Bathroom sockets – safe and efficient installation. A guide

It’s hard to imagine a modern bathroom without electricity. It is needed for proper interior lighting, but also to use electric shavers, curling irons, hairdryers and many other helpful appliances. Bathroom sockets are therefore essential for convenient use of the aforementioned equipment. It is, however, worth taking a moment to consider their safe and efficient installation. In this article, you’ll learn how it should be done. Check it out!

Electrical sockets in bathrooms – regulations

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

Zone 0 – the interior of the bath/shower enclosure. Regulations state that any electrical equipment installed inside 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 a 60 cm radius of the bath or shower, in any direction. 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 bathroom area 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 basin and the toilet. Electrical equipment installed here should also have IPX5 protection.

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

When installing sockets, all standards specified by the regulations must be observed. Otherwise, there is a risk of electric shock, serious injury and even death.

Sockets in the bathroom – how to install them?

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

What height should the socket for a washing machine or other electrical appliances be at? – 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 you must not install any sockets or other electrical devices except water heaters. However, these must be properly protected; otherwise they do not meet safety standards and using them carries very serious consequences!

Make sure all sockets in your bathroom have special protection. This is a spring‑loaded flap that provides splash resistance. The plastics from which the flaps are made carry the IP44 protection rating. The spring in splashproof models serves to automatically close the socket’s protective cover.

Why correct installation of sockets in the bathroom is so important

Appropriate placement of electrical sockets and other devices in the bathroom ensures safety and allows efficient use of electrical equipment. Observing the standards and regulations concerning protection zones and the mounting heights of sockets and switches is crucial – you’ll avoid the risk of electric shock and other dangerous situations.

A safe electrical installation in the bathroom provides peace of mind, is not prone to failure and prevents unpleasant surprises. Ensure the electrical works in this room are carried out professionally by opting for experienced, skilled professionals!