What Is Bathroom Zone 1 And 2

What Is Bathroom Zone 1 And 2 - An Overview

Bathrooms are often divided into two zones when it comes to electrical safety: Zone 1 and Zone 2. Understanding the difference between these zones is crucial to ensure the safety of electrical installations in your bathroom.

Zone 1

Zone 1 is the area inside the bathtub or shower. It is considered the most hazardous area in the bathroom due to the presence of water and electricity. Special precautions must be taken when installing electrical equipment in this zone.

Electrical Requirements for Zone 1

All electrical equipment must be rated for wet locations.
Sockets must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Switches must be located outside of Zone 1.
Lighting fixtures must be enclosed and rated for wet locations.

Zone 2

Zone 2 extends from the edge of the bathtub or shower to a distance of 3 feet (900 mm). It is less hazardous than Zone 1 but still requires some precautions.

Electrical Requirements for Zone 2

Sockets must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Switches can be located inside Zone 2, but they must be rated for wet locations.
Lighting fixtures must be enclosed and rated for damp locations.

Additional Safety Tips

In addition to following the electrical requirements for Zone 1 and Zone 2, it is important to observe some additional safety tips when using electrical equipment in the bathroom:

Never use electrical appliances near water.
Keep electrical cords away from water sources.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Have your electrical system inspected regularly by a qualified electrician.

By understanding the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 2, and by following these safety tips, you can help prevent electrical accidents in your bathroom.