When an extractor fan is not running

What this usually means

This covers bathroom, shower-room, WC and utility fans that no longer start, only run at odd times, seem dead after the light was changed, or have stopped after another nearby electrical change. The aim is to confirm whether the fan unit has failed or whether the supply and switching arrangement needs attention.

Typical solutions

• Check the local supply, fan isolator and any fused spur before assuming the fan unit itself has failed.
• Confirm whether the fault is in the fan, the trigger or switching arrangement, or a nearby accessory that is no longer feeding it properly.
• Replace the confirmed failed fan or accessory, or explain clearly when the evidence points to wider fault finding instead.

Basic information

• Many bathroom fans use a permanent live and a switched trigger, so a fan may still be live even when it looks off.
• Overrun timers and humidity controls can make a fan seem inconsistent, so it helps to say exactly what it does and when it stops.
• A safe exterior photo of the fan, isolator or nearby control is optional and can help more than a long message. Keep every cover in place.