First, let me introduce a few popular websites for purchasing bathroom furniture. Victoria Plumbing is the most well-known, where you can find everything you need for your bathroom. Another hidden gem is Tikamoon, which is a must-visit for those who love a natural wooden aesthetic. For buying tiles, we recommend Topps Tiles, known for their diverse selection and good value. Renovating a bathroom in the UK is not just about simple installation; homeowners and designers must also understand and adhere to local electrical safety design regulations.
NO. 1: Sockets and Switches
You can find good quality and cost-effective sockets at B&Q, RS Electrical Supplies, and TLC Electrical Supplies. However, note that some sockets cannot be placed in the bathroom area. According to regulations, ordinary sockets must not be used or installed within 3 meters of a bath or shower area. Waterproof shaver sockets can be installed, but they must be kept at a safe distance from the bath or shower to avoid splashing water. Additionally, if you want to install an electric toilet, it’s generally advised not to use a standard plug; instead, use a concealed connection where the wiring is hidden inside the socket.
For switches, the switch panels should be installed outside the bathroom to avoid risks associated with moisture and wet hands. The exhaust fan switch needs to be linked with the light switch, and the exhaust fan should have an overload protection switch installed separately on the door frame. It is crucial to follow the designer’s advice to avoid failing the Building Control inspection.
Credit: Victoria Plum
NO. 2: Lighting
For bathroom lighting, it's important to prevent electric shocks. We recommend choosing enclosed ceiling lights rather than pendant lights (such as wall lamps). If you do have non-enclosed fixtures, they must be placed out of reach from anyone who might be wet from the shower or bath. We often find that, to avoid contact with moisture and wet hands, ceiling-mounted lights with pull cords are the safest option (though they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, they are quite common). We recommend checking out Screwfix, a great website often frequented by builders, known for its affordable and practical options.
NO. 3: Heaters and Towel Rails
For purchasing radiators, you can refer to Best Heating. To keep your bathroom comfortably warm, central heating might be the safest choice. Electric water heaters can be installed in the bathroom and powered by a socket located at least three meters away from the bath or shower. The ideal method for controlling electric heaters is to install a pull cord or switch outside the bathroom. For owners of small bathrooms, we suggest underfloor heating as traditional bulky radiators can be cumbersome and take up space.
NO. 4: Portable Electrical Appliances
For safety reasons, we do not recommend bringing electrically powered portable devices (such as hairdryers, heaters, or radios) into the bathroom.
These are the safety tips for using and installing electrical products in the bathroom. I hope you find these tips helpful. If you do, please leave a comment below to let us know which tip you found most useful! For more interior design and renovation tips for bathrooms, check out our blog “Secrets for Renovating Under the Stairs in the UK.” Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook to receive notifications about new blog posts and more!
If you’re considering renovating your bathroom, T Interiors | Tianrun Yishi can help! We have a team of designers with over 22 years of experience. So, why not get in touch with us for our professional guidance?
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