Bathroom sockets – safe and efficient installation. A guide

Why do bathroom sockets require special rules?

Water and electricity are a combination that needs control. In a bathroom, the risk of the electrical installation coming into contact with moisture is much higher than in other rooms, which is why regulations clearly define where and which sockets can be installed.

Correct socket placement:

• increases household safety,
• reduces the risk of electric shock,
• makes daily use of appliances more convenient.

Which electrical zones apply in the bathroom?

The basis for planning sockets in a bathroom is dividing the room into protective zones. Each zone determines what electrical equipment can be placed there. Below you’ll find a simplified overview of the most important zones.

Zone 0 – inside the bathtub or shower enclosure

This is an area in direct contact with water. Installing sockets and standard electrical devices is prohibited here.

Only devices with a very high protection level are allowed (minimum IPX7), designed to operate while submerged.

Zone 1 – the immediate area around the bathtub or shower

This zone covers the space up to 60 cm around the bathtub or shower enclosure, including above it.

Only equipment resistant to water jets can be installed here (minimum IPX5), but power sockets are still not permitted.

Zone 2 – the higher-humidity area

This is the area from 60 cm to about 2.25 m away from the bathtub or shower, as well as the area around the washbasin.

In this zone, selected electrical components with an appropriate IP rating may be installed, but standard sockets are still not recommended.

Zone 3 – the safe area for installing sockets

This is the “driest” part of the bathroom, located away from water sources. This is where space is intended for:

• power sockets,
• light switches,
• connecting a washing machine and other appliances.

Bathroom sockets should only be installed in zone 3. Trying to bypass this rule creates a real risk to health and life.

At what height should you install sockets and switches in the bathroom?

Besides the zones, the installation height of electrical fittings also matters. Proper placement increases safety and user comfort. Most commonly, the following solutions are used:

• power sockets – approx. 120 cm above the floor,
• light switches – approx. 140 cm,
• light fittings – minimum 200 cm.

This layout reduces the risk of contact with water and makes daily use of the installation easier.

Washing machine socket – where should you plan it?

The washing machine socket must also be located in zone 3, away from water sources. Most often it is placed:

• behind the washing machine,
• in an adjacent cabinet,
• within fitted furniture.

This keeps the installation safe and protects the socket from splashes.

Which sockets work well in the bathroom?

Any socket installed in a bathroom should be protected against moisture. Models with a protective cover are the standard.

In practice, that means:

• an IP44 rating or higher,
• a spring-loaded flap that closes automatically,
• a housing resistant to water splashes.

These solutions significantly increase everyday safety.

Why is correct socket installation in the bathroom important?

A poorly planned bathroom electrical installation isn’t just an aesthetic issue. It’s a real risk of faults, electric shock, and costly rework after the renovation is finished.

Well-designed sockets:

• work reliably for years,
• reduce the need for improvised extension leads,
• give everyone at home a greater sense of safety.

Bathroom sockets require a well-thought-out plan and compliance with the current standards. The right zones, correct installation height, and higher-rated moisture protection make the bathroom safe and convenient for everyday use.

It’s one of those elements you don’t notice at first glance, but that matter hugely for years to come.

Check out Rea’s range and plan your bathroom in one place — from fittings and lighting to solutions that support safe everyday use. This way, you’ll avoid random decisions and achieve a cohesive, well-finished result.

FAQ

Can you install a socket near the washbasin?

Yes, but only in zone 3 and with an appropriate distance from the water source.

What IP rating should a bathroom socket have?

At least IP44, i.e., protection against water splashes.

Can the washing machine socket be behind the appliance?

Yes, this is one of the most common and safe solutions.

Can sockets be installed in zone 1 or 2?

No. Power sockets are permitted only in zone 3.

Can you install bathroom sockets yourself?

The installation should always be carried out by a qualified electrician — it’s a safety issue.