CataM1769 XZ-Mart Extractor Fan 10, White Pedestal.

Looks good very pleased

Exactly the same as my old fan but a different brand. Up and running.

Now finally fitted. Doesn't work

good quality half the price

Cata produce a wide range of extractor fans, with more expensive variants offering an overrun timer (where the fan remains on for a set period of time after being switched off) and a humidistat (switching the fan on/off automatically depending on dampness). They are also sold in the UK under the Vectaire brand name, which seems to be identical aside from the name on the cover and a near-tripling of the price. This model is the simplest (and cheapest for its size), being controlled by a switch only.This fan's most noticeable feature is the cover which acts as a backdraft shutter, blocking breezes from outside when the fan is off. When the fan is switched on, this slowly glides forward 1cm allowing air to flow around and out through the fan behind. When switched off, the cover moves back, sealing the opening. The cover can be easily removed, allowing access to the fan behind for cleaning.While this unit does look attractive (especially to those who want something other than a grille to look at) there are a few small issues to watch out for:Condensation will build up inside the fan in very damp conditions (like a steamy bathroom). On a wall-mounted fan this will dribble out the front and run down the wall - a simple fix to this is to build up a small dam using plasticene or blu-tack along the bottom of the fan ducting - this will be hidden by the cover so should be an acceptable work-around.On a ceiling-mounted fan, condensation will drip from the cover - the only fix is to ensure that the fan is positioned where the drips can drain away without hitting anyone - the mid-point of a bath being a good spot (avoiding those using a shower at one end or the heads of those bathing at the other).While this model lacks a humidistat, it has been my experience with others that the humidistat doesn't always switch on (in particular when a room becomes damp very quickly like a bathroom in winter). Ensure that the power cord is put within easy reach so the fan can be switched on manually where necessary. Once on, the humidistat will keep the fan running until humidity drops to the set level.Finally, the fan includes two methods of fixing - screws through the front panel and a "quickfit" system with clips that expand out to lock into ducting (a third, using a ceiling ring is an optional extra). In cases where the fan isn't going straight into ducting (such as with a lath-and-plaster ceiling, where the fan would need to be fixed to a batten screwed to joists above), the area around the clips can act as an air intake and needs to be sealed to prevent foreign objects (like loft insulation) from being drawn into ducting.Despite these issues, the appearance and function of the backdraft shutter makes this range an attractive option - but avoid Vectaire's insane pricing! (RRP >£300 for 150mm humidistat version).