Light Switches in Bathrooms

[LastManOnline]

Obvious question in response to this ...
Why is a pull-cord switch, mounted on the ceiling where the most humid air goes, immune to this while a switch located lower down where the humidity is lower isn't ? Not only that, but a ceiling mounted switch has a higher chance of having an opening to the attic and it's cold, damp air.

Spot on.

 

[James]

Obvious question in response to this ...
Why is a pull-cord switch, mounted on the ceiling where the most humid air goes, immune to this while a switch located lower down where the humidity is lower isn't ? Not only that, but a ceiling mounted switch has a higher chance of having an opening to the attic and it's cold, damp air.

I would happily use a pull cord in a room so damp the walls were dripping and i couldn't see through the mist to the other side.

touch a wet faced switch plate, hmm not with my finger, probably with an insulated screwdriver.

 

[LastManOnline]

I would happily use a pull cord in a room so damp the walls were dripping and i couldn't see through the mist to the other side.

touch a wet faced switch plate, hmm not with my finger, probably with an insulated screwdriver.

Time you got some proper ventilation in your bathroom.

 

[Midwest]

Your point about DIY, ers may well be valid. From the links you posted I get the impression that the idea of zones in bathrooms is a relatively new developement for the French. But it's clear that they will allow a light switch to be installed in 0.7 meters from wet area

Seems we were following EU regs like most other EU countries. Perhaps they were lagging behind, where we were at the forefront. From my 'plastic bath' I can't reach the light switch. Are you suggesting we should don't need to concern ourselves with that, and throw caution to the wind?

 

[Midwest]

Obvious question in response to this ...
Why is a pull-cord switch, mounted on the ceiling where the most humid air goes, immune to this while a switch located lower down where the humidity is lower isn't ? Not only that, but a ceiling mounted switch has a higher chance of having an opening to the attic and it's cold, damp air.

Think your missing the point there. That piece of yucky string is not potentially put me in contact with electricity, but a normal plate switch might, whilst I'm sat in my bath.

 

[LastManOnline]

Seems we were following EU regs like most other EU countries. Perhaps they were lagging behind, where we were at the forefront. From my 'plastic bath' I can't reach the light switch. Are you suggesting we should don't need to concern ourselves with that, and throw caution to the wind?

My friend. I

Think your missing the point there. That piece of yucky string is not potentially put me in contact with electricity, but a normal plate switch might, whilst I'm sat in my bath.

Far from throwing caution to the wind I simply suggested that if continentals can educate their kids to use common sense and instruct their kids how to safely use electrical accessories and to not "operate the light switch in the bathroom with wet hands". Do you think something similar is achievable in the UK?

 

[DPG]

I still can't believe people think it's a good thing to have a conventional light switch in a bathroom.

My friend. I

Far from throwing caution to the wind I simply suggested that if continentals can educate their kids to use common sense and instruct their kids how to safely use electrical accessories and to not "operate the light switch in the bathroom with wet hands". Do you think something similar is achievable in the UK?

A lot of things are achievable, but it doesn't mean they are sensible. Keeping standard rocker switches out of steamy bathrooms is a sensible precaution though.

I really don't understand why you keep labouring the point.

 

[LastManOnline]

I still can't believe people think it's a good thing to have a conventional light switch in a bathroom.


A lot of things are achievable, but it doesn't mean they are sensible. Keeping standard rocker switches out of steamy bathrooms is a sensible precaution though.

I really don't understand why you keep labouring the point.

I thought I was involved in a discussion. No bother. We, ll leave it at that.

 

[nicebutdim]

Seems we were following EU regs like most other EU countries. Perhaps they were lagging behind, where we were at the forefront. From my 'plastic bath' I can't reach the light switch. Are you suggesting we should don't need to concern ourselves with that, and throw caution to the wind?

Pull switches in bathrooms pre-date EU regulations. No idea who is following who, but it doesn't seem unreasonable to err on the side of caution.

 

[mydigitalhome]

Another option is use quinetic switch no wires = no problem. Your electrician should be happy with that. Good luck.

 

[SJD]

So what about dimmer switches in a bathroom? I have one in mine (in outside zones).

You can get some IP65 rated ones, marketed as also suitable for zone 2, e.g.:
https://hartingtonheath.com/product...glass-panel-touch-dimmer-led-light-switches/?

 

[DPG]

So what about dimmer switches in a bathroom? I have one in mine (in outside zones).

You can get some IP65 rated ones, marketed as also suitable for zone 2, e.g.:
https://hartingtonheath.com/product...glass-panel-touch-dimmer-led-light-switches/?

The IP65 rated dimmers sound ok.

 

[bigspark17]

I want to fit a light switch on the wall in my new bathroom but I've tried 2 electricians and both will only install a pull cord.

The location of the switch is outside of zone 2, the switch itself is a touch switch rated at IP25, and the circuit is RCD protected. I can't therefore see what the problem is?

I ask them and they just tell me the regs say no switches in bathrooms, only pull cords.

1. Is there something I'm missing in the regs that means I should give up?
2. Being outside zone 2, can I legally fit the switch myself anyway?

Any opinions would be welcomed. Thanks.

Hi.
Why not use a wireless switch using RF to speak to a receiver. Quintec or click smart to good stuff.

 

[dodger421]

Far from throwing caution to the wind I simply suggested that if continentals can educate their kids to use common sense and instruct their kids how to safely use electrical accessories and to not "operate the light switch in the bathroom with wet hands". Do you think something similar is achievable in the UK?

We can’t be trusted to wear masks in public, or stay in the house and not test our eyesight on motorways and dual carriageways. I don’t think its unreasonable to assume we cant be trusted not to touch electrical accessories with wet hands...

?

At the very least it’s reducing human factors related accidents. Everybody makes mistakes, it’d be nice if the consequences were as non-lethal as possible.

 

[Midwest]

We can’t be trusted to wear masks in public, or stay in the house and not test our eyesight on motorways and dual carriageways. I don’t think its unreasonable to assume we cant be trusted not to touch electrical accessories with wet hands...

?

At the very least it’s reducing human factors related accidents. Everybody makes mistakes, it’d be nice if the consequences were as non-lethal as possible.

Apparently, because of the restrictions implemented for Covid, kids have forgotten how to use a knife & fork

 

[Spoon]

Apparently, because of the restrictions implemented for Covid, kids have forgotten how to use a knife & fork

This is the first year I haven't done the London Marathon because of Covid..... I usually don't do it because I am fat and can't run....

 

[pirate]

You know those wee screwed plastic connectors on pull-cords? The idea is they isolate you from the nasty electricity?
no, they just allow you to fit a nice fresh new cord without opening the switch.
My apartment has a light switch just inside the bathroom door. No way I can reach it from the shower, and it's a fair stretch from the WHB too...but it's just at my shoulder when I'm sitting on the WC.
I have a pic somewhere...

 

[Spoon]

when I'm sitting on the WC. I have a pic somewhere...

Why do we want to see a pic of you sat on the bog???

 

[pirate]

Trust me...you don't! ):

 

[IanDIYspark]

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

You need to watch John Wards video about light switches in a bathroom. If it's outside zone 1 it's perfectly fine.

 

[Spoon]

You need to watch John Wards video about light switches in a bathroom. If it's outside zone 1 it's perfectly fine.

Welcome to the forum mate.
Just a bit of advice. Check the dates on the posts. This one you replied to was from Nov 2020. Hopefully the light is sorted by now.

 

[brianmoooore]

It was absolutely fine to fit the switch inside the bathroom in 2020, and is absolutely fine now.
Good news is that we are now able to fit a socket in a lot more bathrooms that we could a month ago. That 0.5m reduction doesn't sound a lot, but it means a socket can be fitted in a bathroom 30% smaller than before.

 

[Midwest]

It was absolutely fine to fit the switch inside the bathroom in 2020, and is absolutely fine now.
Good news is that we are now able to fit a socket in a lot more bathrooms that we could a month ago. That 0.5m reduction doesn't sound a lot, but it means a socket can be fitted in a bathroom 30% smaller than before.

No longer working, so don’t keep up to date on all the reg changes, but would like to know this one.

 

[Pretty Mouth]

You need to watch John Wards video about light switches in a bathroom. If it's outside zone 1 it's perfectly fine.

If it's outside zone 2, it's perfectly fine

 

[littlespark]

That’s what happens when the lowest numbered zone is zero….

 

[pc1966]

A better thing for bathrooms would be a moisture sealed USB charger socket for folks wanting to use phone/tablet on low battery.

Not me, I would rather not drop £200-500 of electronics in the bath, but the young 'uns seem to like doing that.

 

[pc1966]

It was absolutely fine to fit the switch inside the bathroom in 2020, and is absolutely fine now.

I had a feeling the building regs in Scotland don't allow that - pull switch or outside. Not looked recently though.

 

[westward10]

A better thing for bathrooms would be a moisture sealed USB charger socket for folks wanting to use phone/tablet on low battery.

Not me, I would rather not drop £200-500 of electronics in the bath, but the young 'uns seem to like doing that.

A note below Regulation 553.1.201 does not regard a USB charging point as a socket-outlet.

 

[pc1966]

A note below Regulation 553.1.201 does not regard a USB charging point as a socket-outlet.

It is more that most USB outlets say they are unsuitable for humid environments.

 

[pc1966]

The MK Euro module USB charges here:

MK USB Charging Module White - Euro Data Coms Module - White | MK (K5837WHI)

Looks perfect bar that one point, zero standby power (on when USB inserted) and meets SELV separation, but "Suitable for fixed installation in dry interior locations only".

 

[littlespark]

There’s something wrong if….

A. The battery is low on your device, you need to charge it… and use it… in the bath. That’s unorganised.

B. You can’t do without your phone, even when sitting on the pan



Even last night, youngest was in the bath, and I could hear something from her device in the bathroom…
When she came out I saw her laptop open on the bed….
“You didn’t have that in there, did you?!?!”
“No no… just my phone, just my phone!!”

 

[nicebutdim]

Had the chat about water and electronic devices with our youngest, at a very early age, after she washed the sand off her Nintendo handheld thing gameboy(?) in a bucket of sea water.

She hasn't washed an electronic device since, but the phone never leaves her side in any room.

 

[LastManOnline]

Good news is that we are now able to fit a socket in a lot more bathrooms that we could a month ago. That 0.5m reduction doesn't sound a lot, but...

A 0.5 meter reduction?I would love to have heard the science behind that decision.Whats the betting that future amendments will reduce it even further ?Very likely I would say.
I believe it to be just a question of time before bathroom light switches will make the same journey

 

[nicebutdim]

A 0.5 meter reduction?I would love to have heard the science behind that decision.Whats the betting that future amendments will reduce it even further ?Very likely I would say.
I believe it to be just a question of time before bathroom light switches will make the same journey

The same journey would place plate switches further away as they can currently be fitted at distances greater than 600mm from the edge of a bath or shower.

 

[LastManOnline]

The same journey would place plate switches further away as they can currently be fitted at distances greater than 600mm from the edge of a bath or shower.

Ahh!! That's news to me. Had no idea that change was in latest amendment?

 

[nicebutdim]

It wasn't in the latest amendment.

 

[brianmoooore]

There never has been a reg preventing the use of ordinary light switches in a bathroom. The original reg stated "out of reach of a person using a shower or bath", which was replaced by the "600mm+ reg from the edge of a shower or bath" when bathroom zones were introduced.
No change since then.
It's arguable that the original version was the best.

 

[nicebutdim]

It's not something I'm particularly comfortable with, but have been trying to come to terms with it.

Chances are I'll (eventually) fit one at home to help overcome this particular phobia

 

[LastManOnline]

There never has been a reg preventing the use of ordinary light switches in a bathroom. The original reg stated "out of reach of a person using a shower or bath", which was replaced by the "600mm+ reg from the edge of a shower or bath" when bathroom zones were introduced.

I must admit that this has really surprised me.I don't have a copy of British regs so I rely on forum members comments to learn about them.But up until tonite every comment from a forum member regarding the location of a bathroom wall switch stated "outside the bathroom" only.I naturally assumed that comment reflected the regs.