installation

According to the National Construction Code in regard to energy efficiency;

All new homes being constructed need to meet 7-star energy rating and may now be required to have ceiling fans installed in bedrooms and living areas to achieve this rating. See the table below from the National construction code’s website

Difference in AC Motor and DC Motor Ceiling Fans

AC motor fans are old technology and are much less energy efficient and noisier than the newer generation of DC motor ceiling fans.

Did you ever wonder why your old fan hums? The AC waveform passing through the motor is causing it. It’s a characteristic of AC motors. Also, capacitors are used in single-phase AC motors, and when they degrade, the efficiency falls — which means more power consumption for the same effect. DC motors don’t rely on these and are electronically controlled, making them much more reliable, efficient, and quieter.

Moulded blades are also a big improvement over wooden blades. Angles, wood density, and warping can cause an unsightly wobble and raise concerns about whether the fan will stay on the ceiling or take off. This imbalance between the blades directly affects the fan’s performance. Moulded blades are usually within 1 gram of each other in weight, have uniform edge profiles and angles, are not prone to warping from moisture, and fit together much more precisely — producing a better-looking, more stable fan.

Exhaust Fans

There isn’t much to say about exhaust fans really other than making sure you size it according to its intended use and the exhaust fan is suited for the intended environment.

For example, most exhaust fans in bathrooms are not rated for the damp environment and people are left wondering why they are so noisy and don’t work well. We hate to tell you, but the previous installer wasn’t looking after you. They were most likely providing the cheapest price they could to win the job, which means you got the cheapest exhaust fan available which doesn’t have the required IP rating for the zone.

Surprisingly, not many electricians know these simple regulations. Our team at TALR Electrical Services will always make sure to follow the regulations set out in AS/NZS 3000 to ensure your safety and the longevity of your electrical system.

AS/NZS 3000 Table 6.1 illustrates the requirements of electrical services in wet areas. If you intend to have the Exhaust fan directly over the shower for optimal steam removal and your ceiling height is 2.5m or less, the exhaust fan is required by law to be IPX4 rated. This is because the exhaust fan is located in Zone 1.

Wet areas are the most commonly overlooked area for potential danger by the general public. Please remember that water and electricity are not a good combination and can be very dangerous, if not deadly. Our rules and regulations exist for everyone’s safety.

Another thing that grinds our gears here at TALR Electrical Services, is the pure laziness of some electricians not bothering to connect up the ducted flu for your exhaust fan. We will always connect up to the provided Flu or recommend the installation of one if it isn’t present. Otherwise, all that humid and moist air is going directly into your ceiling space. This can cause mould to grow and potentially cause health problems for you and your family.