Bathroom sockets – safe and efficient installation. A guide

It’s hard to imagine a modern bathroom without electricity. It’s needed to properly light the interior, but also to use electric shavers, curling tongs, hairdryers and many other handy devices. Sockets in the bathroom are therefore essential for convenient use of the aforementioned appliances. It’s worth taking a moment, however, to consider their safe and efficient installation. In this article you’ll read how it should look. Check it out!

Electrical sockets in bathrooms – regulations

At what height should bathroom sockets be placed so you can use them efficiently and safely? There are specific regulations defining the mounting height of electrical sockets. The standard for each zone in the bathroom is slightly different, so it’s worth outlining each of them.

Zone 0 – the interior of the bath/shower enclosure. The regulations state that any electrical equipment installed within this zone must have a minimum protection level of IPX7 (immersion in water to a depth of 1 m for 30 minutes).

Zone 1 – covers the area in the bathroom within 60 cm of the bath or shower, both lengthways and widthways. Here it is permissible to install equipment with a minimum protection level of IPX5 (resistant to a low-pressure water jet for 180 seconds).

Zone 2 – covers the area of the bathroom outside zones 0 and 1 that is not directly exposed to water splashes. This is the area from 60 cm to 2.25 metres from the bath or shower, as well as the area around the washbasin and toilet. Here, too, electrical accessories with IPX5 protection should be installed.

Zone 3 – a safe and dry area of the bathroom located a considerable distance, usually from 2.25 metres upwards, from sources of water such as the bath, shower or washbasin. In this space there is no risk of moisture or direct contact with water, which allows free, fully safe and comfortable use of electrical devices such as sockets, lighting and other equipment.

When installing sockets, all standards indicated by the regulations must be observed. Otherwise, there is a risk of dangerous consequences associated with electric shock, loss of health, or even life.

Bathroom sockets – how to install them?

Want to install a socket by the washbasin? You must do this in zone 3 (only there can sockets or electrical switches be installed), away from direct contact with water. The socket should be protected against moisture and placed at the appropriate height:

• sockets at a height of 120 cm
• light switches at 140 cm
• light fittings at a minimum height of 200 cm

At what height should the socket for a washing machine or other electrical appliances be placed? – that’s an equally common question. The answer is simple – the socket for the washing machine should be located in zone 3, away from zones 0, 1 and 2, where there is a risk of contact with water.

In zones one and zero, no sockets or other electrical equipment may be installed apart from water heaters. These must, however, be properly protected; otherwise they do not meet safety standards, and using them poses very serious consequences!

Remember that all sockets in your bathroom should have special protection. This is a spring-loaded flap that ensures splash-proofing. The plastics used for these flaps carry the IP44 protection marking. The spring in splash-proof models enables the automatic closing of the socket’s protective cover.

Why correct installation of sockets in the bathroom is so important

Appropriate positioning of electrical sockets and other devices in the bathroom ensures safety and allows effective use of electrical equipment. Adhering to the standards and regulations regarding protection zones and the mounting height of sockets and switches is extremely important – you’ll avoid the risk of electric shock and other dangerous situations.

A safe electrical installation in the bathroom provides peace of mind, doesn’t risk failure, and prevents unpleasant surprises. Ensure the electrical work in this room is carried out professionally by choosing the experience and skills of qualified professionals!