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Alternatives to triggering condensation extractor fan using light switch?

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  • 19-04-2009 8:58pm
    #1
    LeperKing
    Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭


    Is it possible to trigger a condensation extractor fan when a shower starts running? (ie some sort of pressure sensor) The shower would be fed from a hot/cold pump that feeds other showers in the house. I don't like the idea of the fan always coming on becase the light is switched on.

    Thanks,
    LK.


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    #2
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users Posts: 5,379 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    LeperKing wrote: »
    Is it possible to trigger a condensation extractor fan when a shower starts running? (ie some sort of pressure sensor) The shower would be fed from a hot/cold pump that feeds other showers in the house. I don't like the idea of the fan always coming on becase the light is switched on.

    Thanks,
    LK.

    Yea a pressure switch should do the job, but there might be some messing/adjustment to set it up..... you could also just pop in a relay, so the fan will only start if the light is on & the pump kicks in, its not a perfect but would help some what....

    It is probably a waste to have the fan running when the light is on, will also reduce the life of the fan.. .


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    #3
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,591 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    A simple option is to buy a humidity switch. This will ensure that the fan runs when needed, and stops when not required.


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    #4
    LeperKing
    Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭LeperKing


    Thanks guys, I just wanted to be sure when asking the plumber/electrician I wasn't asking for something thats never done before.

    Which is the more the popular solution? Humidty switch or pressure change detection?

    LK.


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    #5
    martyc5674
    Registered Users Posts: 2,520 ✭✭✭martyc5674


    Interested in a similar sensor myself...is there a way to also run/overide the sensor should there be an unwanted smell lets say in the loo??:D


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    #6
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,591 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Which is the more the popular solution? Humidty switch or pressure change detection?
    There is no right or wrong here. It is up to you.
    is there a way to also run/overide the sensor should there be an unwanted smell lets say in the loo??
    This could be done electricaly simply enough.


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    #7
    LeperKing
    Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭LeperKing


    2011 wrote: »
    There is no right or wrong here. It is up to you.

    Fair enough, but would you know the pros/cons to either solution.

    IE. Please correct if I'm wrong here...

    Pressure sensor
    Pros:
    Works straightaway once the shower is on.
    Cons:
    Tricky/Expensive to setup.

    Humidity switch
    Pros:
    Will react to any source of humidity ie bath, washhand basin etc
    Cons:
    Would local weather conditions affect its sensitivity?

    LK.


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    #8
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,591 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    Pressure sensor
    Pros:
    Works straightaway once the shower is on.
    True, but do you really want this??
    The pressure switch would activate when a pressure drop is experienced on the hot pipe that supplies the shower (just after the pump). A pressure drop does not mean that there is an issue with steam/humidity, it means the shower is on and a humdity problem may (or may not) develop in a few minutes.
    Humidity switch
    Pros:
    Will react to any source of humidity ie bath, washhand basin etc
    True.
    Would local weather conditions affect its sensitivity?
    No. They would not be set that low.


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    #9
    SparKing
    Registered Users Posts: 302 ✭✭SparKing


    Fans are available with humidistats from Vortice and other fan manufacturers. so that would be fairly straight forward to wire up


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