Bathroom Lights - what do I need to look for when buying?

[GirlRacerRed]

I think I picked up somewhere that bathroom lighting now has to meet certain specifications due to moisture and so on.

My bathroom has a really awful looking light fitting in there and I want to replace with a spot light unit. What do I need to look for when buying a new fitting?

And what makes bathroom light fittings so much more expensive than other light fittings?

Thanks

 

[steamboatwilly]

I think I picked up somewhere that bathroom lighting now has to meet certain specifications due to moisture and so on.

My bathroom has a really awful looking light fitting in there and I want to replace with a spot light unit. What do I need to look for when buying a new fitting?

And what makes bathroom light fittings so much more expensive than other light fittings?

Thanks

Depends on which 'zone' the light will be in. The box containing the light should say which zone it is suitable for....the zones can be found here...
Using electricity in the Bathroom or Shower Room - UK rules and regulations - 17th Edition IEE

Oh, and they're generally more expensive because they need to be better insulated/protected. Pay the extra, it's important stuff.

 

[electricAl]

My bathroom has a really awful looking light fitting in there and I want to replace with a spot light unit. What do I need to look for when buying a new fitting?

Thanks

1) Suitably IP rated if in Zone 1 (directly above bath/shower or wet area & below 2.25m from ffl) & unlikely in your case.

or if in Zone 2 - height as above but within 600mm of Zone 1 horizontally - possible in your case.

2) Suitable for it`s installed conditions even if outside those zones - i only ever fit IP44 or better in bathrooms due to the likely condensation/spray

3) A Part P registered spark to self-certify the work as it is notifiable - he (or she ) may well insist on the lighting circuit being RCD protected (if it isn`t already) or at the very least ensure the bonding is upto scratch


& what makes them more expensive is 1) & 2) above - cynical to suggest 3) as well

 

[GirlRacerRed]

1) Suitably IP rated if in Zone 1 (directly above bath/shower or wet area & below 2.25m from ffl) & unlikely in your case.

or if in Zone 2 - height as above but within 600mm of Zone 1 horizontally - possible in your case.

2) Suitable for it`s installed conditions even if outside those zones - i only ever fit IP44 or better in bathrooms due to the likely condensation/spray

3) A Part P registered spark to self-certify the work as it is notifiable - he (or she ) may well insist on the lighting circuit being RCD protected (if it isn`t already) or at the very least ensure the bonding is upto scratch


& what makes them more expensive is 1) & 2) above - cynical to suggest 3) as well

Hi electricAl

And what makes the work notifiable?

Thanks
GRR

 

[Spudnik]

And what makes the work notifiable?

Thanks
GRR

Its in a special location.

 

[GirlRacerRed]

Its in a special location.

and that makes a difference because?

 

[Spudnik]

and that makes a difference because?

Its a room where there is increased shock risk.

You gotta get up REAL early to catch me out Liz

 

[GirlRacerRed]

Its a room where there is increased shock risk.

You gotta get up REAL early to catch me out Liz

Not trying to catch you out J Just curious as to why I would need an electrician to come out.

 

[electricAl]

Just curious as to why I would need an electrician to come out.

You`re not the first to be surprised by this. Most homeowners haven`t got a clue about it either.
Illustrates how badly advertised & implimented Part P is. Seems its architect liked the "Shhh, don`t tell anyone" approach - basically the concept appears to be "electricians need to know, but their customers don`t"

We don`t make up these rules, but we do have to abide by them.

FYI changing a light fitting like for like can be done by anyone (installed, inspected & tested to BS7671 of course ) whatever the location (classed as repair/maintenance)

Changing fitting to a different type is likewise permitted to be done without notification as per ^ except in a Special Location/Installation/Kitchen (garden, bathroom, shower-room etc)

Whereas in any of those exceptions, the work requires notification to Building Control...

Surely everyone & their dogs aunty knows that - NOT

 

[GirlRacerRed]

You`re not the first to be surprised by this. Most homeowners haven`t got a clue about it either.
Illustrates how badly advertised & implimented Part P is. Seems its architect liked the "Shhh, don`t tell anyone" approach - basically the concept appears to be "electricians need to know, but their customers don`t"

We don`t make up these rules, but we do have to abide by them.

FYI changing a light fitting like for like can be done by anyone (installed, inspected & tested to BS7671 of course ) whatever the location (classed as repair/maintenance)

Changing fitting to a different type is likewise permitted to be done without notification as per ^ except in a Special Location/Installation/Kitchen (garden, bathroom, shower-room etc)

Whereas in any of those exceptions, the work requires notification to Building Control...

Surely everyone & their dogs aunty knows that - NOT

who will tan my hide if I don't get it done by an electrician then?

 

[Spudnik]

If he doesnt, i will

 

[electricAl]

Well as luck would have it, i`m an electrician who does a little hide tanning in my spare time...

So, the choice is yours - what would Madam prefer




^ Oi. ^ That was my innuendo to manipulate, if you please.

Go find you own customers...hop it, Sparrow!

 

[GirlRacerRed]

If he doesnt, i will

It's ok J... I won't tell you if I do it.

And your last name is Sparrow?

 

[Spudnik]

And your last name is Sparrow?

No its not.

Im not sure where that came from

 

[GirlRacerRed]

too late, it's stuck now.. I shall call you Jack Sparrow from now on

 

[steamboatwilly]

too late, it's stuck now.. I shall call you Jack Sparrow from now on

As will we all......

 

[willosparky]

12 volt downlighters can be used in any part of a bathroom ceiling as they come under SELV could also fit an inline ducting fan with a fan light as the intake vent. Fan light being a 4 inch fitting with a 12 volt downlighter built in to it.

 

[GirlRacerRed]

12 volt downlighters can be used in any part of a bathroom ceiling as they come under SELV could also fit an inline ducting fan with a fan light as the intake vent. Fan light being a 4 inch fitting with a 12 volt downlighter built in to it.

that's what i'd like to do but it costs money and i'm a tight arse

 

[Spudnik]

that's what i'd like to do but it costs money and i'm a tight arse

You should be spending money on your bathroom, not a 4x4.

 

[Mac]

who will tan my hide if I don't get it done by an electrician then?

I will