When water and electricity mix the results can be deadly which is why your bathroom can potentially be the most dangerous room in the home when it comes to electricity safety.

It’s important to remember that sockets are not allowed in bathrooms or shower rooms unless there is sufficient space for them to be fitted at least three metres away from a shower or bath.  This does not apply to shaver supply units.

Bathroom lights should, ideally, be enclosed ceiling lights and not light fittings that hang down.  A ceiling-mounted pull-cord switch is the safest way to turn on and off bathroom lights; ordinary light switches are dangerous if used by damp or wet hands.

The safest way to keep the bathroom warm is with a central heating radiator but if you do have to have a bathroom heater, it’s essential that it is fitted (it should be fixed) at a safe distance from the shower or bath.  Electrical showers must be supplied on a circuit directly from the fusebox.

It goes without saying but any mains-supplied appliances – hairdryers, radios etc – must never be used in the bathroom as this can result in serious injury or even death.

Bathrooms have special requirements for electrical installations as any electrical work has to comply with Part P of Building Regulations.  If you are considering having electrical installation work carried out in your bathroom, it is essential to use a registered company such as Dalec.  We are registered members of the ECA – the Electrical Contractors Association – which means that we have to undergo regular, rigorous technical assessments to ensure that our work is safe and installations meet industry standards.