Why aren't bathroom exhaust fans installed over the shower?

Linda Rankin
by Linda Rankin

Exhaust fans seem useless because they seem to be too far from the source of the steam. Why are they always installed so far from the showerhead?

  9 answers
  • Nan W. Nan W. on Jul 07, 2018

    I think they are also placed there because of toilet "smells" -- so not just for showering.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 07, 2018

    Hi Linda, I believe it might be because of the damp and being electric?

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Jul 07, 2018

    Linda, a properly installed bath fan has adequate CFM to clear the entire room in just a few minutes. If you have trouble clearing the steam from your bathroom, then you may have either a clogged/disfunctional fan or possibly the duct has become detached in your attic area. This happens frequently from vibration due to poor installation standards.

  • There are units that can be placed in shower.


    http://www.airkinglimited.com/page/faq-exhaust-fan.html


    Remember, electricity and water do not mix!

  • Katie Katie on Jul 07, 2018

    Not sure of this, but my guess is that it has something to do with meeting code. I do know that recessed lights installed over a shower have to be a different kind, due to the moisture.

  • Dfm Dfm on Jul 07, 2018

    They don’t like getting wet,,,water and eletric don’t mix.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Jul 07, 2018

    The WHY.... is that WATER and ELECTRICITY do not MIX.... and NO ONE should ever install a light or fan IN a shower or over a bathtub UNLESS you are an electrician....

    Most building codes require that any electrical source be at least 3 feet from a shower or bathtub...... if you slip and start to fall there is the risk that you will try and grab a chandelier or light fixture to keep from falling and electrocute yourself.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Jul 07, 2018

    You may not have a fan big enough to handle the size of your bathroom.

  • Linda Rankin Linda Rankin on Jul 07, 2018

    It's the biggest available and the bathroom is less than 8x10.