Socket Outlets in Bathrooms

People in bathrooms are having an increased risk of electric shock

due to their wet and naked bodies with reduced body resistance.

To ensure electrical safety, special installation requirements are

specified in the relevant national/ international codes / standards

for electrical installations within bathrooms. In Hong Kong, code

26A(3) of the 2003 Edition of the Code of Practice for the

Electricity (Wiring) Regulations published by the Electrical and

Mechanical Services Department specifies such special requirements.

This code makes reference to IEC 60364-7-701, and classifies the

bathroom into 4 different zones (i.e. 0, 1, 2 and 3). Zone 0 is

the interior area of the bath tub or shower basin. Zone 1 is the

space above Zone 0 up to a horizontal plan at 2.25m above the floor.

Zone 2 is the space adjacent to the bath tub or shower basin up

to 0.6m horizontal distance and up to 2.25m above the floor. Zone

3 is the space up to 2.4m horizontal distance adjacent to Zone 2

and up to a vertical plan at 2.25m above the floor.

In Zone 3, socket outlets can be installed in accordance with IEC

60364-7-701. They have to be protected by a residual current

protective device with a residual operating current not exceeding

30mA.

The above requirements are in line with that adopted in many

continental European countries, Australia, New Zealand etc., where

the said IEC standard also applies. Socket outlet is currently not

allowed in the UK, though we note that the draft BS 7671:2008

(equivalent to the draft IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition and

is under public consultation) permits socket outlet installations

in bathroom areas at a distance 3m away from the boundary of the

bath tub or shower basin.

Hong Kong, as an international metropolis, has adopted

internationally recognized wiring requirements and safety

standards. Our installation guidelines are also reviewed

regularly to include the latest development in international safety

requirements and electrical technology, as well as the local trade

practices and particular local situations.