Homeowners today are putting a lot of thought into their bathrooms. Rightfully, they should as bathroom remodels can recoup 64 percent of the cost. One of the small details of a bathroom is the fan and part of that is the isolator switch.
Do you need an isolator switch for bathroom fan? Electricians state you do need an isolator switch for the fan if there isn’t a window in the bathroom if the fan is on a timer and has a humidistat feature. Those are mandated in building regulations. However, it isn’t required if those conditions don’t exist.
Read further to find out more about whether an isolator switch is required for your specific bathroom fan.
What Is an Isolator?
An isolator switch is an element in an electrical system that set apart a designated circuit to prevent electrical currents from running through it to conduct maintenance. They are used for appliances as well as bathroom fans and even larger systems like power grids.
With these devices, a repair person can work on part of a system without disturbing the functioning of the rest of the system.
The Purpose of an Isolator for a Bathroom Fan
An isolator allows someone to work on the fan while the bathroom lights remain on. It allows the two to function independently. You can turn on the fan without the lights or turn on the lights without the fan.
The idea of regulations mandating it in bathrooms without windows is that there can be a light on if an electrician or repair person needed to work on the fan. A bathroom with a window allows for natural light to work so an isolator isn’t required.
Not only do state and local codes require isolators in most cases but most bathroom exhaust fan manufacturers require them as well. There are some cases where the fan is run on a completely different circuit and switch so an isolator isn’t required in that case.
The only alternative for electricians to repair a fan without an isolation switch is to disconnect a whole area in the home from electricity. That is not only inconvenient but could present a problem with appliances.
An isolator switch also keeps the fan from running all the time, extending the life of the fan and overheating the system. Having a fan run all the time can also affect the heat and cooling of the bathroom, which can be problematic when you want long baths or for children taking baths.
Installation of Isolator Switches
Electricians typically install isolator switches when the home is built and put them between the electric meter and the main fuse box. They are easy for them to isolate electrical flow if they need to do work.
Not all isolator switches are the same because different types are used for different things like bathroom fans, kitchen appliances, and ceiling fans.
How To Tell If It’s Installed Correctly
You will know the isolator switch is installed correctly if you can turn off the fan using it with the bathroom lights remaining on. The lights going out shows the isolator switch was improperly installed.
The Difference between an Isolator and a Circuit Breaker
Most people know what circuit breakers are. They are the fuses that are in your main electrical panel that can be turned off and on. Sometimes they flip off and you must reset them. The reason they flip is that there is an excessive circuit detected so they turn off to prevent damage to the system.
One difference is a circuit breaker works automatically while an isolator switch only works manually.
The main difference between a circuit breaker and an isolator is the isolator works when there isn’t excessive electrical load as it is used manually to turn off a specific item or area to do repair work.
While circuit breakers protect the system, isolators help fix the problem. They work together for your home system.
The Isolator Switch on Extractor Fans
Extractor fans are in the kitchen and bathrooms to replace humid or stale air with fresh. They are becoming more sophisticated with all kinds of complicated features that could need repairs over time and that’s why most manufacturers require isolators.
Most electricians use a 3–pole isolation switch with exhaust fans because fans have three lines that will require disconnection to completely isolate them from electrical current.
FAQs
Can any electrician fit an isolator switch?
Yes, most electricians can install an isolator switch but it does require someone to pull the main switch and that may take someone with some extra knowledge.
How long does it take to fit an isolator switch?
It takes only 10 to 20 minutes to install an isolator switch if you know what you’re doing. Installing a smart meter at the same time could take up to three hours.
Is an isolator the same as a switch?
No, an isolator isn’t the same as a switch. Isolators work by segregating different sections of a circuit. A switch operates one device on the circuit.
What devices need an isolator switch?
Many different types of devices are mandated to have an isolator switch including exhaust fans, refrigerators, air conditionals, showers, and many types of household appliances.
Do I need an isolator if the fan switch is outside the room and if there isn’t a timer or humidistat?
Under regulations probably not but I would install one anyway. Most electricians recommend a three-pole isolator because the rotor could jam the winding and catch fire as the fuse blows even if you fuse down the fan.
Should I keep an isolator switch on or off?
An isolator switch isn’t a functional switch, like a light switch. An isolator switch stays off until you need to repair and then you turn it on.
Does an isolator switch have a fuse?
Isolator switches typically contain several fuses and that makes them easier to work with for those doing repairs.
How many types of isolator switches are there?
There are six types of isolator switches, 1, 2,3,4-pole, a fused isolator switch, and a battery isolator switch.