Fitting an electric towel radiator with fused spur
Anonymous user 14/03/2024 - 2.36 PM
Hello,
A DIY’er here.
I’m hoping someone would be kind enough to share 2 mins of their time on the above subject?
Basically, I’m about to fit an electric towel radiator in our bathroom. I’ve checked the specs of zones and understand the requirements for zones; 0,1 & 2.
Upon double checking I’m now conflicted and no two answers appear to be the same.
I’ve found an answer that states electrical fittings should be 3600mm from zone 2 (or outside the bathroom) but equally, I’ve seen information stating that a fused spur is fine outside of zone 2 (600mm),
For context, the spur will sit around 630mm and around 300mm off the floor outside of zone 2.
I’ve chased the cabling and patched up the plasterboard annoyingly but if I have to rip it out and start over, I’d rather it get it right.
Please go easy on me, I am only a DIY’er and trying to learn as I go.
Thank you in advance, I appreciate anyone who can shed some light on this.
Thank you 😊
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi Darren. If you have access from the other side of the bathroom wall, install fhe switched spur back-to-back with where you intended it to be and install a cord outlet plate there instead. That would be compliant. No electrical accessories allowed in bathrooms but cord-outlets can be used outside zones.
Here’s what BS7671 wiring regulations say about installing switch gear in a bath/shower room. BS7671 is not opinion it’s just the wiring regs.
In zone 0: switchgear or accessories shall not be installed
In zone 1: only switches of SELV circuits with the safety source outside the zones (separated extra low voltage, ie 12v with the transformer outside the zones )
In zone 2: switch gear and socket outlets shall not be installed with the exception of SELV circuits with the safety source outside the zones and shaver supply units.
Socket outlets are prohibited within 2.5 meters of zone 1.
That’s all it says, it doesn’t actually mention accessories such as fused spurs outside of the zones.
Saying all of that, why not get a sparkie in to do this for you? It’ll be legit, you’ll get an installation certificate and a warranty.
My advise is to get an electrician who is part P registered. You are obviously not competent and you are altering circuits in a special location where people can be electrocuted .
There are many more requirements to adding/altering circuits which start at the DNO main supply onwards including basic knowledge of inspection and testing ! Electrical work is not gardening and should be left to electricians !!!!
