Shower isolation switch

[noreng]

IEE Wiring Regulations * para 537-15 requires an isolating switch to be in a readily accessible position. Does this imply that the cord should be close to the bathroom door or would it be acceptable to locate it close to the wall opposite the door (for practical reasons)?

*Having been retired for a long time I only have 16th Edn for reference!

 

[welshwizard]

Insulated pull cord operated switches complying with BS 3676 are permitted in Zones 1 & 2 of a bathroom installation Reg 601-08

You can also mount a conventional wall mounted switch outside the door to control the bathroom light as an alternative option

 

[peebee]

IEE? You mean IEC? You're in the wrong forum buddy, try forum249 .

If you really mean IEE, I beg your pardon. And please fill me in on what IEE is.

If you really meant IEEE, what IEEE publication are you referring to?

 

[noreng]

I must thank peebee for trying to point me in the right direction. IEE stands for the(UK) Institution of Electrical Engineers and it is their Wiring Regulations, which operate in the UK, that I was refering to. There did not appear to be a directly appropriate forum so I posted on the IEEE one without adequate explanation on my part. Apologises to American contributers!

Although Eng -Tips seems mainly concerned with American practise contributers are worldwide as evidenced by welshwizard correctly identifying my query to which he has helpfully responded.To him I should explain that I am replacing an existing shower and wish to renew the wiring and it is practically much more convenient to install a cord operated switch rather than
connecting to the existing switch which is outside the bathroom.The cord would hang 0.6 metre distant away from the edge of the bath.
I have also the IEE ON-sITE GUIDE to the Wiring Regulations (now BS 7671: 1992) but this does not clarify how close the cord can be to the bath.

My copy of the 15th (1981) edition of the regs does not have a Regulation 601-08 so I do not know what is meant by Zones 1 and 2. Perhaps welshwizard may like to comment?



Thank you both for responding.

noreng

 

[welshwizard]

BS 7671:2001 the Blue copy of the IEE Regs Part 6 contains Section 601 which deals with locations containing a bath or shower

The room is now divided up into Zones 0,1,2 & 3 according to risk when electricity and water meet

Zone 0 is the interior of the bath or shower basin
Each zone has a specific dimension and the regulations spell out what types of equipment can be installed in each zone
I think Section 602 swimming pools was in the old Yellow copy (15th Ed)and that had Zones A,B,& C. The concept for bathrooms is similar
Hope that helps

 

[noreng]

Dear welshwizard

Thanks for your prompt response.

Have not yet been to my local library (Northampton) to see an up to date copy of BS 7671. Mine has no regs between 600 - 699.

However have located a copy of the ASEE Illustrated Guide to the 16th Edn. In connection with 601=08 this gives the following :-
" Normal access to insulated cord of a cordswitch ... is permitted within the reach of a person in a bath or shower "

So what I propose complies.

Have not been involved with the Regulations for many years now.

Regards
noreng