Bathroom cupboards are installed at different locations in the bathroom, depending on the space and interior of this place. They not only serve to store different things, but you can also install sockets inside them, providing the cupboard is accessed by a key for safety precautions.
Can You Put a Socket in a Bathroom Cupboard? You can put a socket in the bathroom cupboard at an appropriate distance from the shower and bathtub area because this can prevent moisture inside the socket. You can use it to plug in the hair dryer, hair straightener, washing machine switch, and vacuum cleaner. Ensure the wiring and the connections are secured, and follow the building regulations for safe use.
You can add a socket 3 meters horizontally away from zone 1 in the bathroom, as zone 1 includes a shower or bathtub area.
It can cause electrocution if you put it in zone zero, whether in a cupboard or outside. Therefore, consult a professional electrician if you have confusion about the correct horizontal distance from the shower area.
Why would you put a socket in a bathroom cupboard?
Electric sockets are allowed in the bathroom cupboard because they are used for the following purposes.
Prevent moisture
A bathroom is a wet place because of the presence of moisture and humidity in the air, and it causes problems if you install electric sockets, switches, and other devices near the water sources.
The building codes restrict having the outlets and switches near shower, bathtub, and sink areas, and an appropriate distance from such plumbing fixtures is essential to prevent moisture.
You can put it in the cupboard away from zone 1, and accessible with a tool to prevent the electric shocks and moisture inside it. In addition, the chances of water splashing inside the cabinet decrease with closed doors.
To use the hair dryer and straightener
You may not want to leave the bathroom to dry your hair after a hot bath in winter, as you can get cold if you go out with wet hair.
Having a socket in the cupboard can help you dry your hair without stepping out of this place. However, make sure to check the power consumption of the hair dryer that the outlet can withstand to prevent any accidents.
It also provides you the advantage of using the hair straightener while getting for dinner or a meeting, and you can see if your hair is straightened or not in the mirror installed outside the cupboard door.
You do not need to move to the vanity mirror and check your full look and hairstyle if you have a mirror and a socket in the cupboard.
Charging a shaver
Charging your shaver is another problem if you do not have a socket in the bathroom, especially if you have a small bathroom and the shower area is near your vanity.
You have to take the shaver outside this place to charge it if the battery goes off during shaving, which is an annoying experience.
You can add this inside the cupboard can provide the benefit of charging the shaver in this place and using it when it is charged without moving out and waiting to use the shaver.
According to the building codes, the shaver sockets can be installed in zone 2, which is away from the water splashes and the shower spray.
However, you can install it in a cabinet at a safe distance from the water sources, and it is easy to use there.
To plug the washing machine switch
People often have a washing machine placed in the bathroom to wash their clothes while cleaning the fixtures and other things in this place to save extra time for washing.
You can use it in the cupboard to plug the washing machine if the machine is placed near or inside the cupboard.
It is better to lock the cupboard door to keep the children away from the electrical equipment and use the outlet only when needed.
To use a vacuum cleaner in the bathroom
You may need to vacuum the bathroom floor after returning from a long vacation, and the floor has dust all over the surface, or dry the wet floor after a shower.
According to the electric building codes, the outlets are not allowed near moist and wet places, and the vacuum cleaner often does not have long wires to connect it outside the bathroom.
Therefore, having a socket inside the cupboard at a recommended distance from zone 1 can allow you to plug the vacuum cleaner switch there and clean or dry the floor without using the extension.
How can you put a socket in the bathroom cupboard?
You can put electrical outlets it in the bathroom cupboard if you know correctly about the electrical connections and building codes in the country or local town.
Start by shutting off the power and decide an appropriate position where you want to put the socket, such as an equal distance from the top and the bottom.
Determine the wiring path from the outside outlet to the cupboard outlet or socket. Ensure there is no stud or restriction in the way for wires while deciding its position inside the cabinet.
Drill a hole for the wiring from the outside outlet, such as from the bedroom wall attached to the bathroom. Take the electrical cable out from the outside outlet and install the electrical box in the drilled hole.
Now, install the socket and the cover plate securing all the wiring and connections, and plug a hair dryer there to check if the power is coming by turning on the main power supply.
You can call an electrician if you do not know about the electrical wiring and there are no outside wiring connections that can connect to the in-cupboard socket.
Things to consider while putting a socket in the bathroom cupboard
It is better to consider the following things while adding a socket in your bathroom closet to prevent accidents and potential damage.
Wiring
The IP ratings and the wiring connections are essential to consider when installing an outlet in the cabinet to avoid water splashes and electrocution.
The wires should not expose to moisture, and make sure to have underground wiring connections because the open wires can cause safety issues in this place.
Distance from the shower area
The bathroom space often has four zones depending on the amount of water and moisture present, as Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3 ensure safe electrical and plumbing connections in the wet environment.
The higher the IP ratings, the higher the protection against water, such as shower and bathtub areas, are included in zone 0 with IP67 and zone 2 with IP44.
According to the building codes, an appropriate distance of the socket from the shower area or zone 0 can be 30 meters away, or the outlet can be outside the zone 1 boundary for safe use.
It is better to consult the building codes and regulations before putting a socket to prevent electric shocks and accidents.
Type of socket housing
There are different types of sockets and electrical housings to protect them from moisture and water in wet places.
You can select it depending on the humidity and moisture level in the bathroom, as waterproof and water-resistant outlets are available with perfect electrical housing.
You can also choose plastic bags or waterproof covers for the outlets to avoid the humidity entering or keep the cupboard doors locked if you have kids in the house.
Related Articles:
Should you flush a tampon down the toilet?
Can you fix a leaky bathroom faucet without turning off the water?
