Socket outlet in a toilet?

omega · Jan 31, 2014

Hi all, just wondered if there is any specific guidance in the regs with relation to socket outlets in toilets?
Just in the process of doing a full rewire and the client has requested a socket in an outside toilet, ( new one on me and god knows what they want it for but hey, who am i to pry! ) No bath or shower, just the toilet. Any advice much appreciated guys and gals.

DefyG · Oct 31, 2023

As long as the IP rating is correct (ie Splashproof) it'll be fine!

Barry Brown · Oct 31, 2023

Though expensive piece of kit it’s Chinese. They probably don’t appreciate our safety laws. I will talk to washloo tomorrow.

Barry Brown · Oct 31, 2023

DefyG said:
As long as the IP rating is correct (ie Splashproof) it'll be fine!

Well I did think of fitting a waterproof socket against the wall which would be safe but not sure that would comply with the standard.

brianmoooore · Oct 31, 2023

Barry Brown said:
Well I did think of fitting a waterproof socket against the wall which would be safe but not sure that would comply with the standard.

It would be safe, as would an ordinary IP20 rated socket, if sensibly situated and outside the bath and shower zones, BUT there's nothing to stop anyone unplugging the loo and plugging in a hairdryer to use in the shower.
Any competent electrician conducting an EICR on this property would code the socket C2, giving the result "unsatisfactory" for the whole installation.

DefyG · Oct 31, 2023

brianmoooore said:
It would be safe, as would an ordinary IP20 rated socket, if sensibly situated and outside the bath and shower zones, BUT there's nothing to stop anyone unplugging the loo and plugging in a hairdryer to use in the shower.
Any competent electrician conducting an EICR on this property would code the socket C2, giving the result "unsatisfactory" for the whole installation.

Its a WC not a bathroom (See Op's original Post #1)

brianmoooore · Oct 31, 2023

Original was, but this is a resurrected thread with a 'new' OP, and a very significant difference.

Barry Brown · Nov 1, 2023

brianmoooore said:
It would be safe, as would an ordinary IP20 rated socket, if sensibly situated and outside the bath and shower zones, BUT there's nothing to stop anyone unplugging the loo and plugging in a hairdryer to use in the shower.
Any competent electrician conducting an EICR on this property would code the socket C2, giving the result "unsatisfactory" for the whole installation.

Barry Brown · Nov 1, 2023

I guess so. But there always a way for anyone to get an extension lead through to the bathroom plug in a hairdryer to use in the shower. But I see what mean. Is there anything against removing the plug and extending by soldering and shrink wrapping with a cable that’s connected through a wall elsewhere?

Julie. · Nov 1, 2023

Barry Brown said:
I guess so. But there always a way for anyone to get an extension lead through to the bathroom plug in a hairdryer to use in the shower. But I see what mean. Is there anything against removing the plug and extending by soldering and shrink wrapping with a cable that’s connected through a wall elsewhere?

No, but I would actually use a proper ip rated connector, in addition, don't cut the cable as it goes into the plug's strain relief, actually cut it within the plug itself - this could add several mm to the available length.

Does the plug have an earth/cpc connection?

If it is just the line and neutral (I.e. a plastic earth connection) then you could just fit a 2 pin shaver style connector and install a shaver outlet for this device (assuming it's a low power thing)

Barry Brown · Nov 1, 2023

It looks like a really well made plug which is annoying to think I might have to cut it off. See photos. Just also found out that the supply to the immersion comes off the ring main to the new section of the house so need another supply so floorboards up. Toilet takes 1.3kw.
See photos

littlespark · Nov 1, 2023

1.3kW for a toilet?
What the heck does it do?

Heated seat, or macerater type waste?

Moley · Nov 1, 2023

Is it just the photo or is the earth pin sleeved with just the tip exposed? If it is and whatever it is thats connected isn't double insulated then cut it off and throw it away. You'll get no earth continuity. Come to think of it I can's see a BS mark on it.

loz2754 · Nov 1, 2023

Moley said:
Is it just the photo or is the earth pin sleeved with just the tip exposed? If it is and whatever it is thats connected isn't double insulated then cut it off and throw it away. You'll get no earth continuity. Come to think of it I can's see a BS mark on it.

Good observation. Apart from the BS1363 clearly marked! (Though the mark may not be genuine in any case)

DPG · Nov 1, 2023

Moley said:
Is it just the photo or is the earth pin sleeved with just the tip exposed? If it is and whatever it is thats connected isn't double insulated then cut it off and throw it away. You'll get no earth continuity. Come to think of it I can's see a BS mark on it.

I wondered that, but I think it might just be because the earth pin is in shadow.

OP, can you confirm?

Barry Brown · Nov 1, 2023

littlespark said:
1.3kW for a toilet?
What the heck does it do?

Heated seat, or macerater type waste?

It’s the latest Japanese toilet from company called Washloo. It washes and dries at temperatures you can set them at. Also has heated seat. They are great for people who have physical disabilities, dementia and suchlike. Helps to keep them from getting UTIs etc. Having said that people I know have visited Japan have them in great regard. This one’s made in China