What are some important electrical considerations in the bathroom?

Are you an architect, builder, or homeowner trying to plan or understand electrical requirements in your bathroom?

The trick to safe electrical wiring in your bathroom is to learn about it holistically so that each component can be managed effectively to create a safe atmosphere.

Today, our Moorabbin-based electrician uncover careful considerations you should make when planning out a bathroom, whether you’re remodelling, building, or simply improving functionality and aesthetics.

Lighting in the bathroom

First, let’s start with the aesthetics.

The two most important types of lighting are ambient lighting and task lighting, but in the bathroom, task lighting is slightly more important.

Task lighting

Task lighting is glare-free and designed to offer bright, focused lighting to perform a task. In the bathroom, that could be something like applying make-up under bright vanity lights.

Task lighting is also important in other rooms of the home such as the kitchen, where good lighting is required, for example, to illuminate benchtops when preparing food and ingredients for cooking.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting, on the other hand, is what provides overall illumination in a room of the house.

This lighting is often softer than task lighting, and provides a wider beam. It is the first layer of lighting when building the ambiance in a room.

In the bathroom, these are considered the standard fixtures mounted into the ceiling, providing indirect lighting and general illumination such as LED strip lights or featured wall lights.

Why is lighting important in a bathroom?

Lighting in a bathroom is perhaps more important than you think!

Often the place where we get ready in the morning and wind down at the end of the day, your bathroom lighting needs to set the right ambiance, no matter the time of day or task at hand.

The bathroom can be a small, damp, and dark place, so ensure effective lighting helps keep you safe. It is also important for personal care such as grooming or applying makeup.

There are so many bathroom lightning options, from vanity lighting lining your mirror to statement chandeliers and cost-effective LED downlights.

Electric sockets in the bathrooms

Now, let’s shift gears towards functionality.

Electrical sockets are necessary in bathrooms because of the use of appliances, such as:

• Electric toothbrushes
• Electric razors
• Hair styling tools

While we all know that water and electricity do not mix, it seems impossible to have a bathroom without a source of electricity. In such cases, it’s critical that electrical sockets are located a safe distance away from flowing water, such as the shower head or faucets.

You should also consider socket covers when not in use, especially if you have little ones in the home.

In many cases, you will be using electrical appliances on a bench that also has a basin.

Therefore, not only do you need to be cautious when using these appliances, but when designing a bathroom, architects need to consider this hazard as well, ensuring adequate bench space that reduces the chance of appliances falling into bodies of water.

In short, sockets should be positioned practically, to ensure that the end user has safe and easy access to them.

Other considerations in the bathroom

If your budget allows, you may like to explore more options to improve comfort in your bathroom, such as underfloor heating and heated towel rails.

Not only do these intelligent features deliver comfort to you and your family (particularly during those chilly winter mornings), but they can also add great value to your home.

What is the code for wiring a bathroom?

There are codes and regulations regarding bathroom wiring authorised by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

Prokop are commercial and residential electricians aligned with all State and Federal Government regulations in order to ensure compliance and keep your home and family safe.

For the purpose of safety regulations, the code breaks down the bathroom into four zones: Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. Each zone has their own rules and requirements when it comes to electrical safety.

The code can be complicated, so it is absolutely paramount that you engage only a licensed and qualified electrician to perform any electrical work in your home, whether you’re embarking on a new build, renovating your bathroom, or want to revamp your lighting.

Why do we use exhaust fans in bathrooms?

Due to steam, water, small spaces, and a lack of (or small) windows, exhaust fans are required to reduce humidity and create more circulation in a bathroom.

Even if you have a window, a bathroom exhaust fan is more effective because:

• It is better at exhausting moisture and odours
• It can help to prevent the growth of mould and mildew
• You don’t lose as much heat in the winter when using one
• You don’t have to worry about opening a window every time you shower

Who can help me make my bathroom safe from electrical hazards?

Trust only a licensed electrician to deliver safe and effective electrical solutions in the bathroom

If you need help making your bathroom safer from electrical accidents, we invite you to get in touch today.

Working with both homeowners as well as professionals like builders and architects, it’s our goal to create a safe, livable, and practical space.

We also offer a range of electrical solutions in the home, including:

• CCTV installation Melbourne
• Downlight installation Melbourne
• Switchboard wiring Melbourne
• TV wall mounting
• General electrical maintenance
• Various electrical installation services

Give us a call today on 0437 766 770 – and we also encourage you to save our number in your phone, as you never know when you’ll need it!

Alternatively, fill out this form and we’ll get back to you shortly.