Part P Bathroom Zone Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Are standard socket outlets permitted in Zone 2 of a bathroom?
- No — socket outlets are not permitted in Zone 1 or Zone 2; only SELV shaving sockets (BS EN 61558-2-5) may be installed in Zone 2 (Correct answer)
- Yes, if protected by a 30 mA RCD
- Yes, if the socket has an IPX4 rating
- Yes, for electric shavers only without restriction
Correct answer: No — socket outlets are not permitted in Zone 1 or Zone 2; only SELV shaving sockets (BS EN 61558-2-5) may be installed in Zone 2
Standard socket outlets are not permitted in Zones 0, 1 or 2 of a bathroom. Only specially designed SELV shaving units (conforming to BS EN 61558-2-5) containing an isolating transformer may be installed in Zone 2.
Question 2: Where is the closest permitted location for a standard socket outlet in a bathroom?
- Outside Zone 2 (more than 0.6 m from the boundary of Zone 1) and where it cannot be reached from the bath or shower (Correct answer)
- Anywhere outside Zone 1
- Within 1 m of the bath if protected by a 30 mA RCD
- Within Zone 2 if surface-mounted and IP44
Correct answer: Outside Zone 2 (more than 0.6 m from the boundary of Zone 1) and where it cannot be reached from the bath or shower
Standard socket outlets must be installed outside Zone 2, at a safe distance from the bath or shower (more than 0.6 m from Zone 1 boundary), where they cannot reasonably be reached by a person using the bath.
Question 3: What type of shaving socket is permitted within Zone 2 of a bathroom?
- A shaver supply unit conforming to BS EN 61558-2-5, incorporating an isolating transformer providing SELV (Correct answer)
- Any single socket outlet on a 30 mA RCD
- Any IP44-rated socket outlet
- A standard 13 A socket outlet only outside Zone 1
Correct answer: A shaver supply unit conforming to BS EN 61558-2-5, incorporating an isolating transformer providing SELV
BS EN 61558-2-5 shaver supply units contain an isolating transformer and comply with specific safety requirements for wet areas; they provide SELV, preventing dangerous shock even if the supply becomes wet.
Question 4: What wiring methods are permitted in bathroom zones?
- Cables concealed in walls or ceilings are permitted (if correctly zoned); surface wiring should be in appropriate conduit with connections in IP44 or higher-rated enclosures (Correct answer)
- Any standard domestic wiring method
- Only mineral-insulated cable (MICC)
- Only conduit wiring on the surface
Correct answer: Cables concealed in walls or ceilings are permitted (if correctly zoned); surface wiring should be in appropriate conduit with connections in IP44 or higher-rated enclosures
In bathroom zones, wiring should ideally be concealed or if surface-run should be in appropriate systems; all accessories and enclosures within the zones must have the minimum IP rating required for that zone.
Question 5: Can a pull-cord switch be installed inside a bathroom zone?
- Yes — a ceiling-mounted pull-cord switch with appropriate IP rating (minimum IPX4 in Zone 1) may be installed in bathroom zones (Correct answer)
- No — no switching of any kind is permitted in bathroom zones
- Only if operated by a qualified electrician
- Only push-button switches are permitted
Correct answer: Yes — a ceiling-mounted pull-cord switch with appropriate IP rating (minimum IPX4 in Zone 1) may be installed in bathroom zones
Ceiling-mounted pull-cord switches are commonly installed in bathroom zones; they must have the minimum IP rating required for the specific zone in which they are located (minimum IPX4 in Zone 1).
Question 6: What is the purpose of the SELV requirement in bathroom Zone 0?
- To limit the maximum voltage to 12 V AC so that even if the supply becomes wet, the shock current through the body is below the electrocution threshold (Correct answer)
- To increase the available current
- To allow standard accessories to be used
- To reduce electromagnetic interference
Correct answer: To limit the maximum voltage to 12 V AC so that even if the supply becomes wet, the shock current through the body is below the electrocution threshold
12 V SELV in Zone 0 limits the maximum available voltage to well below 50 V (the conventional shock threshold), so even if a person in the bath contacts the supply there is insufficient voltage to drive a lethal current through the body.
Part P Bathroom Zone Regulations 2
Are standard socket outlets permitted in Zone 2 of a bathroom?