Bathroom Sockets: Safety Above All

The bathroom is a specific area where it is important to ensure an adequate distance between switches and outlets from water sources. What rules regarding home electrical installations need to be observed in this environment characterized by ubiquitous water and humidity to ensure safety?

Routing electrical wiring in the bathroom should always be planned based on the intended bathroom fixtures and their layout. It's important to keep in mind that electrical installations in this specific space must adhere to applicable standards, which define safety zones and precisely specify where and what type of electrical devices can be installed. For this reason, it's advisable to involve a professional during the planning of switches and outlets in the bathroom.

There are several rules and restrictions established by standards. Simplistically, the placement of outlets near the sink in the bathroom is governed by the so-called "washing area." This area is defined by an imaginary strip of the wall that extends from the floor to the ceiling, covering the width of the sink. Outlets can be positioned at the edge of this area, but only at a minimum height of 120 cm from the floor. If the requirement is to have outlets positioned below 120 cm within this washing area, they must be placed at least 20 cm away from its imaginary boundary. Outlets must not be placed within the shower area or above the bathtub, up to a height of 225 cm.

Higher Ingress Protection for greater safety.

Regarding the specific specifications of electrical devices, switches and outlets with IP 20 protection rating are intended for bathrooms. However, to enhance safety in the bathroom, it's certainly possible to choose devices with a higher protection rating. For instance, the IP 44 protection rating, which the ELEGANT AQUA collection possesses, safeguards devices against dripping and even splashing water from all angles. Switches and outlets from this range are equipped with an internal rubber seal that tightly encases the device's body and surrounding components, effectively preventing water penetration. Additionally, ELEGANT AQUA outlets feature a transparent spring-loaded cover on the front side.

Note: According to the law, it is mandatory to entrust the wiring of home electrical installations to an individual with a valid certificate in accordance with Decree No. 50/1978 Coll.