USB charger outlet in Bathroom Zone2

Peter69 said:

I've been asked to add a USB charging port into a bedroom with a bath in it.

My understanding of BS7671 is that a room with a bath is a bathroom. As such the outlet would be in zone 2 of the bath.

Yes, this would be classed as a location containing a shower or a bath and therefore Section 701 of BS 7671 applies.

A separate transformer would not be needed if the outlet really did provide SELV ... if it didn't, it could be problematic in any case ... the following requirement was included in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022:

701.414.3 Sources for SELV and PELV
Where SELV or PELV is used in zones 0, 1 and/or 2, a source described in Regulation 414.3 (iv) shall not be used.

It's important to check the product really does provide SELV or PELV. If PELV, the product should be connected to the equipotential bonding system provided for the location, if this is necessary.

Finally, I'd just point out that there have been a number of cases where people have suffered electrocution in the bath, when using a mobile device on charge. It's not clear on the mechanism involved ... i.e. whether the charger itself was conformant, and whether the voltages and currents involved are suitable for someone who is immersed. Charging equipment is usually only specified to be safe in dry environments.

www.irishtimes.com/.../

Peter69 said:

I've been asked to add a USB charging port into a bedroom with a bath in it.

My understanding of BS7671 is that a room with a bath is a bathroom. As such the outlet would be in zone 2 of the bath.

Yes, this would be classed as a location containing a shower or a bath and therefore Section 701 of BS 7671 applies.

A separate transformer would not be needed if the outlet really did provide SELV ... if it didn't, it could be problematic in any case ... the following requirement was included in BS 7671:2018+A2:2022:

701.414.3 Sources for SELV and PELV
Where SELV or PELV is used in zones 0, 1 and/or 2, a source described in Regulation 414.3 (iv) shall not be used.

It's important to check the product really does provide SELV or PELV. If PELV, the product should be connected to the equipotential bonding system provided for the location, if this is necessary.

Finally, I'd just point out that there have been a number of cases where people have suffered electrocution in the bath, when using a mobile device on charge. It's not clear on the mechanism involved ... i.e. whether the charger itself was conformant, and whether the voltages and currents involved are suitable for someone who is immersed. Charging equipment is usually only specified to be safe in dry environments.

www.irishtimes.com/.../