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—Safety and decisions

Electrical safety in bathrooms

Water lowers the body’s resistance to electric current. That is why bathrooms have their own rules for electrics.

Bathrooms are divided into zones based on distance from baths and showers. Each zone limits what electrical equipment can be installed and what protection it needs. Light fittings near showers must be suitably rated; ordinary sockets are generally not installed in bathrooms; shaver outlets are designed specifically for low-power use.

Safety and decision guides are advice for the reader. They describe practice, not a service level.

Portable appliances — heaters, hair dryers plugged in on extension leads, phone chargers near the bath — bring risk into the room. Fixed installations by an electrician, and RCD protection, keep bathrooms safe.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Zones matter

    Equipment depends on distance from water.

  • No ordinary sockets

    Shaver outlets are designed for bathrooms.

  • Keep portable appliances out

    Especially heaters and leads.

02Detail

Bathroom electrics

  • Lighting

    Fittings rated for their zone.

  • Fans and heaters

    Installed with suitable protection and controls.

  • Switching

    Pull cords or switches outside the room.

  • RCD protection

    For circuits serving bathrooms.

  • Mirror and cabinet lighting

    Illuminated mirrors and cabinets are connected as fixed equipment, rated for their position.

03Checklist

Do not

  • Use extension leads into the bathroom

    For hair dryers or heaters.

  • Charge phones near baths

    Keep chargers away from water.

  • Touch switches with wet hands

    Dry hands first.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Can I have a socket in my bathroom?
Ordinary sockets are generally avoided; shaver outlets are designed for bathrooms.
Are LED strip lights allowed?
Only products rated for the zone, with drivers outside wet areas.
Why is my bathroom switch outside?
To keep switching away from water.
Can a hair dryer be used in the bathroom?
Many people do; keep it away from water and never use it near a filled bath.
Are bathroom heaters a good idea?
Only fixed heaters installed for bathroom use, with suitable controls and protection.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under electrical work. All topics are on the guides page.

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