Wire the bathroom safely using IEE regulations.
The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), founded in 1871, was a professional British organization consisting of electrical engineers. This organization had a worldwide membership and was the largest professional engineering society. In 2006, the IEE joined with the Institution of Incorporated Engineers to form the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This professional organization is responsible for regulating electrical safety standards. As of 2010, the 17th Edition of IET Wiring Regulations is available for purchase and outlines safety measures for wiring in all home and business areas. Wiring the bathroom can be difficult because of the close proximity to water sources. This manual outlines the fundamentals of wiring a bathroom safely.
Zones
The 17th Edition of IET Wiring Regulations designates three zones (numbered 0 to 2) in bathroom areas. Zone 0 is the wettest and consists of the interior of the bath or shower which can hold water. Zone 1 is the vertical and horizontal area 2.25 m above the bottom of the bath or shower, measured from the center. Zone 2 is the space beyond zones 0 and 1, 0.6 m horizontally and up to 2.25 m vertically. Any recessed window sill next to the bath or shower is also included. Each zone has its own regulations. All installations after June 2008 must adhere to the guidelines for these zones.
Circuit Protection
All electrical bathroom circuits are required to be protected by Residual Current Devices (RCD), which are no more than 30mA. This rule applies to both outlets and equipment used in the bathroom whether it is controlled by a local or remotely located switch.
Equipment Usage
All electrical equipment requires a certain level of mechanical and moisture protection. Each piece is labeled with an Ingress Protection number which appears as "IPXY". "X" is a number that shows the level of mechanical protection and "Y" is a number that shows the level of moisture protection. If a piece of equipment does not have an IP number, it cannot be used in zones 0, 1 or 2. Any electrical item approved for use in a zone may be used in any higher numbered zone.
Zone 0 only allows low voltage (max. 12 volts) and IPX7 products. Electrical equipment in zone 1 is required to be IPX4 or better. Zone 2 permits electrical products which IPX4 or better, or SELV with the transformer located beyond zone 2.
Tags: bath shower, 17th Edition, 17th Edition Wiring, bathroom safely, Edition Wiring