What Are the Rules for Installing Switchgear and Accessories in Bathrooms?

What Are the Rules for Installing Switchgear and Accessories in Bathrooms?

When installing electrical equipment in bathrooms, it is crucial to comply with BS 7671 regulation 701.512.3 to ensure safety and compliance with legal standards. Here’s a detailed look at this regulation.

Regulation 701.512.3 states:

"The following requirements do not apply to switches and controls which are incorporated in fixed current-using equipment suitable for use in that zone or to insulating pull cords of cord-operated switches.

• In zone 0: Switchgear or accessories shall not be installed.

• In zone 1: Only switches of SELV circuits supplied at a nominal voltage not exceeding 12 V AC rms or 30 V ripple-free DC shall be installed, the safety source being installed outside zones 0, 1, and 2.

• In zone 2: Switchgear, accessories incorporating switches or socket-outlets shall not be installed with the exception of:

  • i) Switches and socket-outlets of SELV circuits, the safety source being installed outside zones 0, 1, and 2; and
  • ii) Shaver supply units complying with BS EN 61558-2-5.

Except for SELV socket-outlets complying with Section 414 and shaver supply units complying with BS EN 61558-2-5, socket-outlets are prohibited within a distance of 2.5 m horizontally from the boundary of zone 1."

Explanation of the Regulation

To simplify the understanding of this regulation:

• Zone 0: No switchgear or accessories should be installed. This is the area inside the bath or shower itself, where the risk of water exposure is the highest.
• Zone 1: Only safety extra-low voltage (SELV) circuits are permitted, with a maximum of 12V AC or 30V DC. These must be supplied from a source located outside Zones 0, 1, and 2. Zone 1 is typically the area above the bath or shower up to a height of 2.25 meters from the floor.
• Zone 2: This area extends 0.6 meters beyond Zone 1 and 2.25 meters above the floor. In this zone, only SELV circuits and shaver supply units that meet specific standards are allowed.
  • Switches and socket-outlets of SELV circuits must be supplied from a source outside Zones 0, 1, and 2.
  • Shaver supply units must comply with BS EN 61558-2-5.
• General Rule for Socket-Outlets: Socket-outlets are generally not allowed within 2.5 meters horizontally from the boundary of Zone 1, with the exception of specific SELV outlets and shaver units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is SELV?

A: Regulation 701.512.3 mentions SELV, which stands for Safety Extra-Low Voltage. It refers to an electrical system in which the voltage is low enough to prevent dangerous electric shock. It typically does not exceed 50V AC or 120V DC.

Q: Can I install a regular light switch in my bathroom?

A: According to Regulation 701.512.3, regular light switches are not allowed in Zones 0, 1, or 2. Instead, consider using pull-cord switches or placing the switch outside the bathroom.

Q: Are there any exceptions for installing electrical equipment in these zones?

A: Yes, Regulation 701.512.3 allows exceptions for SELV circuits and specific shaver supply units that comply with the standards mentioned in the regulation.

Q: How can I identify the zones in my bathroom?

A:

• Zone 0 is the interior of the bath or shower.
• Zone 1 is the area directly above Zone 0, up to 2.25 meters from the floor.
• Zone 2 extends 0.6 meters horizontally beyond Zone 1 and up to 2.25 meters above the floor.

Q: What is the general rule for socket-outlets in bathrooms?

A: Regulation 701.512.3 states that socket-outlets are generally not allowed within 2.5 meters horizontally from the boundary of Zone 1, with the exception of specific SELV outlets and shaver units.

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can ensure that electrical installations in bathrooms are safe and comply with BS 7671 regulations.