Hi everyone,
I was in my sister's bathroom today and noticed that there is a fused switch for the boiler in there. Is that safe/allowed?
So I've been googling it but can't quite find the answer.
It's outside zone 2, but it's within 3m of the bath. That said, it's behind a big sort of cover which has been built to hide the pipes and wotnot to make it look nicer. The cover is rather awkward to remove because of its size and shape but it's not's fixed to the wall so it is possible to move it.
Having read the rules, I'm not 100% on what's allowed and what isn't. I've read about socket outlets and light switches and IPx4. But it's neither a socket outlet nor a light switch, and it's not in zone 2. But it is within 3m. So does it need moving to outside the bathroom? And if so, what does it need replacing with in order to junction it? Or is it possible to just replace it with an IPX4 fused switch instead? I haven't found mention of that as a solution for equipment or accessories in a bathroom that are outside of the zones. Does that mean that it is or isn't allowed?
In short:
1) It was probably installed by an electrician, right, being a boiler, it's not a diy job is it. So I've no real reason to question it except that it doesn't seem sensible to me.
2) Can it stay as it is, or not?
3) If not, can it be changed to an IP rated one, rather than moving it to outside the bathroom?
4) If not, is it allowed to put a junction box in its place? Presumably an IP rated one. Or does the new fused connection have to wire directly into the boiler.
5) And I've not even questioned yet whether it's ok for the boiler to be in the bathroom too? (It's got a cupboard built round it).
Thanks everyone.
I was in my sister's bathroom today and noticed that there is a fused switch for the boiler in there. Is that safe/allowed?
So I've been googling it but can't quite find the answer.
It's outside zone 2, but it's within 3m of the bath. That said, it's behind a big sort of cover which has been built to hide the pipes and wotnot to make it look nicer. The cover is rather awkward to remove because of its size and shape but it's not's fixed to the wall so it is possible to move it.
Having read the rules, I'm not 100% on what's allowed and what isn't. I've read about socket outlets and light switches and IPx4. But it's neither a socket outlet nor a light switch, and it's not in zone 2. But it is within 3m. So does it need moving to outside the bathroom? And if so, what does it need replacing with in order to junction it? Or is it possible to just replace it with an IPX4 fused switch instead? I haven't found mention of that as a solution for equipment or accessories in a bathroom that are outside of the zones. Does that mean that it is or isn't allowed?
In short:
1) It was probably installed by an electrician, right, being a boiler, it's not a diy job is it. So I've no real reason to question it except that it doesn't seem sensible to me.
2) Can it stay as it is, or not?
3) If not, can it be changed to an IP rated one, rather than moving it to outside the bathroom?
4) If not, is it allowed to put a junction box in its place? Presumably an IP rated one. Or does the new fused connection have to wire directly into the boiler.
5) And I've not even questioned yet whether it's ok for the boiler to be in the bathroom too? (It's got a cupboard built round it).
Thanks everyone.
Last edited: