Part P Special Installations (Bathrooms/Outdoors)

Question 1

According to BS 7671 Section 701, what is the extent of Zone 1 in a bathroom with a bath?

Accepted Answer

The area directly above the bath tub to a height of 2.25m from the floor

Answer

The area within 0.6m horizontally from the edge of the bath

Answer

The entire bathroom

Answer

Only the area directly underneath the bath

Question 2

What IP rating is the minimum requirement for electrical equipment installed in Zone 1 of a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

IPX4 (splash-proof)

Answer

IPX0 (no protection)

Answer

IPX2 (drip-proof)

Answer

IPX7 (immersion-proof)

Question 3

Can a standard 13A socket outlet be installed in a domestic bathroom in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No — only shaver supply units complying with BS EN 61558-2-5 are permitted, installed at least 3m from Zone 1

Answer

Yes — anywhere in the bathroom

Answer

Yes — but only in Zone 2 with RCD protection

Answer

No socket outlets of any type are permitted in bathrooms

Question 4

What type of circuit is required for an electric shower installed in a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

A dedicated radial circuit from the consumer unit with appropriate RCD protection

Answer

It can be supplied from any convenient circuit

Answer

The ring final circuit with a fused spur

Answer

A lighting circuit with a 6A MCB

Question 5

A homeowner wants to install a heated towel rail in the bathroom. What are the electrical requirements?

Accepted Answer

It must be hardwired to a fused spur outside the zones, be Class I or Class II construction, and have appropriate IP rating for its zone location

Answer

It can be plugged into any socket

Answer

It must be battery-operated only

Answer

No electrical towel rails are permitted in bathrooms

Question 6

What is the maximum height of Zone 2 in a bathroom, and what does the zone extend to?

Accepted Answer

2.25m high, extending 0.6m horizontally from the outer edge of Zone 1

Answer

3.0m high, covering the entire bathroom

Answer

Ceiling height, extending 0.6m from Zone 1

Answer

2.25m high, extending 3.0m from the bath