Skip to main content
Sparky

Bathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation

Professional extractor fan installation by qualified electricians. Bathroom and kitchen ventilation with ducting, timer, and humidistat options. Qualified and insured.

Get a quote
Book bathroom & kitchen extractor fan installation online
Electrician

Bathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation

Qualified electrician

Book Now

Same-day service

Most jobs matched within hours.

Upfront pricing

Clear quotes before work starts.

Qualified pros

NICEIC & NAPIT registered.

Pay when done

Funds held until you're happy.

How it works

1

Survey and fan selection

The electrician assesses the room size, existing ventilation, and ducting route options. They calculate the required extraction rate (typically 15 l/s for bathrooms, 30 l/s for kitchens adjacent to hobs) and recommend a suitable fan type — axial for short duct runs through external walls, or centrifugal/inline for longer duct runs through ceiling voids.

2

Ducting and core drilling

If no existing duct or vent hole exists, the electrician core-drills through the external wall and fits a duct with an external grille or louvre. For ceiling-mounted fans, rigid or semi-rigid ducting is run through the ceiling void to a soffit or tile vent. All joints are sealed to prevent condensation leaks.

3

Electrical connection

The fan is connected to the electrical supply — typically a fused spur from the lighting circuit for bathroom fans, or a dedicated spur for higher-rated kitchen fans. Timer and humidistat models require a permanent live feed and a switched live from the light switch. All connections in bathrooms must comply with BS 7671 zone requirements.

4

Fan mounting and commissioning

The fan unit is secured into the wall aperture, ceiling, or inline position. Ductwork connections are sealed. The fan is powered on and tested for correct operation, airflow direction, and noise level. Timer overrun and humidistat sensitivity are adjusted to suit the room.

5

Testing and certification

The circuit is tested to BS 7671 standards — insulation resistance, earth continuity, and RCD operation. A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is issued. The electrician demonstrates the fan operation and explains filter cleaning and maintenance requirements.

What's included

Room survey and extraction rate calculation
Supply and installation of extractor fan unit
Core drilling through external wall (where required)
Ducting and external grille or louvre fitting
Electrical connection from lighting circuit or dedicated spur
Timer overrun or humidistat wiring and configuration
Sealing of all duct joints and wall penetrations
Full circuit testing to BS 7671 standards
Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
Part P notification where required (bathroom installations)
Demonstration and maintenance guidance

What's involved

An extractor fan removes moisture, odours, and airborne contaminants from bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. The installation involves fitting the fan unit into an external wall or ceiling void, running ductwork to the outside, connecting the fan to a suitable electrical supply, and configuring the control method — pull-cord, light switch, timer overrun, or humidistat. Correct installation is essential for meeting Building Regulations Part F (ventilation) and preventing condensation, mould, and structural damp.

Extractor fan installation in bathrooms is notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations because bathrooms are classified as special locations. The fan must be connected to the correct zone-appropriate supply, and the circuit must have RCD protection. In kitchens, a new circuit or spur may be needed depending on the fan rating. Building Regulations Part F requires mechanical ventilation in any room without an openable window — failure to install adequate ventilation can result in Building Control enforcement action and chronic damp problems.

Get a personalised quote

Typical cost: £150–£350per installation

Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.

How long does it take?

2-4 hours for a standard bathroom fan with existing vent hole. Add 1-2 hours if core drilling is required. Kitchen installations with longer duct runs may take a full day.

Regulations & safety

Safety notice

Bathroom extractor fans must be suitable for the IP (Ingress Protection) rating required by the zone in which they are installed. A fan above a shower must be rated at least IPX4. Using an unrated fan in a wet zone creates a serious electric shock risk.

Never block or seal over an extractor fan duct opening — this causes moisture to build up in the ceiling void, leading to mould growth, timber rot, and potential collapse of plasterboard ceilings.

Extractor fans with timer overrun require a permanent live supply. If the permanent live is disconnected (e.g., at the light switch), the fan cannot complete its overrun cycle and moisture is not adequately removed.

Building Regulations — Approved Document F (Ventilation)

Part F sets minimum ventilation rates for habitable rooms. Bathrooms require mechanical extract ventilation of 15 litres per second (intermittent) or 8 l/s (continuous). Kitchens require 30 l/s adjacent to a hob or 13 l/s continuous. A room without an openable window must have mechanical ventilation.

Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P)

Electrical work in bathrooms (special locations) is notifiable under Part P. This includes installing or modifying circuits for extractor fans. Work must be carried out by a competent person scheme registered electrician or inspected by Building Control.

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations)

Section 701 covers requirements for electrical installations in bathrooms. Fan equipment must be suitable for the zone in which it is installed. All circuits supplying bathroom fans must be protected by a 30mA RCD.

What to expect

In many older properties, the bathroom has no existing external wall vent. The electrician will need to core-drill a 100mm or 150mm hole through the external wall — this adds time and cost but is essential for proper ducting.
Humidistat fans automatically activate when moisture levels rise, making them ideal for bathrooms. They run independently of the light switch and continue extracting until humidity returns to normal. This is the most effective option for condensation control.
Centrifugal or inline fans are quieter and more powerful than axial fans but cost more. For long duct runs (over 1.5 metres) or runs with bends, an inline fan installed in the ceiling void is usually the better choice.
If the existing lighting circuit is already heavily loaded or uses old wiring, the electrician may recommend a dedicated fused spur from the consumer unit rather than extending the existing circuit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an extractor fan if my bathroom has a window?
Building Regulations Part F does not require mechanical ventilation in a bathroom with an openable window that provides adequate background ventilation. However, most electricians and building inspectors strongly recommend fitting one regardless — windows are rarely opened in winter, and inadequate ventilation is the leading cause of bathroom mould in the UK.
What is the difference between a timer fan and a humidistat fan?
A timer fan runs for a set period (usually 15-30 minutes adjustable) after the light is switched off. A humidistat fan has a built-in humidity sensor and activates automatically when moisture levels rise above a set threshold, running until humidity drops back to normal. Humidistat fans are more effective because they respond to actual moisture rather than a fixed timer.
Can I replace a basic fan with a timer or humidistat model?
Usually yes. Timer and humidistat fans require a permanent live feed in addition to the switched live from the light switch. If your existing fan only has a switched live (it turns off with the light), the electrician will need to run an additional wire from the permanent supply. This is straightforward in most installations.
Why is my extractor fan so noisy?
Excessive noise is usually caused by a blocked or kinked duct, a fan running beyond its rated duct length, or worn bearings in an old fan. Axial fans are inherently noisier than centrifugal fans. If the noise started recently, check the duct for blockages. If the fan is over 5-7 years old, the bearings may need replacing — often it is more cost-effective to fit a new fan.

Find bathroom & kitchen extractor fan installation near you

Browse qualified electricians for bathroom & kitchen extractor fan installation by London borough.

Bathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in CamdenBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in IslingtonBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in City of LondonBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in WestminsterBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in HackneyBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in SouthwarkBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in LambethBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Tower HamletsBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Kensington and ChelseaBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in HaringeyBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BrentBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in LewishamBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in WandsworthBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in NewhamBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Waltham ForestBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Hammersmith and FulhamBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BarnetBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in GreenwichBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Richmond upon ThamesBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in EnfieldBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in EalingBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in HounslowBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in MertonBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in CroydonBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BromleyBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in RedbridgeBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Barking and DagenhamBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BexleyBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Kingston upon ThamesBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Epping ForestBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BroxbourneBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in SuttonBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in TandridgeBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Reigate and BansteadBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Epsom and EwellBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in SevenoaksBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in HaveringBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BrentwoodBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in ThurrockBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in HillingdonBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in HarrowBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in BuckinghamshireBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in SpelthorneBathroom & Kitchen Extractor Fan Installation in Elmbridge

Need bathroom & kitchen extractor fan installation?

Describe what you need to Sparky and we'll match you with a qualified electrician near you.

Book an Electrician

It's easier in the app

Download Sparky to request help, track your electrician, and pay securely — all from your phone.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Track your confirmed electrician booking in the Sparky app