Electrics allowed in a bathroom cupboard.

[joewa]

We are reconfiguring an existing bathroom and I am using a wireless shower mixer to supply the shower as well as an overflow filler and hand held shower.

I plan to use solenoid valves to control the flow of water, one for each controlled by a touch sensitive IP44 rated 3 gang switch.

Logic says to me to use 12v however my interpretation of Part P is that anything behind a wall (so in a cupboard behind plasterboard and tiles) is counted as 'outside' so could be mains.

The shower mixer is mains powered so it seems it would be compliant to use mains valves. Does anyone know whether this is right?

 

[securespark]

What zone is the switch to be mounted in?

Does the cupboard have a door?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Electric showers are 240V. Where are they normally situated?

It depends whether they are made for the location.

 

[joewa]

What zone is the switch to be mounted in?

Zone 2 and it is IP44

What zone is the switch to be mounted in?

Does the cupboard have a door?

Yes but the door opening is in Zone 3.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Zone 3? Sadly zone 3 is no longer with us, RIP.
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:bathroom_zones

 

[joewa]

Thanks

Zone 3? Sadly zone 3 is no longer with us, RIP.
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:bathroom_zones

Thanks that's very helpful. So technically light switches are now allowed in Bathrooms albeit outside Zone 2.

In my situation the control is IP44 so ok in Zone 2.

17E seems a lot more common sense.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I am using a wireless shower mixer

In the name of all that is sane, WHY?

I plan to use solenoid valves to control the flow of water, one for each controlled by a touch sensitive IP44 rated 3 gang switch.

Logic says to me to use 12v

Logic says to me that that level of unnecessary complexity is bonkers.

 

[joewa]

I am using a wireless shower mixer

In the name of all that is sane, WHY?

I plan to use solenoid valves to control the flow of water, one for each controlled by a touch sensitive IP44 rated 3 gang switch.

Logic says to me to use 12v

Logic says to me that that level of unnecessary complexity is bonkers.

There's always one! I'll humour you though...

Wireless showers offer mixed water at a digitally regulated temperature, and the one I have chosen is cheaper than a main brand faucet unlike the wireless showers available from main brands. This arrangement is possible with a diverter but I don't want any taps on show.

I've never been keen on faucets in any event. They make cleaning difficult and generally get in the way IMO. The proposed arrangement will extend the benefits of the regulated output of the shower to the bath and handheld which is great if you have curious kids.

 

[stillp]

In my situation the control is IP44 so ok in Zone 2.

Does the manufacturer state it is suitable for use in Zone 2? There's more to it than just the IP rating.

 

[bernardgreen]

I plan to use solenoid valves to control the flow of water, one for each controlled by a touch sensitive IP44 rated 3 gang switch.

That would carry a very high risk of scalding.

Sorry but t is bordering on stupid to use touch switches and wireless to control the flow of hot water into a shower head.

 

[joewa]

In my situation the control is IP44 so ok in Zone 2.

Does the manufacturer state it is suitable for use in Zone 2? There's more to it than just the IP rating.

I do get that but as there's nothing really designed to be a switch suitable for Zones I'm just relying on the IP rating which is required for those Zones.

 

[joewa]

I plan to use solenoid valves to control the flow of water, one for each controlled by a touch sensitive IP44 rated 3 gang switch.

That would carry a very high risk of scalding.

Sorry but t is bordering on stupid to use touch switches and wireless to control the flow of hot water into a shower head.

Not sure if you understand the principal of wireless showers? The water temperature is controlled by the mixer unit not the valves.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Does the manufacturer state it is suitable for use in Zone 2? There's more to it than just the IP rating.

To be fair, the Regulations do not require that the maker states suitability for Zone 2.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I've never been keen on faucets in any event. They make cleaning difficult

Viakal.

Other brands are available but they aren't as good. I have no connection with the company, just impressed.

 

[stillp]

In my situation the control is IP44 so ok in Zone 2.

Does the manufacturer state it is suitable for use in Zone 2? There's more to it than just the IP rating.

I do get that but as there's nothing really designed to be a switch suitable for Zones I'm just relying on the IP rating which is required for those Zones.

Not good enough. It might be IP44 (when used as intended) yet permit condensation to form inside, or might otherwise be unsuitable for continued use in a steamy atmosphere. IP44 means only that it is protected against splashes of water during a 10 minute test, and that it is protected against the ingress of solid objects with a diameter greater than 1mm.