Socket Outlets in Bathrooms

People in bathrooms are having an increased risk of electric shock

due to their wet and naked bodies with reduced body resistance.
To ensure electrical safety, special installation requirements are
specified in the relevant national/ international codes / standards
for electrical installations within bathrooms. In Hong Kong, code
26A(3) of the 2003 Edition of the Code of Practice for the
Electricity (Wiring) Regulations published by the Electrical and
Mechanical Services Department specifies such special requirements.
This code makes reference to IEC 60364-7-701, and classifies the
bathroom into 4 different zones (i.e. 0, 1, 2 and 3). Zone 0 is
the interior area of the bath tub or shower basin. Zone 1 is the
space above Zone 0 up to a horizontal plan at 2.25m above the floor.
Zone 2 is the space adjacent to the bath tub or shower basin up
to 0.6m horizontal distance and up to 2.25m above the floor. Zone
3 is the space up to 2.4m horizontal distance adjacent to Zone 2
and up to a vertical plan at 2.25m above the floor.
In Zone 3, socket outlets can be installed in accordance with IEC
60364-7-701.

They have to be protected by a residual current

protective device with a residual operating current not exceeding

30mA.
The above requirements are in line with that adopted in many
continental European countries, Australia, New Zealand etc., where
the said IEC standard also applies.

Socket outlet is currently not

allowed in the UK, though we note that the draft BS 7671:2008

(equivalent to the draft IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition and
is under public consultation) permits socket outlet installations
in bathroom areas at a distance 3m away from the boundary of the
bath tub or shower basin.
Hong

Kong,

as

internationally
standards.

Our

an

international

recognized

wiring

installation

metropolis,

has

requirements

guidelines

are

and

also

adopted
safety
reviewed

regularly to include the latest development in international safety

requirements and electrical technology, as well as the local trade
practices and particular local situations.