Bathroom & Wet Room FAQs
Bathroom electrical installations are restricted by zones. Only shaver sockets (with isolation transformers) are permitted in bathrooms, installed at least 2.25m above floor level. Switches must have appropriate IP ratings (IP44 minimum, IP67 for Zone 0). All work must comply with BS 7671 and be carried out by a qualified electrician.
UK regulations define specific zones in bathrooms where different IP ratings apply. Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower (IP67 required), Zone 1 is above Zone 0 up to 2.25m (IP44 minimum), Zone 2 extends 0.6m beyond Zone 1 (IP44 minimum), and outside zones have no specific IP requirements but must still be safe.
No, standard sockets are not permitted in bathrooms. Only shaver sockets (with isolation transformers complying with BS EN 61558-2-5) are allowed, and they must be installed at least 2.25m above floor level and away from water sources. All bathroom electrical work must comply with BS 7671 and be carried out by a qualified electrician.
IP44 provides protection against water splashes from any direction, suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 installations (most bathroom areas). IP67 provides complete protection against immersion in water up to 1m depth, required for Zone 0 (inside bath or shower). Always consult BS 7671 and a qualified electrician for specific requirements.
Yes, lighting can be installed in bathrooms, but it must have appropriate IP ratings for the zone. Zone 0 requires IP67, Zone 1 requires IP44 minimum, and Zone 2 requires IP44 minimum. Outside zones have no specific IP requirements. All bathroom lighting installations must comply with BS 7671 and be installed by a qualified electrician.
A shaver socket is the only type of socket permitted in bathrooms. It must include an isolation transformer (complying with BS EN 61558-2-5) which provides electrical isolation for safety. The transformer reduces the risk of electric shock in wet environments. Shaver sockets must be installed at least 2.25m above floor level.