Garden Switches and Sockets

Accidents happen, but it is good not to provide the circumstances or the devices that cause electrical accidents, especially when it comes to the bathroom. Water is a good carrier for electricity, and in the bathroom there's plenty of water. You don't want these two to mix, or else there's the danger of electric shocks. When water and electricity mix, whether we touch electricity with our wet body of water just carries electricity and we touch it, the result can be deadly. In the bathroom, out of all the rooms in the house, there's the highest risk of electric shock. It is good to be very cautious when using electrical devices in the bathrooms. Suggestions for Bathroom Electrical Safety The sockets need to be at least 3 metres of more away from the water - if possible, no sockets in the bathroom, except the ones for shaver supply units or electrical toothbrush units). The location of the sockets matters! The shaver sockets/shaver points need to be located at a safe distance from the bath, the shower, or the source of water in the bathroom. Use appropriate IP-rated lights for the bathroom - see the IP rating chart and select the fittings that have a suitable IP rating for the respective zone. Keep Lights out of Reach of Water - it is preferable to use downlights or recessed lights, not hanging lights, and if possible, keep the light fittings away from the source and reach of water. Use a Pull Cord Switch - switching on / off with a wet hand can be dangerous, and the safest switch to use is the ceiling pull cord switch. Keep the Electric Heaters away from the Water - you may need an electrical heater in the bathroom to keep warm, but you need to ensure it is away from the bath and the shower. The Gas and Water Heaters need to be fixed and permanently wired unless they are powered by a socket fitted at least 3m away from the bath or the shower. Electric Showers - if you use an electric shower, it is recommended that it be supplied on its own circuit directly from the fusebox/consumer unit. No Hairdryers in the Bathroom - if possible it is recommended NOT to bring or use the hairdryer in the bathroom. Better safe than sorry - use the hairdryer in the bedroom if needed. DO NOT bring mains-powered portable electrical appliances in the bathroom (like radios, heaters, hairdryers, etc). There's a high risk of electric shock with any of them. Read more tips on Electrical Safety for home, the kitchen, RCD use, in the garden, child safety, and checking a plug. Do you know of any other tips of general interest along this line? How can we be safe in the bathroom, when it comes to using electricity? Write us a comment below.Switches and Sockets at Sparks