In the USSR, it was believed that it was much more convenient to wash things in a basin, and shaving would be as efficient and clean as possible if you use the Neva machine. A hair dryer to dry hair was considered a bourgeois excess. In our modern and technological time, builders, engineers and designers still adhere to this point of view. So much more convenient. But when the average person makes repairs in an old apartment or moves into a new one, an outlet in the bathroom must be present. This is often noticed, and often the matter is not limited to one outlet.
In the modern bathroom, which is equipped according to the latest canons, in addition to the washing machine, there are other electrical appliances. Now it is impossible to survive without a boiler, a hot tub or an illuminated mirror. But the bathroom requires special conditions. There is high humidity. Therefore, installing outlets in the bathroom requires a serious approach. After all, humidity and electricity are a serious danger to life.
Types of modern bathroom sockets
Specifically, these elements are not available for bathrooms, and those that are still on sale do not differ in particular variety. They are classified according to two criteria. This is the power that a particular device can withstand, and the number of consumers that are connected. As for the number of devices, everything is very clear and understandable here. But in matters of the power of electrical devices it is worth understanding. The current is measured in amperes. For particularly powerful equipment (which can be boilers or washing machines), sockets of 16 or more amperes are required. A less powerful outlet in the bathroom, along with a washing machine or other appliance, will simply melt. This is a significant risk of short circuits.
The bathroom is always a humid environment, and a short circuit can lead to very unpredictable consequences. For low-power appliances, such as hair dryers, razors, curling irons, 6-8 A power elements are enough. Before buying, it is important to find out what are the differences between conventional solutions and specialized ones for bathrooms. Often, for these types of premises, it is recommended to use waterproof sockets. They are equipped with a cover that is able to protect the appliance from splashing water. Also, experts recommend purchasing and installing sockets with a third contact designed for grounding.
Basic requirements
Some people are still convinced that mounting an outlet in the bathroom is strictly prohibited. Yes, there really was such a ban, but after 1996 it ceased to exist. But for this ban were seriousgrounds. A bathroom is a rather complex environment with a bathtub, water intakes, and a huge number of metal pipes. Of course, we can say that steel pipes are the last century, and the bathtub is often plastic. But the number of household devices has grown.
The ban is no longer valid. Its removal is due to the large spread of various means and systems of electrical safety. It is forbidden to install sockets in rooms such as saunas, baths or showers. A socket in the bathroom of a private house or apartment is quite acceptable. Installation of elements in bathrooms of hotel rooms is also allowed. But there are certain stipulations in the rules.
RCD mandatory
Connecting an outlet in a damp room is only allowed if there is a residual current device in the network. In this case, the operation current should be no more than 30 mA. As an alternative to such devices, isolation transformers can be used. The maximum level of protection can be achieved by mounting two devices together. This is done voluntarily, and this is not the norm. If water gets into the outlet, the device will automatically turn off the power supply if there is a large resistance.
Grounding
Electrics in the bathroom must be grounded. And the socket itself is equipped with a third contact. However, not every home has it. RCDs, as well as transformers, can work without it.
But as for the level of protection, it will be much lower than it could be. It is recommended to ground all metal systems and devices as much as possible. This will reduce the risk of short circuits and fires.
Presence of hidden wiring
Wiring must be laid by a hidden method. Open mounting is also allowed. But in this case, all places where the wires will be connected are carefully insulated. Installation in metal pipes or steel metal hose is not recommended. The outlet in the bathroom must be located at least 60 cm away from grounded plumbing fixtures. Also, it is not allowed to install the element closer than 60 cm from the doors of the shower cabin. The minimum allowable height at which installation is possible is 130 cm from the floor level.
Safe zones
Paragraph 7.1.47 of the PUE states that the bathroom or shower room is divided into four zones. Each of them has certain requirements regarding electrical safety. Zone 0 is the location inside the bathtub, washbasin or shower. It is allowed to install electrical devices protected from water with a voltage of up to 12 V type IPX7. In this case, power supplies are installed outside this zone. Mounting the socket in this case is prohibited.
Zone 1 is a place under the bath, above the washbasins, showers, bidets. It is allowed to install water-protected water heaters here, as well as luminaires with a protection class of at least IPX5. In this case, a "protective zero" is necessarily connected. Power outlets are prohibited in these areas. The heater can be connected toelectricity through a completely sealed entrance or to a socket located in the third zone. Zone 2 is everything that is up to 60 cm and further from the first zone. It is allowed to install lighting fixtures with protection against moisture class IPX4. Also, the installation of fans is not prohibited. But the installation of sockets is prohibited. Zone 3 is everything that is within 2.4 m of the second zone. Here you can install waterproof sockets type IPX4. But they are connected through protective devices with a ground contact. Outside the high-risk areas, the installation of ordinary IPX1 class sockets, the installation of splitter boxes and control devices is allowed. But you must connect through protective equipment.
Marking and decoding codes for sockets and electrical appliances
Any electrical appliances (including sockets) are marked with a special marking - IPXY, where X is the level of protection against dust, and Y is against moisture. For the bathroom, it is recommended to use sockets and electrical appliances with a moisture protection class of at least the fourth. Electrical appliances marked "0" are not protected from moisture in any way. Class "1" assumes protection against condensate. The second and third are from exposure to vertical splashes.
Fourth-class instruments are reliably protected from serious splashes in any direction. It could be an outlet with a cover. Fifth class - devices that work with a powerful stream of water. Elements of the sixth and seventh type can work at a depth of 1 m or more.
Preparing for installationoutlets
It can be done in two ways. This is the installation of a new point in an old place with the replacement of electrical wiring or the installation of a point with new wiring. The installation process takes place in several stages. For sockets, a separate group with a cable should be allocated. Before moving on to installation work, the line must be equipped with a separate machine. What it is? This is a special device that automatically turns off the power supply to the consumer. Installed if the room has a boiler or washing machine.
If there are no powerful household appliances, you can do without it. Often its power is 16 amperes. When installing, it is necessary to maintain a height of at least 60 centimeters from the floor. A ground wire is required. The ideal choice is a socket with a cover. If the installation of elements is carried out without performing repairs, then it is equipped with a separate cable that is connected to the shield through the machine.
Installation process
First of all, you need to choose a suitable outlet and decide where it will be located. In order for the installation process to go quickly and at a high level, you should prepare the necessary tools. So, we need a moisture-proof socket (6A or more). You will also need a Phillips screwdriver, a special tool for dismantling the insulation, an electrical indicator, a rotary hammer.
If a new electrical point is being installed, but repairs are not being made, then any devices are chosen. If repairs are being made andwhile the wiring changes, then for greater aesthetics, you should choose built-in products. The outdoor socket is very easy to install. So, in the first step, holes are drilled for mounting dowels. Then prepare the wires. This is the removal of insulation from the ends of the cable. It is not recommended to use a knife, otherwise the wire may be damaged. The next step is to install the dowels. Wires are connected to the outlet, and the case is fixed on the wall. The moisture-proof outdoor socket has special holes with plugs.
They are wired through and then connected. So the body of the device will be pressed against the wall more tightly. Thus, do-it-yourself installation of sockets in the bathroom is carried out. The same applies to switches. The process will not cause difficulties, and it is not at all difficult to find the right devices now.
CV
Without a doubt, an outlet in the bathroom is needed. What sockets to put in the bathroom? Definitely those that are maximally protected from high levels of humidity. This reduces the risk of short circuits and melting.
