Regulations
Bathroom electrical zones explained
UK wiring rules divide a bathroom into zones around the bath and shower, and each zone limits what electrical equipment can go there and how water-resistant it must be. Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower tray, zone 1 is directly above it, and zone 2 is the area around it. This guide explains each zone and why the work needs a qualified electrician.
The bathroom zones at a glance
| Zone | Where it is | Typical requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Inside the bath or shower tray | Extra-low voltage equipment rated at least IPX7 |
| Zone 1 | Above the bath or tray, up to 2.25 m from the floor | Equipment rated at least IPX4 |
| Zone 2 | Around zone 1, up to 0.6 m beyond it and 2.25 m high | Equipment rated at least IPX4 |
| Outside the zones | The rest of the room | Equipment suited to a damp, steamy room |
This is a simplified summary. The exact rules are in BS 7671 Section 701, and an electrician applies them to your room.
What does an IP rating mean?
An IP (ingress protection) rating shows how well a product keeps out solids and water. The second number is the one that matters in a bathroom: IPX4 means protection against splashing water, and IPX7 means it can cope with being briefly under water. Where equipment may be hit by water jets during cleaning, a higher rating such as IPX5 is needed.
RCD protection
Circuits that serve a bathroom must be protected by a 30mA residual current device (RCD), which cuts the power very quickly if there is a fault. This applies to lighting, extractor fans, electric showers and underfloor heating.
What can go in each zone?
- Electric showers and some fans and lights can go in zone 1 if they are rated for it.
- Standard plug sockets are generally not allowed near the bath or shower. Shaver sockets made for bathrooms are the exception.
- Light switches inside the room are usually pull-cord switches, or switches placed outside the door.
- Underfloor heating has its own rules for bathrooms: see our bathroom underfloor heating guide.
Who should do the work?
Bathroom electrics should be designed, installed and certified by a qualified, registered electrician. On our jobs, all electrical work is done and certified by a registered electrician we work with, and you receive a certificate when it is finished. See our full bathroom renovation service.
Sources
Figures from other organisations are theirs, not our prices. Check each source for the latest version.
Free survey
Talk to us about your bathroom
Have a question about your own bathroom? Send your details and we'll arrange a free survey and a fixed-price written quote.
- Free, no-obligation survey
- Fixed-price written quote
- No VAT added
Free · No obligation
Get your free bathroom quote
Tell us a little about your bathroom and we'll arrange your free, no-obligation survey.
No obligation. We never share your details.
Prefer to talk? Call 0141 280 9490 or WhatsApp us.
Can you have a plug socket in a bathroom in the UK?
Standard plug sockets are generally not allowed near the bath or shower in a UK bathroom. Shaver sockets made specifically for bathrooms are the usual exception. The exact distances are set out in BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations, so ask a registered electrician before planning any socket in or near a bathroom. Many people use a shaver socket or a lit mirror with a built-in socket instead.
What IP rating do bathroom lights need?
It depends on the zone. Lights directly above the bath or shower, in zone 1, typically need at least IPX4, and lights in zone 2 also need at least IPX4. Equipment in zone 0, inside the bath or tray, must be extra-low voltage and rated at least IPX7. Outside the zones, lights should still suit a damp, steamy room. Check the rating on the box.
Does an electric shower need its own circuit?
Yes. An electric shower draws a lot of power, so it needs its own dedicated circuit from the consumer unit, sized for the shower's rating and protected by a 30mA RCD. On our jobs, this is fitted and certified by a registered electrician we work with. Check the shower's power rating before you buy, as higher ratings need heavier cable.
Can I do my own bathroom electrics?
We would not recommend it. Bathrooms are special locations under BS 7671 because water and electricity together raise the risk of electric shock, and the zones, IP ratings and RCD rules all apply. A qualified, registered electrician can design the installation, test it and give you a certificate that shows the work is safe. It also matters when you sell your home.