conflicting information on bathroom fan in zone 1.

If the supply to the fan is RCD protected, the thinking is that the RCD should greatly reduce the risk of a lethal shock to earth for the occupant of the bath. However, IP44 is really about drizzle and occasional plashes, and I imagine Manrose  technical authors want to eliminate the risk that a slip with the shower head may lead to far more water than just damp air and droplets, and protect them selves against being held responsible for the effects of  a continuous stream of live water trickling down the tiles into the tub.

If it is installed in a way the makers actually forbid, as opposed to just do not recommend, then that needs to be take seriously.

So how dangerous is it really, 150mm horizontally does not sound like much - but is there any vertical clearance as well or is the intake at (or below ) the upper shower head height?

Some vertical offset takes it from credibly dangerous if at or below shower head, to not really an issue once about a foot above.

Even if you decide it is not a danger now, it should probably be a remark/observation on the paperwork so the owners are made aware the makers do not recommend it in that situation, if nothing else it may fail prematurely, and when replacing it a 12V model intended for such a location would be recommended.

this from the manrose site http://www.manrose.com/fan_select.htm# under "siting the fan"

Alternatively, the new Manrose range of 12 volt S.E.L.V. (Safety Extra Low Voltage) fans are specifically designed for the safe ventilation of toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms and can be fitted within the splash area with absolutely no risk of
electric shock.

 most of the other fans state the same as you mentioned.

701.55 applies. In zone 1, only the following fixed and permanently connected current using equipment shall be installed, PROVIDED IT IS SUITABLE FOR INSTALLATION IN ZONE 1 ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER's INSTRUCTIONS.


Z.

Thanks for all the advice.I would think many sparks would be reluctant to install a 230v fan in zone 1 even if permitted by the manufacturers.

                                                                                                                                                                                           Regards,Hz

Also bear in mind that the fan may get more than splashes. If it's within the tiled portion of the cubicle, then its fairly likely that some point someone will wash down the tiles using the shower head and so the fan may get hit with the full force of a jet spray.