Bathroom Zones – Electrical Safety and Using Electrical Equipment in Bathrooms Including Lighting, Extractor Fans, Shaver Sockets and Other Electrical Devices

Electricity in any environment can be dangerous but bathrooms are especially dangerous because of the water (hence the need to electrical safe zones in a bathroom). As such only competent persons (ie, trained and qualified electricians) should work with electricity in bathrooms.

Look here if you need to find a reliable electrician near you.

That said, even as a DIY enthusiast it is important to understand the bathroom zones (electrical safety zones in a bathroom) so that you will know what types of electrical devices can and cannot be used when you are planning and laying out your bathroom.

Also from a safety perspective you can immediately see if there is anything dangerous in a bathroom, should a device not be in the correct zone.

Electrical Zones in Bathrooms in the UK

The regulations (BS 7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical Installations, section 701, published in 2008) divides the bathroom into zones depending on their electrical risk. Each zone has different limitations about the types of electrical devices that can be used in them.

Here is an illustration of the zones as you would typically find them in your bathroom:

Here are the zones explained in more detail:

Bathroom Zone 0

This is the area that is inside the bath or shower tray. If there is no shower tray then this (and zone 1) extend to 1.2m from the ‘fixed water outlet’ or shower head.

Bathroom Zone 1

This is the area directly above zone 0 (which is the outer edge of the shower basin or bath) extending to the horizontal ceiling or 225cm from the floor, whichever is lower. If the shower head is higher than this then the zone extends to a line horizontal with it.

Zone 1 is also extends to a circumference of 1.2m from the shower head if there is no shower tray or basin. It rises to the heights described above. (see diagram above).

Under the bath is considered to be Zone 1 it is accessible without the use of tools such as a screwdriver. If you do need to access this space with the use of a tool, then it is considered an “Outside Zone&rdquo.

Bathroom Zone 2

This zone extends beyond zone 1 by 60 cm, and extends to the same height.  This includes 60 cm beyond a partition wall marking the end of zone 1:

Window recesses that extend into the area zone 1 occupies is also considered as zone 2.

Outside Zones

These are the areas beyond zones 0,1 and 2. This was previously known as Zone 3 and is essentially anything in the bathroom that is not zones 0-2.

This includes the area under the bath if it requires a tool to remove the bath panel to access this area.

Electrical Devices That you are Allowed in Bathrooms and Where

Now that we understand where the electrical zones are in a bathroom we can now see what restrictions there are on devices that are allowed to be in those zones.

The following table describes the types of devices that are allowed in each zone:

* Outside the zones there is no IP stipulated in the regulations and in the zones if the device is likely to be exposed to water jets it should be IPX5, which being a bathroom it probably will, say when cleaning.

** Sockets are allowed in bathrooms, but they must be at least 3m horizontally from the boundary of zone 1.

Ratings of Electrical Devices for Bathrooms

A system of identifying the level of protection for moisture and dust, called “Ingress Protection” Ratings or IP Rating for short, is used to determine the levels of protection needed for particular zones. The rating is written in a standard format:

• The letters stand for Ingress Protection
• The first number is the protection level from intrusion; effectively dust getting into the device, in a scale of 1 (no protection) to 7 (totally dust tight)
• The second number is the level of protection against moisture from 1 (no protection) to 9 (prolonged immersion under pressure)
• An “X” can be used to replace the numbers if the device is not rated for that specification

Electrical devices that are designed for use in a bathroom will have an IP rating. These include extractor fans, heaters, pumps and lighting. Shaver Sockets are not IP rated, but they are a special case as described above.

Devices that can be used in bathrooms need to be low Voltage. There are two classes:

• SELV – Separated Extra Low Voltage: These are devices where the output is isolated from the input. IE there is no possibility of a high voltage getting to the lower voltage appliance via the transformer.
• PELV – Protective Extra Low Voltage: These are devices which are connected to earth. via the transformer. A PELV is a SELF with an independent earth wire. If there is any kind of short circuit this cannot effect the user via a shared earth.

Circuit Protection is Bathrooms

All circuits (lighting, electric showers, heated rails, etc) in bathrooms must be protected by an RCD, or Residual Current Device, that cannot exceed 30mA.

Some Electrical Appliances Commonly Fitted in Bathrooms

Here are is some specific information about electrical devices that are typically installed in bathrooms. It is important to ensure, even if the device meets all the requirements of the regulations, that it been approved for installation in a bathroom by the manufacturer.

Extractor Fans: These can be installed in zones 1 or 2 if they have the correct IP rating for moisture. If the extractor fan is on the lighting circuit, as in a bathroom which does not have a window, it should be able to be isolated separately by its own switch (fitted outside the zones).

Lights Above Showers (or baths)

When it comes to bathroom lighting zones, lights can be fitted above showers in zone 1 if required if they have the correct IP rating.

Sockets and Light Switches

These can be fitted under certain circumstances. As we mentioned, sockets have to be 3m horizontally away from the nearest boundary for zone 1.

Pull cord switches are allowed in Zones 1 and 2 and are recommended as they suitable for high humidity, condensation environments. Plate switches can be used outside the zones, and when deemed suitable for use in a bathroom by the manufacture.

Shaver sockets are a special case as we have mentioned above. Despite not being IPX4, then can be fitted in Zone 2 where direct spray is unlikely. See how to fit a shave socket here.

Washing Machines and Tumble Dryers

These can be installed in a bathroom if required, provided they are supplied with power from a fused socket (see above), they are protected by a 30mA RCD and the manufacture permits their installation in this way.

The zones in a bathroom are an important safety feature and designed to keep us safe; both when installing devices and when using them. Remember that to work with electricity in a bathroom you should be qualified – an electrician (find one local to you here).