Hi, currently the light in my bathroom is controlled
by a two-gang switch just outside the bathroom door
(the other half of the two-gang is the landing light)

I would like to move the bathroom light switch to
inside the bathroom -- in fact immediately the other
side of the wall to the existing switch would be fine.

Does anyone know of any single-pole switches that can
be installed in Zone 3? All I've been able to come
across is IPx4 rated switches for outdoor use (which
are too fugly for use indoors)

The "ideal" solution of fitting a pull cord switch
doesn't appear to be possible as I have no access to
the bathroom ceiling void (because there isn't one,
its a flat roof)

Any suggestions most welcome!

--Mike

p.s. why it is acceptable to use a switch outside
the bathroom door with wet hands but not inside
is another question...

Hang for 18 months until the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations comes
into force. AIUI these should allow conventional light switches (and
sockets) in bathrooms, provided all bathroom circuits are RCD
protected.

On 11 Apr 2007 06:20:30 -0700, " wrote:

Hang for 18 months until the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations comes
into force. AIUI these should allow conventional light switches (and
sockets) in bathrooms, provided all bathroom circuits are RCD
protected.

He can have a conventional switch in Z3 anyway.

On 11 Apr 2007 06:20:30 -0700, " mused:

Hang for 18 months until the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations comes
into force. AIUI these should allow conventional light switches (and
sockets) in bathrooms, provided all bathroom circuits are RCD
protected.

Hmm, I may have to re-read that bit then.
--
Regards,
Stuart.

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:00:47 +0100, "Mike Smith"
mused:

Hi, currently the light in my bathroom is controlled
by a two-gang switch just outside the bathroom door
(the other half of the two-gang is the landing light)

I would like to move the bathroom light switch to
inside the bathroom -- in fact immediately the other
side of the wall to the existing switch would be fine.

Does anyone know of any single-pole switches that can
be installed in Zone 3? All I've been able to come
across is IPx4 rated switches for outdoor use (which
are too fugly for use indoors)

Regulation 601-08-01 does not
preclude the installation of such equipment in zone 3.
However, the general requirements of BS 7671 are
applicable to locations containing a bath or shower and
Regulation 512-06-01 calls for every item of equipment to
be of a design appropriate to the situation in which it is to
be used, or its mode of installation must take account of
the conditions likely to be encountered. A normal wallmounted
light switch and similar accessories may not
have a degree of Ingress Protection (IP) appropriate for
installation in zone 3 and would therefore not satisfy the
requirements of BS 7671. The requirements of BS 7671
may be met by:
• installing a wall-mounted light switch with an IP rating
suitable for its location, either in zone 3 or outside of
zones 0, 1, 2 and 3, or
• using a pull-cord switch complying with BS 3676 with
an IP rating suitable for its location. The body of the
switch must be installed outside of zones 0,1 and 2
but the pull cord itself is permitted to enter zones 1 or
2 providing it is of insulating material.

Basically, you can install a normal switch in zone 3 but apply some
common sense to it as well.

The "ideal" solution of fitting a pull cord switch
doesn't appear to be possible as I have no access to
the bathroom ceiling void (because there isn't one,
its a flat roof)

A professional would be able to get a pull switch in without requiring
access.

Any suggestions most welcome!

Another option may be a touch switch, where the switch operates
without any mechanical operation, just from you waving a finger\hand
in front of it.

--Mike

p.s. why it is acceptable to use a switch outside
the bathroom door with wet hands but not inside
is another question...

It is and it isn't, depends how you interpret the regs.
--
Regards,
Stuart.

Mike Smith wrote:


The "ideal" solution of fitting a pull cord switch
doesn't appear to be possible as I have no access to
the bathroom ceiling void (because there isn't one,
its a flat roof)


You can get a BIG pull switch that wall mounts, or you could surface
mount and trunk wires to a standard pull switch..or even build a small
bit of false ceiling!

Any suggestions most welcome!

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 21:48:33 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
mused:

Mike Smith wrote:


The "ideal" solution of fitting a pull cord switch
doesn't appear to be possible as I have no access to
the bathroom ceiling void (because there isn't one,
its a flat roof)


You can get a BIG pull switch that wall mounts, or you could surface
mount and trunk wires to a standard pull switch..or even build a small
bit of false ceiling!

As I've said before, sometimes it's better getting someone else to do
it so it doesn't look like a DIY disaster.
--
Regards,
Stuart.

Mike Smith wrote:

I would like to move the bathroom light switch to
inside the bathroom -- in fact immediately the other
side of the wall to the existing switch would be fine.

Well go on then ;-)

Does anyone know of any single-pole switches that can
be installed in Zone 3?

Pretty much any of them. You need to apply common sense though. If it is
likely to get either drenched or soaked by steam frequently then one
with a suitable IP rating would be better. In most bathrooms a normal
switch is often OK (and not precluded by the regs in zone 3)

The "ideal" solution of fitting a pull cord switch
doesn't appear to be possible as I have no access to
the bathroom ceiling void (because there isn't one,
its a flat roof)

Flat roofs are not usually infinitely thin and hence typically have some
void equal to the joist thickness that was used to make them. This is
usually enough to hide a cable. Much depends on how much hacking /
making good you are prepared to do. (also think laterally - if the room
is tiled and you need to chase a cable into the wall, you can often get
away with chasing the other side of the wall!)

p.s. why it is acceptable to use a switch outside
the bathroom door with wet hands but not inside
is another question...

A semi serious answer to that is that you are slightly less likely to be
starkers and dripping wet outside of the bathroom.


--
Cheers,

John.

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\================================================= ================/

"Mike Smith" wrote in message
...
....
p.s. why it is acceptable to use a switch outside
the bathroom door with wet hands but not inside
is another question...

It is wet feet and no shoes that is more likely to kill you.

Colin Bignell

On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:44:42 +0100, "nightjar" nightjar@insert my surname
here.uk.com wrote:

|!
|!"Mike Smith" wrote in message
...
|!...
|! p.s. why it is acceptable to use a switch outside
|! the bathroom door with wet hands but not inside
|! is another question...
|!
|!It is wet feet and no shoes that is more likely to kill you.

A wet floor is more important.
Dry floors are quite good insulation, well probably good enough to save
your life.
--
Dave Fawthrop sf hyphenologist.co.uk 165 *Free* SF ebooks.
165 Sci Fi books on CDROM, from Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page Completely Free to any
address in the UK. Contact me on the *above* email address.

Thanks to all who have replied. I must admit that I assumed
that a "normal" light switch should not be installed in a
bathroom. Even if this is legit, would it be regarded as
best practice?

I'm worried that it might not get passed by a picky BCO (I'm
replacing the entire bathroom suite so the work is
notifiable).

I'd like to avoid the hassle of chopping thru the ceiling
to gain access to fit a pull-cord switch as it would be
beyond my competence to re-plaster everything afterwards
(trust me on this ;-)

Finally, can anyone advise as to where to obtain an IP
rated switch suitable for indoor use, or am I on a fools
errand looking for one?

Thanks again

--Mike

Try this:

http://www.sensor.co.uk/BathroomSwitch.htm

I've got 4 of them in my house : )

"Mike Smith" wrote in message
...
Thanks to all who have replied. I must admit that I assumed
that a "normal" light switch should not be installed in a
bathroom. Even if this is legit, would it be regarded as
best practice?

I'm worried that it might not get passed by a picky BCO (I'm
replacing the entire bathroom suite so the work is
notifiable).

I'd like to avoid the hassle of chopping thru the ceiling
to gain access to fit a pull-cord switch as it would be
beyond my competence to re-plaster everything afterwards
(trust me on this ;-)

Finally, can anyone advise as to where to obtain an IP
rated switch suitable for indoor use, or am I on a fools
errand looking for one?

I saw an advert today for a no volt no battery switch. I will and try to
find a link for you.

Personally I would not move the switch. There is nothing wrong with an
external switch. Pull cords are ugly (if you did fit one). At what point do
you need to get off the toilet or out of the bath to turn the lights on?
Even my girlfriend cannot spend long enough in the bath for the sun to set.

Adam

On Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:54:40 +0100, "Mike Smith"
mused:

Thanks to all who have replied. I must admit that I assumed
that a "normal" light switch should not be installed in a
bathroom. Even if this is legit, would it be regarded as
best practice?

Legit, yes, best practice, debateable. I wouldn't unless there was a
really really god reason to put the switch in the bathroom, anywhere.

I'm worried that it might not get passed by a picky BCO (I'm
replacing the entire bathroom suite so the work is
notifiable).

If it's in zone 3 then technically it passes so he can be as picky as
he wants to be, it still passes, technically.

I'd like to avoid the hassle of chopping thru the ceiling
to gain access to fit a pull-cord switch as it would be
beyond my competence to re-plaster everything afterwards
(trust me on this ;-)

Why would you need to replaster?

Finally, can anyone advise as to where to obtain an IP
rated switch suitable for indoor use, or am I on a fools
errand looking for one?

Can't say as I've ever seen an IP rated switch. Your other option may
be to use a low voltage retractive switch operating some sort of home
automation type switch either in the box the other side of the wall or
behind the light fitting.
--
Regards,
Stuart.

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:53:22 +0100, Lurch
mused:

Can't say as I've ever seen an IP rated switch.

Obviously meant one that was styled for internal, blended in use. I've
fitted many IP switches, lovely waterproof big things.
--
Regards,
Stuart.

"ARWadsworth" wrote in message
. ..

"Mike Smith" wrote in message
...
Thanks to all who have replied. I must admit that I assumed
that a "normal" light switch should not be installed in a
bathroom. Even if this is legit, would it be regarded as
best practice?

I'm worried that it might not get passed by a picky BCO (I'm
replacing the entire bathroom suite so the work is
notifiable).

I'd like to avoid the hassle of chopping thru the ceiling
to gain access to fit a pull-cord switch as it would be
beyond my competence to re-plaster everything afterwards
(trust me on this ;-)

Finally, can anyone advise as to where to obtain an IP
rated switch suitable for indoor use, or am I on a fools
errand looking for one?

I saw an advert today for a no volt no battery switch. I will and try to
find a link for you.

Found it

http://www.herga.com/safety_switches/?id=80

I have not read it yet but it may work for you.

Adam