Professional Documents
Culture Documents
17Th Edition Launched: Special Locations Includes New Requirements For Bathrooms
17Th Edition Launched: Special Locations Includes New Requirements For Bathrooms
17Th Edition Launched: Special Locations Includes New Requirements For Bathrooms
17th EDITION
1
17th EDITION
Ceiling
zone 2
Outside zones
Window
recess
Window zone 1
recess
zone 2
zone 2
Outside zones
zone 2 2.25 m
zone 0
zone 0
0.60 m
*
Window recess
0.60 m
zone 2
Figure 1: Zone dimensions -
elevation view showing a bath tub
Wiring Matters is produced by IET Services Limited, a subsidiary of The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), for the IET.
Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2AY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1438 313311 Fax: +44 (0)1438 313465
Advertising Sales D Smith +44 (0)1438 767224 daniellesmith@theiet.org | Editor G D Cronshaw +44 (0)1438 767384
gcronshaw@theiet.org | Contributing Editors M Coles, J Elliott, J Ware | Design Sable Media Solutions
IEE Wiring Matters is a quarterly publication from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The IET is not as a body responsible for
the opinions expressed.
©2008: The Institution of Engineering and Technology. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission in writing of the publisher. Copying of articles is not permitted
except for personal and internal use. Multiple copying of the content of this publication without permission is always illegal. Web-offset
printing by Wyndeham Heron, The Bentall Complex, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, UK
Co-operating Organisations The Institution of Engineering & Technology acknowledges the contribution made by the following
organisations in the preparation of this publication: British Electrotechnical & Allied Manufacturers Association Ltd – R Lewington,
P D Galbraith, M H Mullins | Department for Communities and Local Government – I Drummond | Electrical Contractors Association – D Locke,
S Burchell | City & Guilds of London Institute – H R Lovegrove | Energy Networks Association – D J Start | Electrical Contractors Association
of Scotland SELECT – D Millar, N McGuiness | Health & Safety Executive – K Morton | Electrical Safety Council | ERA Technology Limited –
M Coates | British Cables Association – C Reed | Scottish Building Standards Agency | DTI – D Tee | CORGI – P Collins | GAMBICA –
M. Hadley, A. Sedhev.
ISSN 1749-978-X
17th EDITION
4
to be installed in a room containing a following condition:
bath or shower providing they are
installed 3 m horizontally from the R ≤ 50 V/Ia in a.c. systems
boundary of zone 1. This change R ≤ 120 V/Ia in d.c. systems
resolves the ambiguity that existed where
between locations containing a bath or
shower and a bedroom containing a Ia is the operating current in amperes
shower. of the protective device for RCDs, IΔn,
for overcurrent devices, the current
Supplementary equipotential bonding causing automatic operation in 5 s.
Regulation 701.415.2 introduces a
further significant change regarding External influences
supplementary equipotential bonding. The Regulations state:
The Regulation states that where the Electrical equipment exposed to water
location containing a bath or shower jets, e.g. for cleaning purposes, shall
is in a building with a protective have a degree of protection of at least
equipotential bonding system in IPX5. The Regulations no longer limit
accordance with Regulation 411.3.1.2, the IPX5 requirement to communal
supplementary equipotential baths or communal showers.
bonding may be omitted where There are no particular ingress
all of the following conditions protection requirements beyond
are met: zone 2. This means that BS 1363
(i) All final circuits of the location accessories, such as switches and
comply with the requirements for fused connection units, can be
automatic disconnection according to installed beyond zone 2, subject to the
411.3.2, and requirements of Regulation 512.2
(ii) All final circuits of the location (external influences).
have additional protection by means of
an RCD in accordance 701.411.3.3, and Current-using equipment Shaver supply units
(iii) All extraneous-conductive-parts of The 16th Edition made a clear division The minimum degree of protection for
the location are effectively connected between equipment permitted to be equipment installed in zones 1 and 2 is
to the protective equipotential bonding installed in zone 1 and equipment IPX4 or IPX5 where water jets are
according to 411.3.1.2. permitted to be installed in zone 2. In likely to be used for cleaning purposes.
This means the designer needs to the 17th Edition no requirements are An exception to this requirement is a
make an assessment that all stated for zone 2. This is because all shaver supply unit complying with
extraneous-conductive-parts of the circuits of the location now require BS EN 60742 Chapter 2, Section 1,
location are effectively connected to RCD protection. which, although it does not meet the
the protective equipotential bonding The term “current-using equipment requirements of IP4X, is permitted in
according to 411.3.1.2. other than fixed current-using zone 2 but must be located where
NOTE: The effectiveness of the equipment” no longer appears in the direct spray from showers is unlikely.
connection of extraneous-conductive- 17th Edition. This type of shaver supply unit, which
parts in the location to the main Current-using equipment, such as incorporates a safety isolating
earthing terminal may be assessed, washing machines and tumble dryers transformer, is the only type which is
where necessary, by the application of for example, continue to be allowed to permitted in a bathroom or shower
Regulation 415.2.2. be installed beyond zone 2, subject to room.
Regulation 415.2.2 states: Where manufacturers’ approval similar to the
doubt exists regarding the 16th Edition. Such equipment must More information.
effectiveness of supplementary be supplied by means of a fused For more information please refer to
equipotential bonding, it shall be connection unit within 3 m the 17th Edition of the Wiring
confirmed that the resistance R horizontally from the boundary of Regulations. Also, help is at hand, in
between simultaneously accessible zone 1. Beyond 3 m they may be the form of a new edition of IEE
exposed-conductive-parts and supplied by means of a plug and Guidance Note 7 (Special Locations)
extraneous conductive-parts fulfils the socket-outlet. available soon.