Why some parts of your home need extra care when it comes to electrics — from bathroom zones to EV charger requirements.
Not all electrical installations are the same. A socket in your living room faces very different conditions to one in your bathroom or garden. Part 7 of BS 7671 recognises this by setting out special requirements for locations and installations where the risks are higher than usual.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, which is why bathrooms are one of the most tightly regulated areas in BS 7671. The regulations divide a bathroom into zones based on proximity to water.
Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower tray itself — only 12V equipment is allowed here. Zone 1 is directly above the bath or shower up to 2.25m high, where limited equipment is allowed and must be rated IPX4 or higher. Zone 2 is within 60cm horizontally of Zone 1, where equipment must also be rated at least IPX4.
This is why you can't have a standard socket in a bathroom — only shaver sockets are permitted, as they include an isolating transformer.
Outdoor installations face weather, moisture, physical damage, and pests. BS 7671 requires RCD protection for all outdoor circuits, appropriate UV-rated cables, correct burial depth for underground cables, and weatherproof fittings rated at least IP44.
Electric vehicle chargers are covered in Section 722 of Part 7. Key requirements include a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, RCD protection using a Type A or Type B RCD, and protection against electric shock during charging.
EV charger installation also requires OZEV authorisation — something Zeno Electrics holds. This is separate from BS 7671 compliance but equally important if you want to claim the government's EV chargepoint grant.
If you're having electrical work done in any of these special locations, it's essential to use a qualified electrician who understands the specific requirements. Contact Zeno Electrics for expert advice and a free quote.