Does an EICR Check Bathroom Wiring? Zones, IP Ratings & RCD Rules (UK 2025 Guide)

Does an EICR Check Bathroom Wiring? Zones, IP Ratings & RCD Rules (UK 2025 Guide)

🚿 Does an EICR Check Bathroom Wiring? Zones, IP Ratings & RCD Rules (UK 2025 Guide)

Does an EICR Check Bathroom Wiring? Zones, IP Ratings & RCD Rules

Bathrooms are one of the highest-risk electrical areas in any UK property. Water and electricity never mix — which is why bathroom wiring must meet strict safety rules under BS 7671.

So homeowners and landlords regularly ask:

“Does an EICR check the wiring inside my bathroom?”

Yes — but only certain parts. This guide explains exactly what is checked, what isn’t, and which bathroom issues can cause an EICR to fail in 2025.

📘 Contents

📌 Quick Answer

Yes — an EICR checks the fixed wiring and safety devices in your bathroom.

This includes:

  • bathroom lights (including IP rating)
  • mirror lights & integrated shaver lights
  • extractor fan wiring
  • electric shower circuit
  • bonding / earthing of pipes
  • pull-cord switch wiring
  • bathroom heater or towel rail circuits
  • RCD protection

But portable bathroom items (shavers, toothbrushes, plug-in heaters) are NOT tested — those fall under PAT testing.

🔍 What Bathroom Wiring Is Checked in an EICR?

The electrician will inspect every part of the fixed installation inside or supplying the bathroom.

Bathroom items inspected:

  • Ceiling lighting (including downlights)
  • Extractor fans and isolation switches
  • Electric showers (high-load circuits)
  • Pull-cord switches
  • Shaver sockets (must be SELV/isolated)
  • Towel rail wiring
  • Pump wiring for power showers
  • Supplementary bonding (in older systems)
  • Pipework bonding if required

Wiring is also checked behind access panels if they are safely reachable.

🚿 Bathroom Zones Explained (0, 1 & 2)

Bathroom Zones Explained (0, 1 & 2)

Bathroom wiring must comply with specific zones:

✔ Zone 0

Inside the bath or shower tray — only SELV 12V equipment permitted.

✔ Zone 1

Above the bath or shower up to 2.25m — must meet IPX4 minimum.

✔ Zone 2

0.6m outside the bath/shower — IPX4 recommended.

The electrician checks that equipment and fittings meet the correct IP rating for their zone.

💧 Required IP Ratings in Bathrooms

The following IP ratings are typically required:

  • Zone 0 → IPX7
  • Zone 1 → IPX4 or higher
  • Zone 2 → IPX4 recommended
  • Outside zones → Standard fittings allowed

Incorrect bathroom lighting is a common cause of C2 - Potentially Dangerous findings.

⚡ RCD Protection Rules for Bathrooms

Every bathroom circuit must have RCD protection — this includes:

  • lighting (modern installs)
  • shower circuits
  • fan circuits
  • shaver sockets
  • towel rails

Missing RCD protection almost always results in a C2 fail.

Learn more about EICR failures here: Why EICRs Fail

❌ Common Bathroom Issues That Fail an EICR

  • C2: No RCD protection on shower or lighting
  • C2: Incorrect IP rating for lights
  • C2: Exposed or unsafe fan wiring
  • FI: Wiring hidden behind tiled boxing — inaccessible
  • C3: Old supplementary bonding present on outdated systems
  • C2: Pull-cord switch heat damage
  • C3: Old shaver socket non-isolated type

Bathroom areas are among the highest-risk zones during EICRs.

🏠 Bathroom Wiring Rules for Landlords (2025)

Landlords must ensure their bathrooms meet modern safety standards:

  • full RCD protection
  • correct bathroom IP-rated lights
  • electric showers installed to BS 7671
  • no DIY wiring under floor tiles
  • towel rails and fans correctly isolated
  • a valid EICR every 5 years

See also: Landlord EICR Rules 2025

🔗 Related EICR Guides

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an EICR check electric showers?

Yes — the shower circuit, isolation switch and RCD protection are all checked.

Are extractor fans inspected?

Yes — wiring, isolation switch (usually outside the room), and IP suitability.

Can bathroom LED downlights fail an EICR?

Yes — if not correctly rated for the bathroom zone.

Does missing RCD protection fail the EICR?

Yes — especially for any bathroom circuit.

Do shaver sockets get checked?

Yes — but the appliance itself is not tested.

Bathrooms are classed as high-risk zones under BS 7671, so they form a critical part of an EICR inspection in 2025.

Back to blog