Sockets in bathrooms

[Andy78]

However, I do think a new type outlet should be designed and approved for within this zone, and that would effectively be a USB port - having similar isolation as the shaver outlets

So people won't be inclined to run extension leads for phone/tech chargers into the zone!

That rings a bell.
I'm sure it's been argued on this forum before that currently available usb charging euro modules would suffice for current rules in bathrooms.

 

[Julie.]

That rings a bell.
I'm sure it's been argued on this forum before that currently available usb charging euro modules would suffice for current rules in bathrooms.

The issue for me is that there's no guarantee in the current requirements for proper isolation with the USB ports.

It may be the case that there is in most cases, but there needs to be a rule - either all USB outlets must have proper isolation suitable for use in a zone, in which case you could use any; or that those that do have proper isolation are marked as such, in which case those would be the only ones which could be used in a zone.

 

[wheeto]

I don't understand what you would want a 1363 socket in a bathroom for?

You don't have much call for a hairdryer? I know I don't ?

 

[SJD]

I have a socket outlet within 1m of my bath tub, it just happens to be on the landing.

So do I, and fortunately there is sufficient gap under the bathroom door for a cable, if I ever need power in the bathroom!

 

[Baddegg]

You don't have much call for a hairdryer? I know I don't ?

Dave has more call for a hairdryer than most women mate!......I’d like even half of it!....not when it’s blue though @davesparks it would clash with my eyes ?

 

[davesparks]

You don't have much call for a hairdryer? I know I don't ?

Actually I do, and hair straighteners occasionally, my hair is well past shoulder length. But I have never yet felt the need to use a hairdryer in the bathroom.

 

[littlespark]

I think I mentioned once installing a usb socket in a bathroom, but I’ve not done it yet due to being advised it wasn’t the same isolating transformer as a shaver point.
Might put it outside the bathroom by the light switch....

when my family visited my brother in law in New Zealand, they had an rcd protected socket in the bathroom. One of those power breaker branded types. It was right next to the basin, but across the room from the bathtub. Possibly a metre away?
different regulations of course.

 

[wheeto]

when my family visited my brother in law in New Zealand, they had an rcd protected socket in the bathroom. One of those power breaker branded types. It was right next to the basin, but across the room from the bathtub. Possibly a metre away?
different regulations of course.

Common on the continent, too. I'm surprised people think it's too dangerous here. I think my friend decided that the trip hazard from the hairdryer cable going under the door from the landing was a worse risk than a socket near the mirror

 

[davesparks]

Common on the continent, too. I'm surprised people think it's too dangerous here. I think my friend decided that the trip hazard from the hairdryer cable going under the door from the landing was a worse risk than a socket near the mirror

Yes UK electrical regulations can be very old fashioned at times, but have also been regarded as being among the safest in the world.
Should we lower our standards on some things to match what other countries do, or should they raise their standards to match what we do?

Of course we aren't perfect and there are areas where the UK needs to raise its standards to match the rest of the world, such as with TNCS supplies and earth electrodes.

 

[littlespark]

Ive seen it a few times in park homes, or holiday homes (static caravans to you and I)
The space in the shower room, if theres enough room to fit in a washing machine or tumble drier or something.... so Danny DIY goes and fits a double socket.
Had to remove anything like that if we were tasked with selling the caravan on.

Some homes came new with the boiler cupboard inside the bathroom.... behind a cabinet door, turned out to be about 1m from outside the shower cubicle door...

All these newer units had an RCD mainswitch in their own CU, plus the 16A RCBO hookup from the park. (2 x 30mA in line.... never good)

I doubt if theres a difference in the electrical regs between a holiday unit, and whats classed as a residential unit... differences in the build. (higher ceiling, more floorspace in bedrooms) but should be no difference in wiring regs.

But back to the OP... Im certain no future editions will allow it. No one knows how long flexes could be? so you could have the situation of a radio, or small plug in heater sitting precariously close to a bathtub full of water and wet human.
If someone wants to do it with extension leads from the landing, then that's where Darwin Awards get their nominations from.

 

[Zerax]

I don't understand what you would want a 1363 socket in a bathroom for?

I'd love to blow-dry my hair in the bathroom... nice big mirror in there too ! Where do you usually blow-dry yours ?
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But back to the OP... Im certain no future editions will allow it. No one knows how long flexes could be? so you could have the situation of a radio, or small plug in heater sitting precariously close to a bathtub full of water and wet human.
If someone wants to do it with extension leads from the landing, then that's where Darwin Awards get their nominations from.

We just need a rule against "stupidity"... and not just for wiring regulations either. Imagine if we had a law against "being stupid"... it would cover so much and make law enforcement far easier. I think I'm onto something here...

 

[andyb]

Imagine if we had a law against "being stupid"... it would cover so much and make law enforcement far easier. I think I'm onto something here...

I'd have to turn myself in.

 

[pc1966]

We just need a rule against "stupidity"... and not just for wiring regulations either. Imagine if we had a law against "being stupid"... it would cover so much and make law enforcement far easier. I think I'm onto something here...

Yes but look at the bunch of morons who get to decide what new laws are passed...
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I think I mentioned once installing a usb socket in a bathroom, but I’ve not done it yet due to being advised it wasn’t the same isolating transformer as a shaver point.

I guess a USB charger is small enough load to be fed off a shaver isolation transformer?

 

[littlespark]

I guess a USB charger is small enough load to be fed off a shaver isolation transformer?

Probably. But id have to supply the usb charger from the secondary side of the shaver transformer, which could mean soldering. Dont normally come with screw terminals on the outgoing.
Or a usb charger that just plugs in? European charger perhaps?

 

[pc1966]

Probably. But id have to supply the usb charger from the secondary side of the shaver transformer, which could mean soldering. Dont normally come with screw terminals on the outgoing.
Or a usb charger that just plugs in? European charger perhaps?

Look to see if the isolating transformers are separately available, maybe to fit one half of a euro type modular plate and a deep back-box, or see if USB modules are available that fully meet the isolation requirements on their own.

A new market opportunity for someone?