Shower Fan

1/30/2013 at 1:06:09 PM

Lawrence,

First question is why? Answer is ... possibly ...but it would have to be enclosed in a water tight box to avoid electrical shorts.

The short answer is that I would not!

1/30/2013 at 1:06:50 PM

Yes, but it must be approved for that location. GFCI might be required as well.

1/30/2013 at 1:09:04 PM

Good day,

Not all bathroom ventilators are designed to be wall mounted. Some are, some are not. As Ohm1 indicates, many ventilation fans indicate that they can be installed above a shower or tub when protected by a GFCI. The bottom line is you have to read the requirements of the fan you want to buy.

For example, Broan model #689 available at Lowe's for about $35 is listed was wall mount and listed for over a bath or shower when GFCI protected.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_89247-14-689...ductId=1266295

However, the position you are talking about placing the fan is likely pushing the definition of "OVER" a bath or shower. Based on exactly where you've described installing the fan, I'd be personally concerned about water splashing in it. Of course that's what the GFCI protection is for... so that you don't electrocute yourself because some water splashed on the fan. But I'm also thinking about the possibility of ruining the fan itself over time without ever tripping the GFCI because you are going to have it so close to the water flow.

Perhaps something to look into would be inline fans.

http://www.broan.com/display/router.asp?ProductID=547

With these kind of fans, you install the inlet where ever you want and run some duct to the fan located somewhere else. You could even align the duct work so that any water splashed into the duct work would harmlessly drain back down into the shower. Meanwhile, the actual fan could be installed several feet away where the fan motor would be protected from direct contact with water.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Paul

1/30/2013 at 1:15:29 PM

Not the best of ideas :)

1/30/2013 at 1:32:01 PM

It could be but should be installed probably and insulated!

1/30/2013 at 1:39:05 PM

Yes, but it needs to be rated for that use and protected by a GFI circuit.

1/30/2013 at 2:17:03 PM

You could but it wont last long, it will cease up from water. Best to have on outside of shower.

1/30/2013 at 2:40:05 PM

Normally a fan goes in the centre of the bathroom ceiling not physically in the shower.

I have never seen a fan installed in a shower. I have seen waterproof lights in a shower but not a fan.

1/30/2013 at 6:03:56 PM

A fan should not be installed inside a shower, as it could get wet, ruin the motor or even electricute someonw. It is a big job if you really want one, as you would have to put in a ground fault so that you can not get electricuted if you touched it.

I hope this helps with your question. You may consider puting in a stronger fan in the middle of the bathroom.

Colin Smith

First Choice Repairs & Services Ltd.

604-836-3634

1/30/2013 at 8:27:07 PM

There are in line exhaust fans that have a seal between the motor and the fan that will work directly over the shower. They are a fair bit more expensive and have gaskets and seals.

But as it has been already mentioned, it is not the best location and plan to do. If any moisture leaks outside and around it, you will have major mold and rot issues underlying!

1/31/2013 at 7:55:19 AM

I've never seen a fan put directly in a shower enclosure, don't know why you would want to do this.

2/1/2013 at 10:39:04 AM

Fans are not designed to be used in wet conditions like a shower.

Do not put it there !!!

2/1/2013 at 6:37:00 PM

FYI. Fans can be, and are approved for, installation in these locations. Been doing it for years and as long as they used for a minimum of 30 minutes and have insulated duct work, they will not rust or freeze.

The moisture inside the duct must be kept to a minimum and the ductwork must be run horizontally to prevent moisture runback. That is the reason for running them for 30-60 minutes. Longer is not needed (as long as the humity has dropped), shorter times will not dry the inside of the ducting. Timers acheive this best and save energy plus will not suck all the heat from the home.

Fans approved for in shower or over tub.

http://www.broan.ca/support-faqs-500.asp#7

2/1/2013 at 7:04:31 PM

http://www.broan.ca/suppo...