Bathroom lights- Going from spot lights to single ceiling rose and fan

[Danez]

Basically I want to replace my 5 halogen spot lights with a single ceiling rose and fit an extractor fan.

The most electrical work I’ve done previously is installing lights in my garage which was easy as all the wiring is exposed!

What I think i need to do is find the junction box, disconnect the current lighting wiring (I’m guessing its all one big daisy chain?) and run a cable for the new rose and one for the extractor fan from the same junction (with the isolator)

I’m struggling to locate the junction box though. I would like to avoid taking the ceiling to bits as its full of nasty old insulation and the plan is to plaster board over it.
So just wondering are there any likely places for it to be?

would it just be easier to bite the bullet and rip out the ceiling and start a fresh? as the old wiring is well….suspect (note the multiple scorch marks and exposed wire

it’s annoying as its flat roof dormer, the attic does not prove decent access

some glorious pictures

yes that is exposed copper gone green with some lovely charring on the joist

as you can see, a mess. would like to find the best way for pulling it all out but i feel like taking the ceiling down is my best bet. Also is there any way to know if it’s asbestos?

cheers for reading

 

[EBME2]

Those are low voltage MR16 lamps (12v) there will be transformer(s) somewhere. I’d either rip it down or drop the ceiling slightly if you have headroom and fit plastic panels.

 

[Danez]

Those are low voltage MR16 lamps (12v) there will be transformer(s) somewhere. I’d either rip it down or drop the ceiling slightly if you have headroom and fit plastic panels.

plastic panels? apologies not sure what you mean with that!

yeah i’m leaning towards taking down even just part of the ceiling

 

[EBME2]

Just google upvc bathroom ceiling panels, they are hollow plastic tongue and groove panels that interlock, bit like laminate flooring for the ceiling. Quite good at hiding artex if like me you are useless at plastering.

 

[dobbslc]

The old ceiling rose is likely to be in the middle or over towards the window a bit. Looking at the state of that I'd just cut a few holes to find it and check it's ok! Remove the transformer and weigh it in . You might find it by thumping the ceiling until you hear it bounce...
Those photos are the very reason I hate bloody low voltage spot lights! I've only allowed LED spots in the utility room as there's bags of space above them in my place.
There's now a whole section in an electrical test certificate about them as there's been so many fires!

 

[rtcosic]

Just google upvc bathroom ceiling panels, they are hollow plastic tongue and groove panels that interlock, bit like laminate flooring for the ceiling. Quite good at hiding artex if like me you are useless at plastering.

I would avoid those like the plague.

No 3 son and I fitted them to his bathroom ceiling. We had also tiled all the walls.
Despite a big 5" in-line fan he still got condensation on the ceiling panels.

I believe at least one wall or the ceiling should be left without an impervious finish to allow the inevitable condensation a temporary home.

The cladding we used - from Wickes - was also very brittle and tiresome to cut without breakout and/or broken corners.

Going back to the OP's original question: I would plan to replace the ceiling and sort out all the electrical issues properly once and for all.

 

[EBME2]

@

I would avoid those like the plague.

No 3 son and I fitted them to his bathroom ceiling. We had also tiled all the walls.
Despite a big 5" in-line fan he still got condensation on the ceiling panels.

I believe at least one wall or the ceiling should be left without an impervious finish to allow the inevitable condensation a temporary home.

The cladding we used - from Wickes - was also very brittle and tiresome to cut without breakout and/or broken corners.

Going back to the OP's original question: I would plan to replace the ceiling and sort out all the electrical issues properly once and for all.

Probably a good point, I have had zero problems with condensation in both of my upstairs bathrooms and I actually think it has reduced condensation in my room space. But I live in a relatively modern house with lots of roof insulation, condensation is always going to find cold spots and always needs ventilation.

For me it worked but needs a bit of thought.

Back on topic agree halogens are horrible especially if they didn’t have adequate ventilation.

 

[Danez]

Alright I think I’ll take the ceiling down tomorrow and lay down a lot of sheets!
I’ll wear a mask and probably bin the old rock wool insulation and get some fresh stuff in, theres already some of that kingspan stuff up there too

peace of mind innit, don’t know what else has been bodged up there.

thanks for all the advice!

 

[Danez]

ah and the mrs really wants the light switch inside but i really dont want those nasty pull cords, does some sort of ip rated light switch exist that would meet regs in there? in a zone 2 opposite wall to the bath?

Or is it only the pull cords one allowed inside? cheers

 

[brightspark]

ah and the mrs really wants the light switch inside but i really dont want those nasty pull cords, does some sort of ip rated light switch exist that would meet regs in there? in a zone 2 opposite wall to the bath?

Or is it only the pull cords one allowed inside? cheers

move the switch to outside the bathroom door and put the fan on a separate switch from the light

 

[Danez]

move the switch to outside the bathroom door and put the fan on a separate switch from the light

yeah that’s what i was planning on doing so i can have the light on without the fan

just that the other half wanted it on the inside of the bathroom but that would mean a pull cord

 

[brightspark]

as long as the switch is outside zone 1 and 2 by 3 meters you can have it inside

 

[Danez]

as long as the switch is outside zone 1 and 2 by 3 meters you can have it inside

ah nice one cheers that’s what i was wondering

 

[Ton-up]

Seriously, you caught that just in time!!

 

[Robotstar5]

ah and the mrs really wants the light switch inside but i really dont want those nasty pull cords, does some sort of ip rated light switch exist that would meet regs in there? in a zone 2 opposite wall to the bath?

Or is it only the pull cords one allowed inside? cheers

Why not fit an occupancy sensor no switches needed

 

[angellonewolf]

id fit a light with it installed b and q do on for £40 quid i think was 28 w good light and you can set up for certain times lux and lenth of time on

i put on in the otherhalfs parents in the kitchen its great walkk in make coffee go out and in a few mins the light goes off

 

[brightspark]

knightsbrige make a good censor for about 25 quid

 

[ajlelectronics]

I have all my lights on Alexa switches. Makes everything so much easier. Bathroom has two zones and its own Alexa speaker.

 

[Danez]

excellent shout with the sensor…. i’ll see how i get on with the wiring to start anyway, looking forward to seeing what treasures this ceiling will reveal

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Alright I think I’ll take the ceiling down tomorrow and lay down a lot of sheets!

I'd do that the other way round..... (sorry, I'm not helping )