Nuaire iSense dMEV Extractor Fan

Health & Safety Considerations

Confirm safe access, stable footing and good lighting before you begin. Wear eye protection and a dust mask when core-drilling or chasing walls, and gloves when handling sharp grilles or ductwork.

Treat concealed services as live until proven otherwise and use a detector to check for hidden cables and pipes. Do not core-drill near gas flues, boiler terminals or other ventilation outlets. Keep the fan and ductwork clear of heat sources and do not obstruct any fire barriers.

In bathrooms, observe electrical zones and ask your electrician to advise on a safe mounting position relative to baths or showers. Electrical work must be completed via a suitably rated isolator by a qualified electrician.

Site Preparation

Decide which room you are ventilating and choose a position that will remove moist, stale air efficiently without creating draughts. In bathrooms the usual position is high on an external wall or high on a ceiling with a short duct run to outside.

Aim to keep the duct as short and straight as possible, with minimal bends. Confirm that the chosen wall or ceiling can accept fixings and, for through-wall installation, that you can core-drill to the outside without obstruction. Plan the route for the local isolator and discuss the cable run with your electrician.

If replacing an existing fan, check the duct diameter, the condition of any backdraught shutter and the external cowl or grille. Ensure there is space to remove the magnetic fascia for cleaning after installation.

Limitations And Good Practice

This is a continuous running extract fan designed to remove air from a single wet room. Do not use it to extract hazardous fumes or connect it into flues or chimneys. Keep the duct bore consistent from fan to outside and seal every joint airtight to prevent losses and noise.

Where the route passes through a cold roof void, insulate the duct to reduce the risk of condensation. For horizontal through-wall installations set a slight fall towards the exterior so any incidental moisture drains outside.

Fit a weather-protected external grille or cowl with insect mesh and, where wind exposure is significant, include a quality backdraught shutter. Do not mount the fan where a door, cabinet or large fitting will block the airflow path. Leave clearance around the casing so the fascia can be removed for cleaning.

Agree in advance how boost will be activated, for example by the integral humidistat, by a switch-live from the room light, or by a dedicated boost switch.

Step-By-Step Installation

1. Make The Area Safe: Isolate any circuits you may encounter, verify with a detector that the drilling zone is free of services, and mark out the fan position and duct route.
   
   

2. Core-drill Or Cut The Duct Opening: For a through-wall installation, drill a clean core hole to the outside at the required diameter. Angle the hole very slightly to the exterior so any incidental moisture drains outwards. For a ceiling installation, cut the ceiling aperture and plan the shortest practicable route to an external termination. Deburr and clean openings.
   
   

3. Install The External Termination: From outside, offer up the weather cowl or grille, mark fixings, drill and plug as required, then seal the back face with a continuous bead of suitable exterior sealant. Fix the cowl square and tight to the wall to prevent water ingress. If using a wall sleeve or telescopic duct, cut to length and insert so it is fully home in the cowl spigot.
   
   

4. Fit The Ductwork: Insert the duct sleeve through the wall or route flexible or rigid duct to the termination. Keep bends gentle and the bore unobstructed. Seal all joints with appropriate mastic or tape and secure with bands or clamps. In loft or void spaces, insulate the duct to limit condensation.
   
   

5. Mount The Fan Body: Offer the backplate to the mounting surface, check it is level, mark and drill fixings, then secure with appropriate plugs and screws for the substrate. Ensure that cable entry is neat and that there is sufficient clearance to remove the fascia for cleaning.
   
   

6. Make The Electrical Connection: Your qualified electrician should install the local isolator, complete the fixed wiring to the fan and provide any boost control input required, for example switch-live from the room light or a separate boost switch. Do not energise the circuit until the installation is complete and covers are in place.
   
   

7. Attach The Duct To The Fan: Push the duct fully over the fan spigot and secure it airtight with a clamp or band. Confirm that any backdraught shutter moves freely.
   
   

8. Fit The Fascia: Locate and secure the magnetic fascia so the airflow path is clear and the intake is not obstructed by sealant or debris.
   
   

9. Commission The Fan: Restore power at the isolator. Using the fan’s control interface, select the installation type and set the background (trickle) airflow appropriate to the room size. Set the boost airflow to meet the required extract rate, then configure how boost is triggered. If you are using the integral humidistat, choose AUTO or a suitable fixed threshold so the fan responds to steam without nuisance operation. Set the run-on timer to a sensible period so the fan continues to extract for a short time after the trigger ends. Enable constant-airflow mode if required so the fan maintains the set duty against wind and duct resistance.
   
   

10. Prove Operation And Finish: With the room door slightly ajar, confirm a smooth, even extract at the fascia and check that air is discharging freely from the exterior cowl. Test the chosen boost trigger and verify that the fan returns to background speed after the run-on or when humidity falls. Seal around penetrations where needed, tidy the work area and label the isolator clearly.

Handover And Everyday Use

Explain to the household that the fan runs quietly in the background at a low rate and will increase speed automatically when moisture is produced or when a boost trigger is used.

Day-to-day adjustment is rarely required. Encourage the occupant to keep the fascia free of dust and to leave the isolator on so the fan can provide continuous protection against condensation and black mould. Remind them that a modest undercut on the room door helps replacement air reach the fan for best performance.

Maintenance And Aftercare

Routine care is simple. Every few months, isolate the power and lift off the magnetic fascia. Wash the fascia in warm soapy water, rinse and dry. Gently vacuum the impeller and interior with a soft brush attachment, taking care not to disturb the humidity sensor.

Check that any backdraught shutter opens and closes freely and that duct joints remain airtight. Inspect the external cowl and clear any debris from the mesh. Refit the fascia and restore power.

During periodic electrical checks, your electrician can confirm that trickle and boost settings are still appropriate and that run-on and humidity response suit the way the room is used.

Ancillary Products

For a neat, compliant iSense-PLUS installation and a tidy finish, use the dedicated accessories for window mounting, through-wall routing and wall finishing. Each is sized to the fan spigot, simplifies drilling and weatherproofing, and helps you maintain a short, well-sealed, low-resistance duct path.

• iSense-PLUS Window Kit (ISENSE-WKIT): Purpose-made kit for mounting the fan through glazing. It provides the components needed to secure the unit safely to the window, maintain weather protection, and achieve a clean internal and external finish.
  
  

• iSense-PLUS Wall Plate (ISENSE-WP): Rigid finishing plate that levels uneven substrates and covers oversize or imperfect cores. It gives a square, professional perimeter for the fan so the fascia sits flush and the installation looks neat.
  
  

• iSense-PLUS Through-Wall Kit 100mm (ISENSE-WALLKIT-WH / -COT / -TC / -BR): Colour-matched through-wall solution in White, Cotswold Beige, Terracotta or Brown. The kit provides an adjustable wall sleeve and external weather louvre to create a straightforward, weather-tight 100mm penetration with low airflow resistance and a coordinated façade appearance.
  
  

• iSense-PLUS In-Room Ducting Kit (ISENSE-INROOM-KIT): Short, internal duct solution for situations where the fan needs to be offset from the external wall or you want a discreet route to the termination point. Ideal for minor layout constraints while keeping resistance low.
  
  

• iSense-PLUS Inline Ducting Kit (dMEV-INLINE-KIT): Generic Nuaire dMEV inline kit used where a concealed or slightly longer internal route is required. It supports tidy, compliant duct runs while helping to control pressure drops and noise when space or architecture dictates an indirect path.

Troubleshooting

If airflow feels weak, first clean the fascia and check that the external cowl and mesh are not blocked. Confirm that the door has a small undercut so replacement air can enter the room.

If condensation persists, increase the background airflow slightly and review how boost is triggered.

If the fan is noisy, look for kinks or tight bends in the duct, check that the fan is mounted flat and firm, and confirm that all joints are airtight. Rattles are commonly caused by a loose fascia or a shutter catching on a misaligned sleeve.

If the fan does not run, check the local isolator and protective fuse, then ask your electrician to verify the supply.

If the fan does not boost when expected, review the trigger method, lower the humidity set point a little, extend the run-on time, or verify that a switch-live feed is present when the room light is on, according to how you chose to control boost.

Q) What is the Nuaire iSense-PLUS and what problem is it designed to solve?

A) Nuaire iSense-PLUS is a compact, filterless decentralised mechanical extract ventilation fan for continuous background extraction with intelligent, demand-led boost. It is intended for bathrooms, en-suites, WCs, utilities and small kitchens where day-to-day moisture and odours must be removed quietly and efficiently. By running at a low trickle rate all the time and boosting automatically when required, it steadily reduces relative humidity and helps prevent surface condensation and black mould. The mixed-flow impeller and high-efficiency DC brushless motor are tuned for continuous operation with low sound and modest electrical demand. Because the fan is listed in SAP10 and aligned with Approved Document F, it supports regulatory compliance for ventilation while helping homes meet Part L energy targets. In short, iSense-PLUS provides reliable, always-on extract that improves indoor air quality without fuss.

Q) How does the Nuaire iSense-PLUS work compared with a traditional intermittent fan?

A) A traditional intermittent fan starts only when a switch or humidistat calls for it, which can leave moisture lingering between activations. Nuaire iSense-PLUS is a continuous dMEV fan that runs at a set trickle airflow to remove humidity and odours as they are produced, keeping conditions stable and comfortable. When demand rises, the unit boosts automatically using its humidistat, comfort-boost or boost settings, then returns to background once the peak has passed. This approach reduces noise spikes, avoids nuisance draughts and provides more consistent protection against condensation. Constant-airflow control can be enabled to maintain the commissioned l/s even when wind or system resistance changes. The result is quieter, more predictable moisture control than many on-off fans can achieve.

Q) Where should the Nuaire iSense-PLUS be used and which rooms benefit most?

A) The fan is designed for wet rooms and moisture-prone spaces such as bathrooms, en-suites, WCs, utility rooms and small kitchens. In bathrooms and en-suites, continuous trickle keeps the air fresher between showers while boost clears steam more quickly after use. In WCs the quiet background rate dilutes odours continuously and a timed or switch-live boost provides a rapid clear-out. Utility rooms and small kitchens benefit from steady removal of moisture from laundry and light cooking. The unit is suitable for both new-build and retrofit where a simple, reliable extract solution is needed. Correct placement high on a wall or ceiling with a short, direct route to outside maximises performance and comfort.

Q) What airflow choices and control features does the Nuaire iSense-PLUS provide?

A) Commissioning is via a three-button, three-digit 7-segment interface behind the magnetic fascia. Trickle airflow can be set anywhere from 5 to 20 litres per second to match the room and occupancy. Comfort-boost and full boost can be selected up to 29 litres per second to handle higher moisture loads. An integral humidistat can be left in AUTO or set to fixed thresholds at 65, 75, 85 or 95 percent relative humidity, and a run-on timer can be left in AUTO or fixed between 1 and 25 minutes. Installation type can be set to Through-Wall or In-Room, allowing the fan to scale speed appropriately for route resistance. A constant-airflow mode is available to hold the chosen l/s more accurately in real conditions.

Q) How does the integral humidistat in the Nuaire iSense-PLUS operate and how should I set it?

A) The built-in humidistat continually samples the intake air and compares it with the chosen trigger. In AUTO it responds to sharp rises from everyday activities, typically above 65 percent RH, and raises the duty to clear steam efficiently. If you prefer, you can select a fixed threshold of 65, 75, 85 or 95 percent, which can be useful in homes with predictable routines. Choose a point that captures shower steam without nuisance boosting from short-lived spikes. Pair the humidistat with an appropriate run-on time so the fan continues extracting for a short period after demand ends. If night-time disturbance is a concern, the night delay option can limit boosting caused by brief light-switch activations while leaving the quiet trickle running.

Q) What is constant-airflow mode on the Nuaire iSense-PLUS and when should I enable it?

A) Constant-airflow mode allows the fan to adjust its speed automatically to maintain the airflow you set at trickle, comfort-boost and boost. In real homes, wind pressure, grille resistance and minor duct losses can cause the delivered l/s to drift from the commissioned value. With constant-airflow enabled, the unit compensates for these changes so performance remains closer to the target. This is particularly helpful on exposed façades, in taller buildings where pressure varies, or where the route includes a grille or short duct section. Enabling the feature supports achieving the l/s values required by Approved Document F. It also improves day-to-day consistency so occupants experience steady ventilation and fewer fluctuations.

Q) How do I commission the Nuaire iSense-PLUS for best performance and compliance?

A) After installation, power the fan and remove the magnetic fascia to access the three-button interface. First select the installation type so the unit calibrates for Through-Wall or In-Room routes. Set the background trickle within the 5 to 20 l/s band to suit the room and dwelling, then select comfort-boost and full boost up to 29 l/s to meet peak demand. Choose humidistat AUTO or a fixed threshold and set a run-on time that clears moisture without excessive over-run. Enable constant-airflow where stable duty is needed against wind and resistance changes. Finish by proving operation at the fascia and outside grille, checking for smooth extract, correct boost response and a quiet return to trickle.

Q) How quiet is the Nuaire iSense-PLUS in everyday use and what influences noise levels?

A) The fan is engineered for unobtrusive running with a mixed-flow impeller and a high-efficiency DC brushless motor that minimise tonal noise. Correct siting and good duct practice matter just as much as the motor and impeller. Keep the route short and straight, avoid tight bends, use a smooth-bore sleeve and seal joints airtight to prevent turbulence and whistling. Selecting an appropriate trickle rate for the space keeps background levels very low, while boost is available for short periods after showers or heavy use. Night delay and adaptive run-on can reduce late-evening disturbance caused by brief light-switch activations. Regular cleaning of the fascia and external cowl helps maintain quiet performance over time.

Q) Is the Nuaire iSense-PLUS compliant with Building Regulations and listed in SAP?

A) Yes. Nuaire iSense-PLUS is designed as a continuous dMEV solution that meets the ventilation approach set out in Approved Document F when commissioned to the correct extract rates. It supports Part L energy targets through efficient motor design and demand-led control. The model is recognised in the SAP Product Characteristics Database used for compliance calculations, supporting design and sign-off on new-build and refurbishment projects. Features such as constant-airflow control, integral humidity response and adaptive run-on help deliver the intended duty without unnecessary energy use. For specifiers, this combination of compliance and low maintenance makes the fan a practical choice across housing portfolios.

Q) What installation options does the Nuaire iSense-PLUS support and how do I choose between them?

A) The fan can exhaust directly through an external wall or via a short duct run to an outside termination. During commissioning you select Through-Wall or In-Room, allowing the control to scale speed to deliver your chosen l/s at the grille. Wall and ceiling mounting are both supported and bathroom zone requirements must be observed. A dedicated window kit is available if a glazing route is preferred. The casing is IPX4 when wall mounted and constructed from robust, UV-resistant ABS to suit damp environments. Select the route that offers the shortest, straightest path with a low resistance external cowl and leave space to remove the magnetic fascia for cleaning.

Q) What electrical and safety features does the Nuaire iSense-PLUS include?

A) The unit is double-insulated and uses a high-efficiency DC brushless motor with ball bearings and locked-rotor protection for reliability. IPX4 protection applies when wall-mounted, making it suitable for bathrooms subject to correct zoning and siting. Electrical connection must be made by a qualified electrician via a suitable local isolator, with switch-live or separate boost control added where required. The controller sits behind a secure magnetic fascia, reducing the risk of tampering while keeping commissioning straightforward. Robust ABS construction resists everyday knocks and UV exposure. These details together support safe, long service life in wet-room applications.

Q) How do I maintain the Nuaire iSense-PLUS and how often should it be cleaned?

A) The filterless design keeps upkeep simple and low cost. Every few months, isolate power, lift off the magnetic fascia and wash it in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Gently vacuum the impeller and interior with a soft brush, taking care around the humidity sensor. Check that any backdraught shutter and the external cowl move freely and that the duct joints remain airtight. Refit the fascia securely and restore power, then confirm trickle and boost operate as set. During periodic electrical checks your electrician can verify that the selected l/s, run-on and humidity response still suit the household. Keeping the intake and termination clean preserves airflow, hygiene and quietness.

Q) What are the expected running costs and energy credentials of the Nuaire iSense-PLUS?

A) The fan has been designed for economical 24 hour operation, with a reported Specific Fan Power from 0.13 W per litre per second in trade coverage. In practice the continuous trickle rate runs at very low wattage while boost is used only when demand occurs. The integral humidistat, adaptive or fixed run-on and night delay avoid unnecessary high speed operation, while constant-airflow improves delivery so you do not need to over-set speeds to hit target l/s. Because the unit is filterless, there are no consumable filter costs and service time is short. Combined with SAP10 listing, these attributes help deliver compliant ventilation with modest energy use and predictable life cycle cost.

Q) What are the limitations of the Nuaire iSense-PLUS and what should it not be used for?

A) The fan is intended to extract from a single wet room and should not be used to ventilate multiple rooms via branches. It is not suitable for hazardous fumes, grease-laden commercial cooking extract or for connection to chimneys or combustion flues. Duct diameter should remain consistent from the fan to outside and joints must be sealed airtight. Where routes pass through cold voids, ducts should be insulated to reduce internal condensation risk. Bathroom electrical zones and siting rules apply and a qualified electrician must complete the connection. Observing these limits ensures safe, quiet and effective performance over the long term.

Q) Is the Nuaire iSense-PLUS suitable for retrofit and replacing an existing fan?

A) Yes. The compact casing, tool-free magnetic fascia and straightforward wiring make it a tidy upgrade for older intermittent fans. Check the existing duct size and condition, confirm the external grille is sound and weather-tight, and ensure there is a local isolator for continuous power. If reusing a wall sleeve, verify that it is clear, correctly pitched outward and properly sealed. Commission the background and boost rates to the room’s needs and enable constant-airflow to help deliver the set duty in real conditions. The result is a quieter, more consistent extract strategy that reduces condensation and odours with minimal disruption.

Q) What accessories and kits are available to make a neat Nuaire iSense-PLUS installation?

A) A dedicated window kit allows secure mounting through glazing with a clean internal and external finish. A rigid wall plate helps level uneven surfaces and covers oversize cores so the fascia sits square and flush. Colour-matched through-wall kits provide an adjustable wall sleeve and low resistance weather louvre, simplifying a weather-tight 100 mm penetration. An in-room ducting kit supports short internal offsets where the fan cannot sit directly on the external wall. An inline dMEV ducting kit is available for slightly longer or concealed internal routes, helping keep pressure drops and noise under control. Choosing the right kit keeps resistance low, weathering tidy and commissioning more predictable.

Q) How should I site and orient the Nuaire iSense-PLUS for best comfort and effectiveness?

A) In bathrooms the ideal position is high on an external wall or on a ceiling with a short, direct route to outside. Aim to capture the moist air that accumulates near the shower or bath without blowing directly onto occupants. Keep the duct as short and straight as possible and angle any through-wall sleeve slightly outward so incidental moisture drains to the exterior. Fit a quality external termination with insect mesh and consider a backdraught shutter in wind-exposed locations. Leave enough clearance to remove the fascia for cleaning and avoid obstructing the intake with cabinets or doors. Good siting reduces draughts, improves mixing and ensures quiet extraction.

Q) How do I set trickle, comfort-boost, boost and run-on on the Nuaire iSense-PLUS?

A) Remove the magnetic fascia to reveal the three-button, three-digit display and step through the commissioning menu. Select the installation type first so the controller understands the route resistance. Choose a trickle rate within 5 to 20 l/s that suits the room size and typical occupancy. Set comfort-boost and full boost up to 29 l/s to handle peaks from showers, baths or laundry, then select AUTO or a fixed run-on between 1 and 25 minutes. Decide whether the humidistat will run in AUTO or at a fixed threshold and enable the night-time delay if desired to avoid nuisance over-run late in the evening. Save settings and verify operation at the grille and outside termination.

Q) What troubleshooting steps should I take if the Nuaire iSense-PLUS seems noisy or weak?

A) Start with housekeeping. Clean the magnetic fascia and external cowl and ensure the door has a small undercut so replacement air reaches the room. Inspect the duct for kinks, tight bends or crushed sections and reseal any loose joints to prevent turbulence and leakage. Confirm that any backdraught shutter moves freely and that the fan is mounted flat and firm. If boosting is infrequent despite obvious moisture, lower the humidity set point slightly or extend the run-on time. If boosting is excessive, raise the set point or review siting that may be causing short-lived spikes. If the fan does not run, check the local isolator and fuse and ask a qualified electrician to verify the supply.

Q) How does the Nuaire iSense-PLUS support landlords, social housing and compliance checks?

A) The model is listed in SAP10, which simplifies compliance calculations and supports standardised specification. The simple front-end interface makes commissioning and verification quick during visits and the filterless design keeps maintenance predictable and low cost. Constant-airflow helps maintain the commissioned duty despite wind and grille resistance changes, supporting consistent outcomes across varied properties. The magnetic fascia reduces service time and encourages good hygiene because it is easy to remove and clean. With a five-year warranty and robust construction, iSense-PLUS provides long-term value and fewer call-backs in programmes targeting condensation and mould reduction.

Q) What warranty and build details come with the Nuaire iSense-PLUS?

A) The fan is supplied with a five-year warranty comprising one year parts and labour followed by four years parts, reflecting confidence in its continuous-running duty. The casing is robust, UV-resistant ABS with double insulation and IPX4 protection when wall mounted. A high-efficiency DC brushless motor with ball bearings and locked-rotor protection underpins long service life. The mixed-flow impeller balances pressure and flow for short duct routes and through-wall sleeves. The magnetic fascia protects the controls while making cleaning and set-up easy. Together these details deliver a durable, low-maintenance extract solution for modern homes.

Q) Can the Nuaire iSense-PLUS be used in small kitchens and utility rooms as well as bathrooms?

A) Yes, provided the duty is matched to the space and activity. In utility rooms and small kitchens the adjustable boost up to 29 l/s and a sensible run-on timer manage laundry moisture and light cooking loads effectively. For larger or heavily used kitchens a dedicated kitchen extract may still be appropriate, but iSense-PLUS offers reliable background removal with short bursts of higher flow when needed. Select the In-Room installation type for short internal duct routes and keep the path smooth and airtight. Commission the trickle and boost rates to the room size and review performance after a few days, making minor adjustments for comfort and noise if required. This ensures quiet, efficient extraction tailored to the space.

Nuaire iSense-PLUS Brochure

Nuaire iSense-PLUS User Guide

Nuaire iSense-PLUS Installation & Maintenance Guide