Why you need a qualified electrician when installing electrics in a bathroom

Author: Maz Henry

If you are a practical person who can turn their hands to most tasks, then you are probably great at DIY. A good tradesman can be expensive so it is likely you often decide to tackle any jobs needing done in your home by yourself. Even if you need a little advice by watching some YouTube videos, you know you will do a good job and will be pleased with the result.

However, there are some tasks that should always be completed by a qualified tradesman for your safety and the safety of those that live with you.

Electrical DIY and Bathrooms are NOT a Match Made in Heaven

Mixing water or steam with electricity can be deadly if not handled properly. Even if you switch off your power to install new electrics, you have to be extremely confident you have done everything correctly to then use your new electrical appliances in a bathroom. The last thing you want is to electrocute one of your family.

The other issue of DIY bathroom electrics is that if you go to sell your home you will not have the correct certification to prove that it is safe.

Bathroom Electrical Legal Requirements in the UK

In the UK, the installation of electrics in bathrooms falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. Part P mandates that any electrical installation work carried out in domestic properties must ensure the safety of the individuals using the premises. Specifically, it requires that all electrical installations must be designed and installed in such a way that they protect against fire and electric shock.

Electrical work in bathrooms should be undertaken by a registered competent person such as an NICEIC approved electrician. They will ensure everything they do meets the current laws and standards. For instance, Zone 0, which refers to the inside of a bath or shower, must only have low-voltage equipment with the highest level of protection (IPX7 or higher).

Benefits of Using a Professional Electrician

Choosing a highly recommended professional electrician such as Edinburgh electricians, Energize Electrical to carry out any electric changes in your bathroom is a wise decision. They can install electric showers, mirrors, shaving sockets, towel rails and underfloor heating in a safe and tidy manner. Once the installation is completed, they will carry out a thorough test and inspection and once they are happy, provide you with the necessary certification that they have completed the work to the required standards. If you choose to do this work yourself and then ask a qualified electrician to test it, you may find that some electricians will only test and sign off work that they have done themselves.