Kitchen & Bathroom Electrics: Staying Safe During Renovations

Renovating your kitchen or bathroom is one of the most exciting projects you can take on as a homeowner — but it’s also one of the riskiest when it comes to electrics. Kitchens and bathrooms combine water, steam, and electricity — a potentially dangerous mix if installations aren’t carried out safely and to current regulations.

At Bluerock Electrical, we help homeowners across Barnet and North London upgrade their kitchen and bathroom electrics safely, cleanly, and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to consider before you start tearing out tiles or fitting that new oven.

Why Kitchens and Bathrooms Need Special Care

Kitchens and bathrooms are classed as special locations under UK wiring regulations (BS 7671).
This means extra safety precautions must be taken to protect you and your family from the risk of electric shock.

Here’s why:

• Moisture + electricity = higher risk. Bathrooms are humid environments and kitchens often deal with spills and steam — making it easier for electricity to find a path to earth.

• High-power appliances. Cookers, electric showers, dishwashers, and extractor fans all require correct wiring and protective devices.

• Building Regulations Part P compliance. In England, most electrical work in kitchens and bathrooms is notifiable and must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.

Electrical Zoning Explained

When planning bathroom electrics, it’s important to understand zoning — which dictates what type of electrical equipment is allowed in different areas.

The Three Bathroom Zones

1. Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower tray.

   • Only very low-voltage (12V) equipment with an IPX7 rating (protected against immersion) is permitted.

2. Zone 1: Above the bath or shower up to 2.25m.

   • Only IPX4-rated (splash-proof) fittings are allowed.

   • Any shower fans or lights must be designed for this environment.

3. Zone 2: 0.6m outside the bath or shower.

   • IPX4-rated equipment is still recommended.

   • Shaver sockets, fans, and lights may be installed here if suitably rated.

Everything outside of these zones is considered “Outside Zone” but still must comply with regulations.

RCD Protection: A Must-Have

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are lifesavers — literally.
They cut off the power within milliseconds if they detect a fault, preventing electric shock.

In Kitchens & Bathrooms

• All circuits supplying sockets, lights, and equipment must be RCD-protected (30mA).

• Your consumer unit should already have RCDs, but older fuse boxes may not — an upgrade is often required before any new work can be signed off.

• Testing the RCD regularly (using the “test” button every 3 months) ensures it’s working properly.

Use Isolator Switches for Appliances

During a kitchen refit, isolator switches should be fitted for all fixed appliances:

• Ovens, hobs, dishwashers, washing machines, and extractor fans all need local isolators.

• This allows the appliance to be switched off safely for servicing or in an emergency.

For bathrooms, extractor fans and electric showers must also have isolators fitted outside the bathroom or in an accessible location.

Tips for Working With Your Builder

Many kitchen and bathroom renovations involve multiple trades — builders, plumbers, tilers — which can cause confusion if electrics aren’t planned properly.

• Get an electrical plan early. Decide where sockets, switches, and lights will go before plastering or tiling.

• Coordinate timings. Electricians often need two visits (first fix and second fix). Ensure your builder’s schedule allows for both.

• Insist on certification. At the end of the job, your electrician should issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate for compliance.

The Dangers of DIY Wiring

It can be tempting to save money by doing some of the electrical work yourself — but kitchen and bathroom wiring is not a place to cut corners.

• It’s illegal to carry out notifiable work in kitchens and bathrooms without notifying Building Control or using a registered electrician.

• Poorly installed wiring is a leading cause of house fires and electric shocks.

• DIY mistakes can invalidate your home insurance and cause costly problems later.

Why Choose Bluerock Electrical

At Bluerock Electrical, we are NICEIC Approved Contractors, which means:

• All work is certified and complies with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.

• We can self-certify notifiable work, saving you the hassle of contacting Building Control.

• We work cleanly and efficiently, leaving your home safe and ready for use.

Take the Stress Out of Kitchen & Bathroom Electrics

Whether you’re installing a new cooker circuit, upgrading bathroom lighting, or planning a full renovation, Bluerock Electrical can handle it all — from design to certification.

📞 Ready to renovate safely?

Contact us today for a free consultation or site visit, and let’s make sure your kitchen and bathroom electrics are done right — first time.