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LOCATIONS /1
CONTAINING A '1
m
BATH OR SHOWER
BS7671 : 2001
SECTION 601

QECA
The Electrical Contractors' Association

I
 LOCATIONS CONTAINING A BATH OR SHOWER
SECTION 601
he leaflet sets out the difference in
T requirements between BS 7671 : 1992
Amendment 2 and BS 7671 : 2001.
Section 601 of 85 7671 :1992 was superseded
by BS 7671 : 2001 requirements, for all
installations designed after 1 January 002.
The differences between Section 601 in BS
7671 :1992 and Section 601 in BS 7671 : 2001
are marginal and are best recognised by
looking for vertical bars to the right of the
Regulations in the new 601 (BS 7671 : 2001).
These indicate any change from the 3rd
Amendment in BS 7671 :1992.
1. SCOPE - REGULATION601-01
The Scope now covers anylocation
containinga bath or shower and does not
now refer to tubs or showerbasins. However,
showers for emergency use in such places as
laboratories or chemical plants are excluded.
In addition, special requirements, over and
above Section 601,may apply to facilities for
medicaluse.
2. CLASSIFIGATION OFZONES -
REGULATION 601-02
The new 601 introducesthe concept ofzones
in or around a bath or shower. The zoning
concept is similar to that in Section 602 for
swimming pools. The zone boundaries
effectively limit the type ofinstallation
possible or the equipment allowable within
the zone. Pictorialrepresentations of zones
are given in the figures 1 to 15 at the endof
this leaflet.
2.1 Regulation 601-02-01
This gives the dimensionsofthe zones
with respect to showerbasins, bath
tubs or, in the case ofshowerswith no
basin, the fixed shower outlet. The
zones are limited (i.e. end) at the
ceiling, anywall, fixed partition, the
2
floor or doors. The exact definition of
the zone is given withinthis Regulation
but shouldbe read in conjunction with
the drawingsin the figures at the back
ofthis leaflet andthe drawings given
in Section 601 ofthe Regulations.
2.1.1 Zone 0 is normally the interior of a
bath tub or showerbasin. Where there
is a showerwith no basin, the zone 0
areais 0.6m around the fixed shower
head or 1.2m around the showeroutlet
for a removable showerhead. In these
cases,the zone 0 is the area from the
floor up to 50mm above the floor (see
figures 1 and2).
2.1.2 Zone 1 is defined horizontally by the
edge ofthe bath or showertray or by
the edge ofzone 0 for showers without
a tray extendingvertically from the top
ofzone 0 up to the ceiling or 2.25m
above floor level, whichever is the
lower. The space below a bath tub or
showertray where that spaceis
accessible without use of a tool is
defined as zone 1.
2.1.3 Zone 2 extendshorizontally from the
edgeofzone 1 by a further 0.6m and to
the same height (i.e. 2.25m above floor
level or the ceiling where lower).It is
also the area above zone 1 up to 3.Om
above the floor.
NB: Wherethere is no shower tray, zone 2
still extendszone 1 by O.6m to makea
totalradius of1.2m forfixed head
showers and L8mfor removablehead
showers (see figures 1 to 6)
2.1.4 Zone 3 extends zone 2 horizontally by a
further2.4m andincludesthe area
above zone 2 up to the ceiling or a
height of3.Om above floor level,
whichever is less.
The areaunderneath a bath tub or shower
basin is considered outsideofthe zones if it is
accessible by the means of a tool.
3. PROTECTIONFOR SAFETY,
PROTECTION AGAINST SHOCK-
REGULATION 601-03
At ANYvoltage where SELV or PELV is
used, protection against direct contact shall
be provided by:
3.1 Barriers or enclosures to IP2X or IPXXB
or
3.2 Parts shall be insulated to a type-test
voltage of 500V a.c. rms for one minute.
NB: This does not mean that a test to this
voltage has to be carried OlEt after
installation. It means bare SELV
conductors andconnections are not
allowed.
4. PROTECTIONFOR SAFETY
SUPPLEMENTARY BONDING -
REGULATION 601-04
4.1 Regulation601-04-01
Supplementary equipotentialbonding,
complyingwith Regulation 547-03 is to
be applied betweenthe CPC (at one
point) ofeach circuit supplyingclass I
or II equipment and extraneous-
conductive-partswithinzones 1, 2 and 3.
The sizes of supplementarybonding
conductors have not changed,i.e. 4mm2
ifnotsheathed or mechanically
protected. Smaller sizes may be
employed if compliant with
Regulations 547-03-01and 547-03-02.
Bonding may be applied"in close
proximity to the location," i.e. above
ceilings, below floors or in adjacent
rooms. However, Regulation 526-04-01
still applies to the accessibility ofany
terminationsof equipotentialbonding
conductors.
NB Bondingbetween extraneous-
conductive-partsalone is no longer
required ifthere are no circuits
I
supplyingclass andclass II
equipment. The requirement is to
bond extraneous-conductive-parts
to the CPCs ofcircuits supplying
I
class and class II equipment. If
the only circuit within zones 1, 2
and3 is SELV, then no bonding
willbe required.
4.2 Regulation 601-04-02
The bonding requirementsDO NOT
apply to zone3 where a cabinetcontaining
a showeris installed in a room not
defined as a bathroom, e.g. a bedroom.
5. PROTECTIONFOR SAFETY,
APPLICATIONOF MEASURES
AGAINST ELECTRICSROCK
REGULATIOV 601-05
This Regulation modifies the general
requirementsof chapter 47.
5.1 Regulation 601-05-01
In zone 0, only SELV not exceeding
12V a.c rms or 30V d.c. may be used.
The SELV source must be located
outsidethe zones 0, 1 and 2.
NB May be under a bath ifthat space is
accessible only by use ofa tool or it
may be located in a ceiling void.
5.2 Regulation 601-05-02
Protectionagainst direct contactby
methods 'placingout ofreach' or 'by
use of obstacles' is not permitted.
5.3 Regulation 601-05-03
Protectionagainst indirectcontactby
use of a non-conducting location or by
earth-free local equipotential bonding
is not permitted.
6. SELECTIONAND ERECTION
OF EQUIPMENT, COMMON
RULES, EXTERNALINFLUENCES
- REGULATION 601-06
This Regulation introducesIF ratingsfor
equipment within zones andapplies to ALL
equipment at ANY voltage.
6.1 In zone 0, IPX7
6.2 In zones 1 and2, IPX4 or splashproof
or IPX5 ifwaterjets are to be used for
cleaning in communal areas.
NB This requirement does not apply to
shaversupply units to BS EN
60742, Chapter 2, Section 1
installed in zone 2, provided they
are located in an area wheredirect
spray ofa shower is unlikely.
3
.3 There are no IPrequirementsfor
equipment in zone 3 except in
communal areas where waterjets may
be used for cleaning and then it's IPX5
or as requiredby BS7671 generally.
NB IP ratingsare defined in lEE
GuidanceNote 1 appendix B.
. OF SELECTION AND ERECTION
EQUI ENT, WIRING
REGL!L4TIOI\j51?1 7
Additional wiringrequirements apply o connecting other portable
wiringin zone 0, 1 and2 only.
7.1 Regulation 601-07-02
Where applicable, in zones 0, 1 and 2,
wiring is permitted to feed equipment
in that zone or a numericallylower
zone, e.g. wiringmay pass through
zone 2 to feed equipmentin either
zones0 or 1 but notvice versa. Note that
this Regulation does not applyto earth
metalic wiringsystems to 522-06-07.
8. SELECTIONAND ERECTION
OF EQUIPMENT, SWITCHGEAR
AND CONTROLGEAR -
REGULATION 601-08
This section refers only to switches,
controlgearandsocketoutlets andnot current
using equipment.
9. SELECTIONAND ERECTION
8.1 Regulation601-08-01
These requirements DO NOT apply to
switches or controls which are
incorporated in FIXED current using
equipment which is suitable for the
zone in whichit is installed, e.g.
controls of an electric shower.
Zone 0 Noswitches or accessories
Zone 1 Onlyswitches of SELV
circuits with a voltage not
exceeding 12V a.c. or 30V
d.c. The source must be
locatedoutsideof zones 0, 1
and 2. No sockets of any
voltage are permitted.
Zone2
Only switches or socket
outlets of SELV circuits with
4
a voltage notexceeding 12V
a.c. or 30V d.c. The source
must be locatedoutsideof
zones 0, 1 and 2.
Additionally shaver sockets
complying with BS EN
60742 Chapter 2, Section 1
are permitted in areas
where direct spray from
showersis unlikely.
Zone 3 No socket outlets except
those permitted as zone 2
AND no provision for
equipment.
Outside No socket outlet, other than
Zones as permitted in zones 2 and
3 shall be fitted outsideof
the zones andwithin the
area containing a bath or
shower.
The insulating cords of pull
cord switches are permitted
in zones 1 and2 but NOT
the switchitself.
8.2 Regulation 601-08-02
Sockets, protectedby 3OmA RCDs
complying with Regulation 412-06,
ARE permitted outside of zones 0, 1, 2
and3 where a shower cubicle is
installed in a room other than a
bathroomor showerroom.
OF EQUIPMENT, FIKED
CURRENT-USINGEQUIPMENT -
REGULATION 601-09
This section refers only to fixedcurrent using
equipmentand not switches, socket outlets
and control gear.
9.1 Regulation 601-09-01
In zone 0 - only equipmentif suitable
andcannot be reasonablylocated
elsewhere.
9.2 Regulation 601-09-02
In zone 1, the followingequipmentmay
be installed ifsuitable for the zone:
9.2.1 Water heaters (e.g. electric showers)
9.2.2 Showerpumps (e.g. power showers)
In zone 1, other equipment may be
installed if it is suitable for the zone
AND cannot be reasonablylocated
elsewhere AND is protected by a 3OmA
RCD complyingwith Regulation412-
06 OR if it is SELV equipmente.g. an
IPX4 SELY fan or lightmay be
installed or an IPX4 mains fan or light
ONLYif it cannot reasonablybe
locatedelsewhere AND it is 3OniA
RCD protected.
9.3 Regulation 601-09-03
In zone2, the followingIPX4
equipment may be used: (IPX5 where
cleaning water jets are likely).
9.3.1 ANYSELV equipmentcomplying with
regulations411-02 AND 601-03-02
and
9.3.2 Water heaters, showerpumps,
luminaires,fan, heating appliances
and whirlpoolbaths OR other fixed
equipment,if it cannot be reasonably
locatedelsewhere, and SELV
equipmentoperatingat voltages
other than as allowed by Regulation
601-03-02.
In zone 3, any fixed current-usingequipment
is allowed and any other NON-FIXED
current-usingequipment providing it is
protectedby a 3OniA RCD complying with
Regulation 412-06.
NB "which can reasonablyonly be located
in" meansonly if the equipmentcannot
be reasonablylocatedelsewhere, i.e.
outsidethe zone or the room.
9.4
Regulation 601-09-04
Electricheating elementsembedded in
the floor are allowed in any zone
provided they are covered by EITHER
by an earthed metallicgrid ORby an
earthed metallic sheath connected to
the local supplementarybonding.
10. SUMMARYOF MAIN CHANGES
FROM BS 7671 : 1992
10.1 Zones introduced
10.2 PELV not permittedin certain
circumstances
10.3 0.4 second disconnection time for
indirect contactprotection nowgone
(five seconds applicable to all circuits).
10.4 Supplementary bondingnow required
to the CPC of any circuit supplying
class I or II equipment within zones 1,
2 or 3 and extraneous-conductive-
parts.
10.5 Supplementarybonding not required
betweenextraneous-conductive-parts,
only betweenextraneous-conductive-
parts andthe CPCs of circuits
supplyingclass I and II equipment
10.6 The prohibition ofsurfacemetal
conduit or metal sheathed cable has
gone
10.7 IP requirementsintroduced
10.8 SELV switches may now be metallic
10,9 Additional requirementsintroducedfor
circuits passingthrough zones 0, 1 and
2 on or in walls
10.10 No 230V switches can be located
within zones 0, 1 and2 unless partof
certain equipment
10.11 Insulating cordsonly of pull switches
allowed within zones 1 and 2
10.12 Only certain defined current-using
equipment allowed within zones
10.13 No mains voltage socket outlets
allowed, even outsidethe zones, except
as specifically allowed by Regulation
601-08-02
10.14 The wording "simultaneously
accessible" has been removed from
bondingrequirements
10.15 References to BS 5042 (Home Office)
skirts for lamp holders removed. All
equipmentmust now complywith
relevant IP rating.
 FIGURE 1 Classification and explanation ofZone 0

Demountable
Demountable Shower Head
Shower Head

1.2 m

Zone 0

1.2 m

0.05 m
—r
Zone 0
No ShowerBasin
Plan Elevation

FIGURE 2 Classification andexplanation of Zone 0

Fixed ShowerHead

0.6m 0.6m
4
FixedShower Head

__
0.05 m

No ShowerBasin
Plan Elevation

FIGURE 3 Classification and explanation ofZone 1

Zone I
V Sho' er Head

Zone I
2.25 m 1.2 m 2.25 m
4 ______
Demount ble Head

0.6 m
p
Fixed Head

Bath orShowerBasin Shower- No Basin

Elevation Elevation

6
FIGURE 4 Classification and explanation ofZone 2

Zone2 3.0 m Zone2

1

Zone 1 Zone 2

Sho ver Head

Zone 1 Zone 2
1.201 1.8 m 2.25 m
2.25 m
— Dependar on outlet

L_____
0.6 m _____
0.6 or 1.2 m
4
0.6 m

Bath orShowerBasin Shower - No Basin

Elevation Elevation

FIGURE 5 Classification and explanation of Zone 2

Zone 1

Zone 2 Zone 3

Zone 0
4

_____ 2.4 m
[4
/
Plan

FIGURE 6 Classification and explanation of Zone 3

Zone 1

Zone2 Zone 3

Zone 0
4 I

2.4 m
-4

/,
—————..--.--..
Plan Plan

7
 FIGURE 7 Zone dimensions (plan) Bath tub

FIGURE 8 Zone dimensions(plan) bath tub (fixed partition)

FIGURE 9 Zone dimensions (plan) showerwith basin

8
FIGURE I0 Zone dimensions(plan) showerbasin (fixedpartition)

FIGURE ii Zone dimensions (plan) showerwithoutbasin (fixed)

FIGURE 12 Zone dimensions (plan) Shower withoutbasin

NB *See also Figure 15

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 FIGURE 13 Zone dimensions (elevation) bath tub

Ceiling

3.0m

Outside Zones

0.6m 2.4m

FIGURE 14 Zone dimensions (elevation) showerwith basin

Luminare1
— ...RecessZone 2
_______ I Ceiling
Zone 2 Zone 3 OutsideZones

30m
2.25m

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 OutsideZones

Zone0 fj
0.6m 2.4m

FIGURE 15 Zone dimensions (elevation) showerwithoutbasin

Ceiling
Zone 2 Zone 3 OutsideZones

Fixed ShowerHead

2.25 m

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 OutsideZones

— Permanentpartition
0.05 m Zone 0

2.4 m

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 The Electrical Contractors Association
ESCAHouse, 34 Palace Court, London W2 4HY
Tel: 020 7313 4800 Fax: 020 7221 7344
E Mail:electrjcalcontractors@eca.co.uk
www.eca.co.uk T9470201