To provide electricity to consumers located in rooms with high humidity, waterproof sockets are used.
In order to determine the degree of protection of the device from the penetration of foreign objects or substances into its case, including moisture, a special classification system has been developed - Ingress Protection Rating.
Classification of degrees of security
This classification is based on the requirements of international standards IEC 60529 (GOST 14254-96), it provides for the division of electrical equipment into 8 groups according to moisture protection, as well as into 6 groups according to the degree of protection against dust. The belonging of each product to one or another group is determined mainly by the design of its case. Compliance of the case with one or another degree of protection is established by testing and indicated in the technical description of the device, while the corresponding marking is applied to its case (for example, IP 44).
The marking consists of the letters IP and two numbers, the first of which indicates the level of protection of the product from the penetration of solid objects inside its case, and the second - from the effects of liquids.
According to the degree of protection from mechanical influences on the working part of the device, 6 types of devices are distinguished. The lowest degree, which corresponds to the IP code 0X, does not provide protection against unintentional contact with live parts. Devices with the highest degree of protection against mechanical impact (IP67, IP65, IP66) provide complete dust tightness.
In many cases, including for socket installation in the bathroom, it is sufficient to use dust-proof devices (IP55, IP54). However, the most acceptable option in terms of price and degree of protection are products marked IP44.
The second digit of the IP code, which characterizes the security of an electrical device, indicates the degree of moisture resistance:
- IP X0 - the shell of the device does not protect it from moisture.
- X1 - the body of the device protects against dripping water.
- X2 - protection against drops falling at an angle of 150 to the shell is provided.
- X3 - providing protection from rain (the direction of water spray can be up to 600 to the vertical axis of the product).
- X4 - the device is completely protected from splashing water. The most common types are IP 44 and IP 54.
- X5 - protection against a directed jet of water.
- X6 - protection against water supplied under pressure.
- X7 - the body of the device provides protection for short-term immersion in water.
- X8 - protection when immersed in water to a depth of more than 1 m, while the device remains fully operational.
As auxiliary information, letters are indicated after the numeric code. For example, the letter H stands for high-voltage equipment, W for additional weather protection, M for testing during which the device with moving mechanisms was in operation.
IP69 socket
In accordance with the DIN 40050-9 standard, another type is added to the existing classification of devices according to the degree of security - IP69K, which includes products in cases that can protect working mechanisms from the action of water during high-pressure washing. When carrying out repair work in an apartment products of this type are not suitable.
The protection of the socket in the bathroom must comply with one of the following types: IP44, IP55, IP54, IP67, IP65.
IP44 socket
The most common types of sockets that are used for installation in bathrooms are devices with an IP 44 degree of protection.
To evaluate the design features of these products, as well as the rules for their connection and operation, you should familiarize yourself with the requirements of the governing documents for the arrangement of electrical wiring in rooms with increased danger.
Features of the installation of electrical wiring in bathrooms
Until recently, installing an outlet in the bathroom was not allowed for safety reasons. Today, the presence of such a device is simply necessary to power consumers, which include washing machines, hot tubs, hand dryers, hair dryers, electric shavers, etc.Therefore, the installation of sockets corresponding to a degree of at least IP44 is allowed, subject to certain electrical safety requirements.
The basic requirements for electrical wiring in the bathroom include:
- Installation of sockets no closer than 60 cm from the edge of the bath or shower.
- In rooms with high humidity, which include bathrooms, it is allowed to lay a hidden electrical wiring, which is made with a three-core electric cable, which necessarily includes a PE conductor.
- Metal conduits must not be used when installing concealed wiring.
- All devices (both electrical wiring elements and consumers) installed in bathrooms must have a moisture protection degree of at least IP 44.
According to the existing division of the bathroom into security zones, the requirements for electrical outlets installed in each of these zones are significantly different:
- Zone 0. Includes places where water accumulates, which include bathtubs and shower trays. Installing sockets in this area is prohibited.
- Zone 1. This includes a washbasin or shower. In this zone, only water heaters are allowed to be installed, the installation of sockets is prohibited.
- Zone 2. Covers the space within 60 cm of the zero or first zone.
- Zone 3. Installation of devices with degrees of protection IP44, IP67, IP65, IP54, IP55 is allowed. This is a safe area for installing electrical wiring elements that are connected through an isolating transformer or a residual current device.
Today, the ban on installation in zones 0, 1, 2 of rooms with high humidity applies to junction boxes, sockets, electrical panels, and switches. In such places, the supply voltage of permitted devices (for example, lamps) must not exceed 12 V.
IP44 and higher socket outlets are devices enclosed in a sealed plastic housing. The front of this product is equipped with a hinged cover to protect the power plug from splashing water.
There are several options for the technical execution of such sockets (from IP 44 and above) depending on their rated current. Devices rated for a current of more than 16 A are designed for installation in three-phase electrical networks.
According to the type of socket with a degree of protection IP44, overhead and built-in are distinguished. Surface-mounted outlets are more convenient to install. This technical solution makes it possible to achieve a high degree of moisture protection of the device, regardless of the quality of the installation of the socket box. In turn, built-in sockets provide a more aesthetic appearance and are traditionally used as elements of hidden electrical wiring.
Features of mounting a socket with a degree of protection IP44
In general, the installation of an outlet in the bathroom is carried out in the same way as in the rest of the apartment. However, when installing electrical wiring, you should remember the following features:
- Bathroom consumers powered by sockets (even those with a higher degree of protection than IP 44) must be allocated to a separate group on the apartment electrical panel.
- IP44 sockets are powered by a separate circuit breaker and RCD (instead of them, differential machine).
- Installation of moisture-proof sockets with a degree of protection IP44, IP67, IP65, IP54, IP55 is allowed at a distance of no closer than 60 cm from the edge of the bathtub or shower cabin.
- Connection of a single-phase socket with a degree of protection IP 44 and higher must be carried out using a three-wire cable, which necessarily includes a PE conductor (protective earth).
- Metal pipes and other bathroom communications cannot be used as grounding.
- It is recommended to use an isolating transformer for connecting sockets with protection degree IP 44. This device allows for galvanic isolation from the common power supply system, which significantly increases the safety of operation of consumers of electrical energy. A reduction in the supply voltage for lighting devices to 36, 24 or 12 V can be used.
Thus, moisture-proof sockets with degrees of protection IP44, IP67, IP65, IP54, IP55 are the most acceptable devices for installation in a bathroom, however, when connecting them, it is necessary to strictly follow the requirements of the EMP for ensuring electrical safety.
