Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This one, concerning periodic inspection & testing in homes, and the correct Codes for pendant fittings in bathrooms, is answered by SELECT:
A typical thing we have been finding, in most houses, is that there are pendants within Zone 2 of the bathrooms - and we have been classing this as a Code 2 if the pendant is in non-compliance with BS 7895 (requires lamp to be fully inserted before contacts become live) as water could still come into contact with live parts (not IPX4). Also, the pendant is within reach of the bath or shower.
We have been classing it as a Code 1 if the pendant is in Zone 2, but does not comply with BS 7895 (contacts on pendant are live without a lamp being inserted).
Where either of the above scenarios have been found, we have changed the pendant to an IPX4 luminaire. However, the client/consultant has now questioned whether these should be classed as a Code 4. Can you please advise?
Answer: In a bathroom, a luminaire installed within an area designated as Zone 2 should have a degree of protection of at least IPX4. The competent person undertaking the inspection has to decide whether there is a danger from the observed non compliance with BS 7671 and would normally allocate a code 4 where no danger is envisaged from the non compliance. In this instance a Code 1 or 2 would appear to be the correct recomendation.
The pendant fitting does not meet the requirements of IPX4 and, therefore, should be replaced if in a Zone 2 area.
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