Water and electricity close together is inherently more dangerous, so BS 7671 sets out specific “zones” around a bath or shower that dictate what electrical equipment can go where, and how well protected it needs to be. Here’s what that means for your bathroom refurbishment in Burgess Hill and the surrounding area.

THE BATHROOM ZONES, IN PLAIN TERMS

• Zone 0 – inside the bath or shower tray itself. Only low-voltage equipment specifically designed for total immersion is allowed here.
• Zone 1 – directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m. Water-resistant fittings only (rated IPX4 or higher), such as an appropriately rated shower light or extractor fan.
• Zone 2 – 0.6m beyond zone 1. Water-resistant fittings (IPX4), such as a shaver socket or light fitting.
• Outside the zones – the rest of the room. Standard fittings are permitted, though good practice still favours moisture-resistant fittings throughout a bathroom.

SOCKETS NEAR WATER

As a rule, ordinary 13A sockets are not permitted within 3m of the edge of a bath or shower. A shaver socket to BS EN 61558-2-5 is the exception, and can be sited in zone 2 or beyond.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR DESIGN

• Tell us where the bath, shower, and any underfloor heating will go as early as possible – ideally before first fix – so lighting, extractor fan and any socket positions can be planned around the zones correctly.
• All circuits in the bathroom must be RCD protected.
• Heated towel rails and underfloor heating are usually wired to a fused connection unit sited outside the zones, or via a suitably rated switch.
• Extractor fans are often required by Building Regulations in bathrooms without an opening window, and are sized to the room.

Planning a bathroom refurbishment often goes hand in hand with wider work – if your consumer unit is due an upgrade or the rest of the property needs attention, we can price that in at the same time. Get in touch with your plans and we’ll talk through what’s needed.

Any questions about this or your job? Call us on 01444 682683 or email info@mlpelectrics.co.uk – we’re happy to talk it through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the “zones” in a bathroom and why do they matter?

BS 7671 splits the area around a bath or shower into zones (0, 1 and 2) that set out what electrical equipment is allowed and how well protected it needs to be, because of the closer proximity of water and electricity. We plan fittings, sockets and lighting around these zones as part of your refurb.

Can I have a socket in my bathroom?

Ordinary 13A sockets aren’t permitted within 3m of the edge of a bath or shower. The exception is a shaver socket to BS EN 61558-2-5, which can be sited in zone 2 or beyond.

Is bathroom electrical work notifiable?

Yes – bathroom electrics fall under Part P of the Building Regulations. As NICEIC-registered electricians we self-certify this work under the Competent Person Scheme, so we handle the notification on your behalf.

When should I involve you in the design?

As early as possible, ideally before first fix – tell us where the bath, shower and any underfloor heating will go so lighting, extractor fan and socket positions can be planned around the zones correctly.