How to replace bathroom exhaust fan?

Question

Hi all,

Looking to help a friend with their bathroom ceiling light and exhaust fan. It fell down and she pushed it back into the ceiling and while the lights work, the exhaust fan seems to be broken. If she wanted to get this replaced can she just buy any similar sized bathroom light and fan or would she need to ensure it’s the exact same size and brand etc for an electrician to replace it?

Photos for reference. It’s IXL

Thank you !

MikeTNZ · Answer

Hi @eagboola,

In a nut-shell, no, you would need a Registered Electrician to fix this, the whole unit being IXL (it is called a Fan-Tastic) is permanently wired into a 3-4 gang switch on the wall in the bathroom, if this is mis-wired during replacement, bad things can happen, I've worked on these things as an Electrician for 30 years.

There are 2 separate circuits that are completely different in their current draw and the way they are controlled, they are also normally fed from 2 circuits at the switchboard, they are definitely not a DIYer thing.

{Edit: Can you please clarify what exactly "fell down"?, you're still going to need an Electrician, but it sounds like the fan blades are caught on the non-return valve flapper for the exit ducting, any Electrician would check the whole unit over, but I don't think it needs to be replaced, I think this is more mechanical than electrical.}

I'd be happy to hear how this turns out.

Cheers,

Mike T.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @eagboola,

Your friend doesn't necessarily need to replace the exhaust fan with the exact same model. The easiest option, however, would be to choose a replacement that suits the existing ceiling cutout, as this avoids having to modify or repair the ceiling.

Unfortunately, to know the size of the existing cutout, the fan would need to be removed and the opening measured. As this involves electrical equipment and potentially disconnecting the fan, you'll need the assistance of a licensed electrician.

My suggestion would be to have an electrician come out and quote for the replacement. They can remove the fan, measure the cutout and either recommend a suitable replacement or let your friend know the dimensions you need to work with.

Keep in mind that you can pretty easily make the cutout larger, but making it smaller is a lot trickier and would definitely add to the cost of the job.

If they give you the cutout dimensions, feel free to pass them on to us and we'd be happy to have a look at the options that might be suitable.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jacob