Why do people put light switches outside bathrooms?

Minerals in water conduct electricity, so messing with electric items when you’re wet is a potential safety hazard. If your hands are damp when coming contact with a live wire, your skin has a harder time resisting the current, putting you at a higher risk of serious injury.

Can you have a light switch outside the bathroom?

Its all relative. Since you can install a switch outside of any zones and Zone 2 only extends 600mm from the bath / shower you must deal with some seriously small bathrooms.

Why do bathrooms have string light switches?

Light pulls, also known as a pull cord switch, are commonly used throughout British bathrooms because of UK building regulations. A bathroom is considered a special location for electrical instillation, mainly because of the increased risk of electrical shock it poses to users.

How close can a light switch be to a bathtub?

Switches shall not be installed within wet locations in tub or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. {NOTE: According to both the NEC and the IRC a damp/wet location is in the area within 36 inches of either edge of a tub sink or basin and/or an area that is subject to “spray”.

Can you have sockets in the bathroom?

Electrical sockets are permitted in bathrooms or shower rooms as long as they are located more than 3m from the edge of the bath or shower.

What does a shower pull switch do?

Shower pull cord switches are installed to isolate power to an electric shower, typically mounted on the ceiling and operated by pull chain. A shower switch is used to safely isolate the electrical supply if maintenance is required to the appliance, and should be adequately rated to the relevant amps required.

Can a light switch be outside of the room?

The NEC says that “at least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room and bathroom.” A switched receptacle is permitted as an alternative. I think it should be okay to put the switch outside the room as long as it is still near the door.

What is the purpose of a light switch in electrical wiring?

In electrical wiring, a light switch is a switch, most commonly used to operate electric lights, permanently connected equipment, or electrical outlets. Portable lamps such as table lamps may have a light switch mounted on the socket, base, or in-line with the cord.

Do bathroom light switches need to be watertight?

For this reason, building codes have strict requirements for outlets and switches placed anywhere near water. Thankfully, modern U.S. safety standards require bathroom switches to be watertight and connected to a bathroom-only circuit. In other words, the chances of you being electrocuted while using a bathroom light switch are exceptionally slim.

Can a light switch be used as a light socket?

A light switch combined with a light socket is sometimes installed in basement or utility areas of homes. The switch is operated by a pull chain or cord. It is also possible to have the cord-operated switch separate from the light socket, which is particularly common in British bathrooms.

What can I use instead of a manually operated light switch?

Manually operated on/off switches may be substituted by dimmer switches that allow controlling the brightness of lamps as well as turning them on or off, time-controlled switches, occupancy-sensing switches, and remotely controlled switches and dimmers. Light switches are also found in flashlights, vehicles, and other devices.