bathroom downlights

[kevben]

Hi guys, need to pick your brains again. On a part rewire at the moment (only doing main part of the house as extension was built 10 years ago and the main bathroom done recently) and need to incorporate all circuits into 1 x consumer unit. There are 2 x bathrooms in the property with 12V downlights and 240V extractor fans. The spots are NOT IP65 ,they are currently protected by 30mA RCD, the ceilings are above 2.25m .Is this compliant with current Regs as i will be signing the whole job off. Wicks installed the bathroom and issued a minor works certificate in October. Fan is located in zone 3.
In the extension same situation with spots but fan is located in zone 1 (wet room).
I personally only install 12V fans & IP65 12V spots in bathroom, just to cover myself!
With me not installing these fittings would like to clarify the situation before completing installation. cheers!

 

[Sintra]

Hi guys, need to pick your brains again. On a part rewire at the moment (only doing main part of the house as extension was built 10 years ago and the main bathroom done recently) and need to incorporate all circuits into 1 x consumer unit. There are 2 x bathrooms in the property with 12V downlights and 240V extractor fans. The spots are NOT IP65 ,they are currently protected by 30mA RCD, the ceilings are above 2.25m .Is this compliant with current Regs as i will be signing the whole job off. Wicks installed the bathroom and issued a minor works certificate in October. Fan is located in zone 3.
In the extension same situation with spots but fan is located in zone 1 (wet room).
I personally only install 12V fans & IP65 12V spots in bathroom, just to cover myself!
With me not installing these fittings would like to clarify the situation before completing installation. cheers!

Showers & shower pumps, extractor fans, electric towel rails, whirlpool units, water heaters, lights and SELV or PELV equipment not exceeding 25v ac or 60v dc are permitted in zone 1. All equipment must be fixed and permanently connected. The SELV or PELV transformer and isolator must be outside zones 0, 1 & 2. 701.55
Electrical equipment installed within zone 1 must be at least IPX4. 701.512.2

Lights are outside zones as above 2.25 so as long as they and fans are rcd protected and fan in zone 1 is IPX4 rated then no issue.

By the way there is no zone 3 any more.

 

[kevben]

I have always read it as you have but whenever i have had my assesment from NICEIC, they have always advised me to install 12V fans regardless of zone position. Plus whenever working in council controlled homes they always install 12V fans. Regarding the issue of IP65 spots, again i was advised by NICEIC assessors to continue this practice . Of course they are just covering there own arses and playing it safe but installation costs would be considerably reduced on many ,many jobs if following your advise. I guess it's down to what you feel is best practice etc...
Any other guys got any opinions on this matter, as for as long as i have been working, special locations (bathrooms) have always devided opinion

 

[chris gray]

tbh ben im with you, we always fit 12v fans and ip65 downlights in bathrooms.

 

[Sintra]

kevben the question you asked in your 1st post "Is this compliant with current Regs as i will be signing the whole job off."
The answer to this is yes but i personally install selv in bathrooms as i to think it is better practice.

 

[kevben]

Cheers Sintra confirmed my own thoughts. Would you make any comments on cert regading this matter?

 

[martysparky]

If you know its safer then it feels like you are cutting corners to cut cost, even within regs, and thus compromising safety and your knowledge at that point can you call it best practice.

Who dictates? The customer, The price or safety and your professional stance?

Food for thought.

 

[Des 56]

One thing to consider with downlights in the bathroom
If they are not sealed against moisture,there is the danger of the lamps popping and glass being trodden on by the user,they are not fit for purpose and i would try and convince the customer to swap them out for suitable fittings

 

[AEC]

Always fit IP65 fittings in bathrooms.

Might want to check that they are fire rated or hoods etc fitted as you didnt install them.

"Always remember to read the instructions. If in doubt consult a competent Electrician."