Bathroom Electrics: What's Allowed and What Isn't

Bathrooms are classified as Special Locations in BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) because water and electricity are a dangerous combination. The regulations set out specific requirements for electrical installations in bathrooms, shower rooms, and wet rooms, dividing the space into zones and specifying which electrical equipment may be installed in each zone.

Zone 0 is defined as the interior of the bath or shower tray — permanently wet. Only SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) equipment at no more than 12V AC may be installed in Zone 0, and it must have a minimum IP rating of IPX7. In practice, this means only purpose-designed underwater bath/shower lighting. Zone 1 is directly above the bath or shower tray up to 2.25m above the floor. Equipment in Zone 1 must have a minimum IP rating of IPX4 (splash proof) and be rated for the voltages encountered. Zone 2 extends 0.6m horizontally from the Zone 1 boundary.

Outside the zones, standard electrical equipment may be installed, subject to RCD protection — which is mandatory for all circuits in a bathroom. Shaving sockets (BS EN 61558-2-5 isolating transformers) are specifically permitted in bathrooms even close to basins, as they provide electrical isolation. Shaver sockets must not be confused with standard socket outlets, which are not permitted within 3m of a bath or shower (outside the zones).

Common bathroom electrical work includes electric shower circuits, shaver sockets, extractor fan connections, heated towel rail connections, underfloor heating controls, and IP-rated lighting. All such work must be carried out by a qualified electrician, tested, and certificated. Any work in a bathroom is notifiable under Part P. DP Power Solutions carries out all types of bathroom electrical work and ensures full compliance with BS 7671 Part 7.