Bathroom Electrical Work

Zone-compliant bathroom electrics — IP-rated lighting, extractor fans, heated mirrors, shaver sockets, and underfloor heating by certified electricians.

Why Bathrooms Are Different

Bathrooms are the most electrically regulated rooms in your home. Water and electricity don't mix, and BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) imposes strict rules about what electrical equipment can be installed where, based on a system of bathroom zones. Every piece of electrical work in a bathroom is Part P notifiable — meaning it must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.

Getting bathroom electrics wrong isn't just a compliance issue — it's a genuine safety risk. Incorrectly rated fittings, missing RCD protection, or equipment in the wrong zone can cause electric shock. We design and install bathroom electrical systems that are fully zone-compliant, IP-rated, and safe.

Bathroom Electrical Zones

BS 7671 divides bathrooms into zones based on proximity to water sources:

  • Zone 0 — inside the bath or shower basin itself. Only SELV (Separated Extra-Low Voltage, 12V) equipment rated IPX7 is permitted.
  • Zone 1 — above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25 metres. Equipment must be rated at least IPX4 (splash-proof). Showers, instantaneous water heaters (with appropriate protection), and IPX4 light fittings are permitted.
  • Zone 2 — extending 0.6 metres horizontally from the edge of Zone 1, and the area above Zone 1 to 3 metres height. Equipment must be rated IPX4 minimum. Shaver sockets (with isolating transformer), luminaires, and fans are permitted.
  • Outside zones — anywhere beyond Zone 2. Standard equipment is permitted, though RCD protection is still required for all bathroom circuits.

Common Bathroom Electrical Work

Extractor Fans

Building Regulations require mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without an openable window. Even bathrooms with windows benefit from an extractor fan to prevent condensation, mould, and moisture damage. We install inline fans (mounted in the loft for near-silent operation), wall-mounted fans, and ceiling fans with humidity sensors and overrun timers. All bathroom fans must be on a dedicated switched circuit.

LED Downlights

IP65-rated LED downlights are the standard choice for bathroom ceilings. They must be fire-rated where the ceiling forms a fire barrier (between floors). We install dimmable, colour-temperature-adjustable downlights that look great and meet all zone and IP requirements.

Heated Mirrors and Demister Pads

Heated mirrors with built-in LED lighting and demister pads are a popular upgrade. They require a permanent electrical connection (not a plug) and must be installed in the correct zone with appropriate IP rating. We hardwire heated mirrors to a dedicated switch, typically a pull-cord or remote sensor.

Shaver Sockets

Shaver sockets with an isolating transformer are the only socket type permitted in Zone 2 of a bathroom. They provide a safe power outlet for electric shavers and toothbrushes. Standard 13A sockets are not permitted anywhere within the bathroom zones.

Electric Showers

Electric showers draw significant power — 8.5kW to 10.5kW — and require a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit with a suitably rated MCB, 10mm² cable, and a pull-cord isolator switch. Installing or upgrading an electric shower is one of the most common bathroom electrical jobs and must be carried out by a registered electrician.

Underfloor Heating

Electric underfloor heating under bathroom tiles is the most popular application of UFH. The heating mat sits beneath the tiles, warming the floor to a comfortable temperature. It requires a dedicated circuit and a thermostat (usually wall-mounted outside the bathroom or recessed into the wall within Zone 2).

Costs

  • Extractor fan (supply and install): £150–£350 (inline fan at the higher end)
  • 4x IP65 LED downlights: £200–£400
  • Heated mirror (hardwired): £200–£500 depending on size
  • Shaver socket: £80–£140
  • Electric shower installation: £250–£500 (supply and fit)
  • Full bathroom electrical package: £600–£1,500

Planning a bathroom renovation? Get a free quote for all your bathroom electrical work — from a single extractor fan to a complete electrical refit.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions about this service.

No. Standard 13A sockets are not permitted in bathrooms under BS 7671. The only socket type allowed is a shaver socket with an isolating transformer, installed in Zone 2 or outside the zones. If you need to power appliances like hairdryers, the socket must be outside the bathroom — in a hallway or bedroom.
If your bathroom has no openable window, Building Regulations require mechanical ventilation (an extractor fan). Even if you have a window, an extractor fan with a humidity sensor is strongly recommended to prevent condensation, black mould, and moisture damage to walls and ceilings.
Zone 1 (above the bath/shower) requires IPX4 minimum — splash-proof. Zone 2 (0.6m around the bath) also requires IPX4. We typically install IP65-rated fittings throughout the bathroom for maximum protection. Zone 0 (inside the shower tray or bath) requires IPX7 and SELV only.
Yes. All electrical installation work in a room containing a bath or shower is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. This includes adding lights, fans, shaver sockets, electric showers, and underfloor heating. It must be carried out by a registered electrician who can self-certify the work.

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