Thoughts please.

[Dunc]

Doing a price at the moment for a job with a very high spec and noticed that a request has been made to put a socket in the shower room with the specific use of a hairdryer. Unfortunately the designer has specified that it goes in the sink cabinet which is within 3m of the shower (zone 1) however the end wall of the bathroom is 3.2m from the edge of the shower which puts me firmly in 13A socket territory according to the regs. Now since the whole concept of putting sockets in a bathroom or shower room seems frankly wrong based on everything we knew pre 17th edition i'm being very cautious before saying yes. So my problem is, the regs relating to bathrooms make no reference to zones relating to a sink (which will be 400mm from the socket) however good practice for installing sockets in a kitchen would be to have it atleast 300mm from the edge of the sink. Everything that i read seems to indicate it will be acceptable to put a socket in but i just want other opinions first.

 

[Big n Daft]

Do it by the book then there's no comebacks or arguments about it. However ,like me, your instincts tell you different. If its done by the book and someone gets a belt you have a defence.

 

[sparks_114]

I have just googled a hair dryer off a shaver socket and have found IP rated blow dryers (fixed equipment). I'd be inclined to push that with the client sine they specifically are after a hairdryer facility. Maybe?

 

[sparks_114]

Here's the link, just copy and paste into your browser (sorry don't know how to provide hyperlink!)

1500w Wall Mounted Hair Dryer IP Rated with shaver socket - HSDOnline



Oh it's worked!

 

[Dunc]

Here's the link, just copy and paste into your browser (sorry don't know how to provide hyperlink!)

1500w Wall Mounted Hair Dryer IP Rated with shaver socket - HSDOnline



Oh it's worked!

I had already thought about that one but none of these units will fit in with the 'Italian fixtures and fittings' that the designer has spec'd so it's unfortunately going to be a no go idea. This project is gonna be about quarter of a mil from the sounds of it by the time it's done and we're only doing master bed, ensuite and kitchen if that gives you an idea of how high the spec is going to be. Oh to have money like that! :whatchutalkingabout

 

[Mike F]

sockets in bathrooms washroom etc. All depends on whether the shower enclosure ie. the curtain. If it is a fixed curtain for instance glass it can be set a distance from that which escapes me but for a curtain its 1200mm.


Mike

 

[johnboy6083]

shove a commando socket in, and put a commando plug on a hair dryer, and tell them that hair dryer is dedicated to that one place!

 

[mayfair]

Bet you wont get a picture in homes and Gardens

shove a commando socket in, and put a commando plug on a hair dryer, and tell them that hair dryer is dedicated to that one place!

 

[johnboy6083]

if i were to seriously think about doing this, then i would want the socket outlet on a dedicated 10mA RCD. i can just see it now, young girl plugs in hair dryer, whilst running tap to brush teeth. drops hair dryer, and straight away tries to pick it up!

 

[Adam W]

Could you hardwire it with a FCU like you can with a washing machine in a bathroom? Make sure the flex is short enough so it can't be used in the shower.
I haven't trawled through the regs to check it out, just chucking ideas around.
If the fittings are all the same and have to be ordered specially, the customer might be less likely to change the FCU for a socket.

 

[ezzzekiel]

in my opinion no way, could accept a unswitched outlet so they have the option to alter later if they so wish

 

[Adam W]

in my opinion no way, could accept a unswitched outlet so they have the option to alter later if they so wish

Could you clarify that please?

 

[p11jor]

I don't know if it's just me but if I stay at a hotel I am forever trying to see how far the hairdryer can reach so can use it by a mirror that's not steamed up, so unless they have a cold shower it's useless anyway!! I don't understand some people!!

 

[chronyx]

They will probably have heated mirror pads at the back!

 

[1shortcircuit]

Whilst the regs can be worked to make this happen I personally would be trying to educate this client of the potential risks involved.

As someone has already mentioned, if there's a risk of the hair drier being dropped into the sink then common sense says it shouldn't be done. It sounds like you're looking for ways not to do it so why not put your people skills to the test and see how good you are at convincing them not to have it done?

Good Luck:thumbsup