Light Switches in Bathrooms

[LastManOnline]

Thanks for your responses. Yes I can either install a pull cord or a switch outside, but the point of my post is to challenge the general assumption that you can never have a switch in a bathroom.

My response to the points raised:

• I’m confused by the comment that IPx5 isn’t enough to protect against condensation even outside of zones. Even within zones 1 and 2 the legal minimum is IPx4. What’s the minimum you’d recommend for any other accessories in a bathroom then? IPx6? IPx7?
• The regs state that you can have a normal 240v plug socket can be installed 3m from the boundary of zone 1. My switch would be more than 3m from zone 1, so if condensation is a problem then why can I legally install a regular socket?

I appreciate I’m in the lions’ den here but just wanted to get your views on it

Your confusion is completely justified. Like many other objectively minded reasonable people you naturally wonder why an electrician considers it fine for you to step into a shower tray and operate an electric shower while water is flowing around your feet but consider it deadly dangerous to operate a light switch 2 mts from the wet area.

 

[DPG]

Your confusion is completely justified. Like many other objectively minded reasonable people you naturally wonder why an electrician considers it fine for you to step into a shower tray and operate an electric shower while water is flowing around your feet but consider it deadly dangerous to operate a light switch 2 mts from the wet area.

An electric shower is designed to be used in a wet environment. It is specifically built for this purpose. A standard light switch is not, and shouldn't be operated by someone who is dripping wet.

 

[LastManOnline]

An electric shower is designed to be used in a wet environment. It is specifically built for this purpose. A standard light switch is not, and shouldn't be operated by someone who is dripping wet.

A standard light switch is used in virtually every other country in the world in situations I described above. And guess what, people like you and me use them freely when we travel abroad. Ever had any problems?

 

[DPG]

A standard light switch is used in virtually every other country in the world in situations I described above. And guess what, people like you and me use them freely when we travel abroad. Ever had any problems?

A lot of other countries have light fittings that aren't suitable for bathrooms too. So are you also saying we should just fit whatever light fittings we want in bathrooms?

No, I've never personally had a problem. However that doesn't make it OK.

 

[LastManOnline]

A lot of other countries have light fittings that aren't suitable for bathrooms too. So are you also saying we should just fit whatever light fittings we want in bathrooms?

No, I've never personally had a problem. However that doesn't make it OK.

Well let's just stick with the light switch for now.The OP made a completely reasonable comment using good sense. He is told that in the UK and here (ROI) that he is somehow in "mortal danger" if he uses a light switch in his bathroom. He has likely noticed when he goes abroad that people use switches (and sockets) in bathrooms. In fact he has done the same himself (and survived!) He has noticed that people are not lying dead in the streets.He has rightly concluded that something is not stacking up here.

 

[DPG]

Well let's just stick with the light switch for now.The OP made a completely reasonable comment using good sense. He is told that in the UK and here (ROI) that he is somehow in "mortal danger" if he uses a light switch in his bathroom. He has likely noticed when he goes abroad that people use switches (and sockets) in bathrooms. In fact he has done the same himself (and survived!) He has noticed that people are not lying dead in the streets.He has rightly concluded that something is not stacking up here.

Well I personally would not operate a standard light switch when I was wet from getting out of the bath.

 

[LastManOnline]

Well I personally would not operate a standard light switch when I was wet from getting out of the bath.

Neither would I. Amazing how the continentals have managed to educate their populations in the safe use of electrics in wet areas. Could we learn something there?

 

[pc1966]

Ah, the smell of Darwin in the morning!

 

[DPG]

Neither would I. Amazing how the continentals have managed to educate their populations in the safe use of electrics in wet areas. Could we learn something there?

Well most people in the uk probably wouldn't use the switches when wet either. But surely better safe than sorry?

 

[LastManOnline]

Ah, the smell of Darwin in the morning!

I won't even pretend to know what that comment means?

 

[pc1966]

It is less disturbing that the old favourite "Frying tonight!"

Credit to the late great Kenneth Williams...

 

[littlespark]

Have you never heard of the Darwin Awards?

 

[LastManOnline]

Well most people in the uk probably wouldn't use the switches when wet either. But surely better safe than sorry?

I don't know about you but I feel comepletely safe using a light switch in a bathroom. Just like using sockets in kitchens when cooking or washing we all take common sense precautions. Now when I step into an electric shower even though as you say its "designed" I am always aware of the greater potential for danger. Having worked on them for many years (perhaps like yourself) I am not overly impressed with the "design" of them.

 

[LastManOnline]

Have you never heard of the Darwin Awards?

Yes. thanks. I did, nt realise I was been nominated though?

 

[Midwest]

Couldn’t sleep to night, ended up pursuing on here. From my research, it seems the French for example have similar zones in bathrooms, much as we have. But apparently larger bathrooms than we. So is it a bit of a myth that they put light switches next to a bath or shower cubic?

If you consider safety, you don't see many sockets & light switches in swimming pool confines, so why would a bathroom be any less different?

Some French comments on the subject;

https://ckenb.blogspot.com/2010/06/french-light-switches.html
https://sarlwiseman.com/blog/post/french-electrical-regulations---part-2-bathroom-zones
https://www.completefrance.com/living-in-france/french-plumbing-and-electrics-1-1518579

Of course you could take it to another level.

https://www.amusingplanet.com/2016/08/denki-buro-electric-baths-of-japan.html

Must try and get some sleep now.