I'll be getting someone to install a bathroom extractor fan for me shortly (as I think it falls under Part P) but I'm buying all the materials beforehand. Everything I read says that I need a 3-pole isolator switch to allow maintenance to be carried out on the fan. However, it's not clear where this switch should be. Some places suggest that a pull-cord in the bathroom is fine, while other articles state that there should be a switch outside the bathroom. Has anyone got a definitive answer, i.e. link to the building regs or whatever official guidance it is that stipulates the answer one way or another? I've had a good look around but there's so much stuff and I'm out of my depth!

all the isolation switches that I have seen have been outside the bathroom

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- Dave
http://www.pamperhouse.net
http://www.invertedcircle.co.uk

the fan isolator is a triple-pole switch and i always place it high level outside the bathroom or the argument can even be, local to the fan which, if it is on the ceiling (noisy) or an in-line one as in a shower fan (best option for low noise) then it can be near the fan in the loft.

just for info, ask him how much he wants for the materials before you buy them. you know what they cost and will know if he is being reasonable.
if you supply them and they fail, i charge you to fix them. if i supply them and they fail, it's on me and free to you. sometimes there is false economy when supplying your own materials. i would also insist you bought the ones i use and trust with experience, if you are dead set on getting your own, ask him 1st what he would suggest.

I guess either would be OK as long as it's a 3 pole switch like these

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/ASCS3PIF.html - for inside the bathroom
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MKK4859.html - for outside the bathroom

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Cheers,
Darren

Property Refurbishment & Maintenance Dorset

We put the isolators on the outside above the door.