Bathroom Electrical

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Bathroom Electrical - Nz Regs?

Sturz

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#231932 20-Mar-2018 23:17

Hi all,

Just trying to plan my bathroom, I am about to start renovating, so I can plan the layout correctly can someone please help confirm my questions.

Questions.

I understand I can have a heated towel rail directly beside the bath as long as the towel rail is ip rated + the connection is also waterproof.

If the sparky uses a permanent connection unit for the wire off the towel rail, can this be right beside the bath (200mm away) which will be 1 meter away from the wall spout (bath tap) or does the PCU need to be outside zone 2 (600mm away) from the bath.

Secondly if it can be installed that close, because it is using a PCU does the circuit need a RCD?

Thirdly does it need to be on it's own circuit.

Forth - Standard ceiling 2.4M, I can just use normal LED lights, without IP rating.

Fifth - I have a Weiss heater, if I put it above 2.25M on a PCU, does this require an RCD on the circuit?

Again can I put this 200mm away from the bath (above 2.25M high?)

Appreciate answers.

(note I have read section 6 multiple times, but although I believe I am right, I want to check my interpretation is correct. I will get a sparky but I don't want him to come out until I need him as I live rural.)

Aredwood

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#1980771 21-Mar-2018 00:42

Paging @gregmcc

gregmcc

2147 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1980778 21-Mar-2018 04:48

Hi all,

Just trying to plan my bathroom, I am about to start renovating, so I can plan the layout correctly can someone please help confirm my questions.

Questions.

I understand I can have a heated towel rail directly beside the bath as long as the towel rail is ip rated + the connection is also waterproof.

correct

ill have to check, but it is measured from the edge of the bath tub not the spout, it can be in zone 2 but must be IP rated.

Secondly if it can be installed that close, because it is using a PCU does the circuit need a RCD?

Zone 2 needs an RCD

Thirdly does it need to be on it's own circuit.

Forth - Standard ceiling 2.4M, I can just use normal LED lights, without IP rating.

Yes, from memory 2m is above the zone, and if they are recessed down lights they would technically be in the ceiling which would be outside zone 2

Fifth - I have a Weiss heater, if I put it above 2.25M on a PCU, does this require an RCD on the circuit?

it's above the height, but as you are already going to have to put the towel rail on an RCD good practice would say put the heater on the same RCD

Again can I put this 200mm away from the bath (above 2.25M high?)

Yes

Appreciate answers.

gregmcc

2147 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1980878 21-Mar-2018 09:50

gregmcc:

Hi all,

Just trying to plan my bathroom, I am about to start renovating, so I can plan the layout correctly can someone please help confirm my questions.

Questions.

I understand I can have a heated towel rail directly beside the bath as long as the towel rail is ip rated + the connection is also waterproof.

correct

If the sparky uses a permanent connection unit for the wire off the towel rail, can this be right beside the bath (200mm away) which will be 1 meter away from the wall spout (bath tap) or does the PCU need to be outside zone 2 (600mm away) from the bath.

ill have to check, but it is measured from the edge of the bath tub not the spout, it can be in zone 2 but must be IP rated.

After checking, in zone 2 this must be IP X4 rated or better, both the PCU and towel rail, careful here as most towel rails are not IP X4 rated, check the box before buying, zone 3 not IP rating required

Zone is from the edge of the tub, not the spout.

Remember that the PCU doesn't have to go at the bottom corner of the towel rail, it can go at the top corner.

Secondly if it can be installed that close, because it is using a PCU does the circuit need a RCD?

Zone 2 needs an RCD

After checking, in zone 2, for a switch or accessory that is suitably IP rated RCD is not required, but for safety it would make sense to spend the extra money on having a RCD installed as it's the life of yourself and your family.

PCU's cannot be installed lower than 300mm from the floor in zone 1,2,3

Thirdly does it need to be on it's own circuit.

No

Forth - Standard ceiling 2.4M, I can just use normal LED lights, without IP rating.

Yes, from memory 2m is above the zone, and if they are recessed down lights they would technically be in the ceiling which would be outside zone 2

After checking, you need to measure from the top edge of the tub to the ceiling, 2.25m or more and no specific requirements, otherwise must be IP X4 rated or class II (double insulated) or Extra low voltage (if the LED has a separate driver than it is most likely ELV) or recessed in to the ceiling

Fifth - I have a Weiss heater, if I put it above 2.25M on a PCU, does this require an RCD on the circuit?

it's above the height, but as you are already going to have to put the towel rail on an RCD good practice would say put the heater on the same RCD

Again can I put this 200mm away from the bath (above 2.25M high?)

Yes

After checking, in zone 2, the socket must be RCD protected and in a cupboard or in Zone 3 on a RCD, and the heater must be IP X4, in Zone 3 socket must be RCD protected, no IP rating for the heater required,

Keep in mind if the heater is been put above the tub Zone 1 extends 2.25m above the tub the socket for the heater can't be in zone 1, although the heater can be if IP X4

Appreciate answers.

(note I have read section 6 multiple times, but although I believe I am right, I want to check my interpretation is correct. I will get a sparky but I don't want him to come out until I need him as I live rural.)

The problem is going to be the heater, if it plugs in, it the socket will have to be in zone 3, if it's on a PCU it can be in Zone 2 if IP X4.

webwat

2036 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1983404 26-Mar-2018 13:08

Keep in mind that if you get condensation into any component thats not enough to trip a circuit breaker, that RCD contributes to fire safety as well as electrical safety. Put the power for your towel rail above instead of below, and double check with the sparkie that IP rating of the wall plate is correct for the zone.

Time to find a new industry!