Properly selected electrical installation equipment is the basis for safe use of bathroom electrical installations. It also affects the functional and aesthetic values of the room. It should be remembered that bathrooms are subject to exceptionally difficult conditions, such as high humidity and dynamically changing temperatures. In addition, there is a risk of water splashing, e.g. electrical sockets. What should you pay attention to when selecting installation equipment for the bathroom? We advise you!
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What electrical protection classes should bathroom fixtures have?
The concept of protection classes applies to electrical and electrotechnical devices. Powered by electricity, they pose at least a minimal risk of fire, electric shock or electric arc burns. There are four protection classes: 0, I, II and III. They define the level of safety and protection against electric shock of specific equipment, which allows for quick identification of its parameters and permissible applications. Detailed information on resistance classes is provided in the standard PN-EN 61140:2005/A1:2008 "Protection against electric shock.
Common aspects of installations and devices". The assignment of a device to a given class depends on its design and properties. In bathrooms and saunas, where conditions are difficult due to humidity, class III devices are often found.
Protection against electric shock is provided by a very low voltage power supply. Their plugs do not have protective pins. Even if the user were to touch a live element, the consequences should be limited to an unpleasant tingling sensation. Class III electrical protection devices include, among others, bathroom lighting.
When talking about protection classes of installation equipment, the IP (Index of Protection) protection class is much more often meant. The IP coefficient consists of two digits, the first of which specifies protection against solid objects, and the second protection against liquids. Most home equipment has an IP20 protection class. Products with IP20 are intended for installation in dry interiors. On the other hand, installation sockets and switches installed in bathrooms should be characterized by an increased protection class - IP44 (or higher). The IP44 protection class means resistance to splashing water. Such equipment is suitable for installation near a shower, sink or bathtub. To ensure maximum safety, including protection against accidental flooding, it is worth using a splash-proof socket with a flap.
What material should sockets and switches in the bathroom be made of?
Sockets and switches designed for installation in bathrooms are made of high-quality plastics, mainly thermoplastics. This material is durable and resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. In addition, sockets used in the bathroom should be splash-proof (marked IP44 + flap) and have grounding pins. Both surface-mounted and flush-mounted sockets can be found in this room.
Bathroom installation accessories and hermetic sockets with a flap
In bathrooms, especially in areas exposed to water, hermetic sockets should be used. Equipped with a special flap, they effectively protect the plug entrance from flooding (e.g. water dripping from the walls), as well as from unwanted, dangerous activities. The cover supports protection against children inserting fingers or small elements into the socket. A socket cover plays a similar role.
We encourage electrical installers and other professionals from the electrical installation industry to familiarize themselves with the offer of our wholesaler. Our assortment includes thousands of reliable solutions used in various types of electrical installations and in all rooms: from overcurrent and differential circuit breakers, through cables and electrical wires, to electrical sockets and installation sets equipped with overcurrent circuit breakers. Onninen's technical and sales advisors provide support in the selection of protective devices, taking into account key parameters such as operating current, rated current, design current and multiples of rated current.