Spurs in Bathrooms

Can I install a switched fused spur in a bathroom?

Yes and No. Although this question is clearly covered in BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations and Guidance Note 7 Special Locations it’s still a common question that comes up time and time again, so we hope to clear up any misunderstandings on the position and locations of electrical points, switches, spurs and any other electrical equipment in bathrooms in this post.

For the purpose of this post when we refer to a bathroom this also includes shower rooms.

Bathroom Zones

In relation to electrical safety, in the UK, bathrooms are divided in to 3 Zones, Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2, there also used to be Zone 3 which has since been removed from BS 7671.

Within each bathroom zone there are specific conditions relating to the siting of and installation of electrical current using equipment, switches, control gear and lighting and the suitability / minimum requirements of that electrical equipment within a particular zone.

Bathroom zones are also applicable to other rooms which contain a bath or shower for example, a shower cubical in the corner of a bedroom.

Extra consideration should be also be taken on the suitability of any electrical equipment or accessories even if it is installed outside of a zone but still within a bathroom.

In addition to the bathroom zone requirements BS 7671 also comments that any piece of electrical equipment or accessories such as sockets, switches or fused spurs must be suitable for it’s intended location taking into consideration of external influences and the surrounding environment.

For further detailed information see Bathroom Zones.

Bathroom IP Ratings

• Zone 0: IPX7 (note 1)
• Zone 1: IPX4 (note 1)
• Zone 2: IPX4 (note 1)

Note 1, The general requirements of Parts 1 to 6 of the regulations are applicable within the zones of a room containing a bath or shower but are also supplemented by the additional requirements set out in part 701 of BS 7671.

For further information see IP Ratings of Electrical Equipment in Bathrooms

Spurs in Bathrooms

Whilst it’s not ideal to be installing switched spurs, un-switched fused spurs or flex-outlets within a bathroom there are a few conditions where a spur maybe installed within a bathroom should you deem it necessary but only if all of the conditions and requirements have been met, see BS 7671 and Guidance Note 7 (Special Locations) for details on the specific requirements.

Can I fit a spur in the bathroom?

Yes, but only if certain conditions are met.

Conditions where a spur could be installed within a bathroom are:

1. Must be protected by a 30mA (or lower) RCD
2. Spur must be installed outside of the bathroom zones (not in a zone)
3. Location of the spur must be suitable for its environment and external influences
4. Risk assessed
5. See BS 7671 & Guidance Note 7 requirements

If all of the above conditions have been met and a risk assessment does not recommend otherwise then you could consider installing a spur within a bathroom, but it is worth considering if the spur really needs to be in the bathroom or can it be installed somewhere else? Bathrooms can be wet and steamy locations and as we all know water and electrics don’t mix.

Can a spur be in zone 2?

No, under no circumstances can a spur, switched, fused or otherwise be installed within Zone 2 of a bathroom. Switched fused spurs and un-switched fused spurs are NOT PERMITTED within any zone of a bathroom.

Can a flex outlet be installed in zone 2 of a bathroom?

No, A standard flex-outlet must not be installed in zone 2 of a bathroom.

– This post refers to a standard 13A 230v (switched or un-switched) fused spur or flex-outlet.

For socket-outlets in bathrooms see Sockets in Bathrooms.