Bathroom Lighting Wiring Regulations

Regulations are very strict as to which lights you are able to use in a bathroom and to complicate matters bathrooms have different zones which determine what type of light you may use within that zone.

Bathroom lighting wiring regulations.

Zone 1 is 2 5m australia or 2 25m new zealand from the floor directly over the water line in the bath. A 15 amp circuit is minimum but this is often a 20 amp circuit especially if there is a heat lamp integrated into this circuit. Important nec bathroom regulations. The ideal bathroom lighting helps set the tone for the room and is a jumping off point for the rest of your bathroom decor.

We often advise on bathroom lighting as part of our lighting design service so here is a quick guide to the regulations and how they apply to lighting. For make up application and shaving it s best to have a bright light but if relaxing for a soak in the tub you ll want to be sure you can dim the lights. Full details can be found in the latest copy of the iee wiring regulations. There are zones in your bathroom which reflect the increased danger to you from electrical appliances and electricity.

Wall lights look better if they are hard wired into the wall with tiles laid over the top. For more detailed information refer to the iee wiring regulations 17th edition or a qualified electrician. All receptacles must be afci and gfci protected either by circuit breakers or individual receptacles that offer afci and gfci protection. Great care needs to be taken when choosing lighting for your bathroom as there are strict regulations regarding the type of lights you can use.

A 20 amp receptacle circuit for plug in appliances. Each bathroom should have a circuit for lighting and an exhaust fan according to the code this circuit may be a 15 amp circuit if it serves just lighting but it should be a 20 amp circuit if it is also serving a vent fan. Modern vanity lights. In our reading of the bathroom lighting regulations document it appears that a 240v standard pendant is allowed over a bath provided it does not protrude into zone 1.

Light fixtures and wall switches must be on a separate circuit. Description of the three zones in bathrooms and what can be installed in each. Bathroom zones electrical safety and using electrical equipment in bathrooms including lighting extractor fans shaver sockets and other electrical devices. Water and electricity make a potentially lethal combination.

Bathroom lighting zones regulations explained. Bathroom lighting lighting needs to be functional but can also be adaptable for mood setting. You have lots of great options when choosing your bathroom lights and bathroom light fixtures. Lighting in the bathroom is important.

This is a handy reference guide it isn t an installation guide. This applies in the uk only and is from the 17th edition of bs7671 as used in.