Electrical Advide Please

[Mark A]

Hi chaps,

A relative had tasked me with wiring up a chandelier. It's made from metal and hangs down approximately 40" (1m) from the ceiling if I keep the chain on. With some rejigging the chain can be removed, making the total length 20" (0.5m).

Here lies the problem: she wants it to go up in her bathroom with an 8ft (2.4m) ceiling.

I'm not fully conversant with the regulations, so is this safe?

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Phil Pascoe]

If it's metal it probably shouldn't be in a bathroom.

 

[Woody2Shoes]

I think the answer is, as so often, "it depends"!

Here's a picture of the various "zones" in a bathroom, defined in the wiring regs:

http://www.housefed.com/the-bathroom-li ... 44-zone-1/

Based on the above, it would depend on where the chandelier would hang - over the bath would probably not be OK for example.

I think that, in any event, the fitting would need to be earthed properly (and possibly cross-bonded if it could be touched) and fed via an RCD (or RCBO) - you may also need to think about the IP rating of any bulbs fitted. Here's a useful factsheet:

http://www.cila.co.uk/files/ECA%20Mater ... eet_04.pdf

 

[Lons]

My opinion is that she's potty to put a metal chandelier in a bathroom. Even if you removed the chain and they are usually their to avoid straining the cable, it will be lower than zero zone allows so unless a large bathroom is likely to contravene regs. Contact a building control officer for advice would be my suggestion.

Personally, I wouldn't put it up for anyone, just imagine how you would feel if the worst happened and someone was hurt, it's possible you could even be liable to prosecution.

Bob

 

[MMUK]

Whilst not strictly against regs, providing zone requirements are met, it's bad practice and, if I'm honest, a ******* dumb idea.

 

[Mark A]

Hi chaps,

You've all confirmed my suspicions.

I'll speak to my relative and tell her it's not advisable for use in a bathroom; I'm sure she could hang it somewhere else.


Cheers,
Mark