New bathroom appliances

[lmsava]

I'm just sorting out the bathroom in my new flat and I need to install and extractor fan and a light above the mirror. Can this be done without demolishing too much of the walls? I assume if I want them wired to the mains then it's quite a major and messy job. In that case, are there battery operated mirror lights that I can buy and install farily easily?

 

[didthathurt]

There are not many electrical installations that you can do properly without creating a bit of damage to the fabric of the building you are working in. Flats can be even more problematic than most because of problems accessing the space above your ceiling (below upstairs' floor) unless you are on the top floor. But you can use various trunkings that mount on the surface of the wall - some tuck into corners between walls and ceilings - that can, with a little care, be made to look not too out of place. For the fan, I am hoping you have an outside wall or a route for a flexible vent hose to the outside.

What you can do and can't do is, however, often limited by the size/shape of the bathroom itself. Bathrooms have special requirements about what can go where,
http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/NL139supp.pdf
deals with that aspect.

As for battery operated lights, there are loads on the market for eg understairs cupboards, but nothing thaat you'll not get heartily hacked off with and return to the idea of a proper light within a few days.

 

[Taylortwocities]

And what you should and shouldnt do is limited by the fact that most electrical work in bathrooms must be notified to the local authority (if you are doing it) or done by an electrician who is registered to certify his own work.

 

[gazmark1]

Am I right in saying that any electrics installed in a bathroom have got to be cage bonded to the pipework? I had to get this done for a periodic inspection certificate.

 

[didthathurt]

This is the requirement
http://www.niceic.org.uk/downloads/NL139supp.pdf