Quick question about the bathroom light regulations

magn8p

We live in a 1960s semi and have a pull chord controlled bathroom light. We are redecorating our place and I thought of replacing the pull chord with a switch on the wall but cost of that is unjustifiable - electrician to do the wiring and plasterer to plaster the truncated wall.

So, I was wondering if having a PIR controlled IP65 LED ceiling light like http://amzn.to/2AdTufC with a preset on-time of 10 mins is a good idea? As LEDs are super efficient, I am not really bothered about turning it off immediately when not in use to save power.

The only worry I have is building regulations - is this a big no or is it okay to go ahead?

Thanks in advance.

Saffagal

When I had my bathroom redone last year, my plumber fitted a pir controlled switch for my bathroom light. He told me he has them in his house as well.

Mine is set to go off if it doesn't detect movement for 1min 40s as usually if in the bathroom you move about a bit.

magn8p

Perfect! That sounds reassuring!

Mutton_Geoff

Saffagal wrote: »

Mine is set to go off if it doesn't detect movement for 1min 40s as usually if in the bathroom you move about a bit.

Depends where the loo is. My evening constitutional takes a lot longer, especially now I've subscribed to Readly :rotfl:

I could see myself having to wave at the PIR. Several times!

McKneff

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

Depends where the loo is. My evening constitutional takes a lot longer, especially now I've subscribed to Readly :rotfl:

I could see myself having to wave at the PIR. Several times!

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::T

wymondham

as long as its not a Mexican wave!!!!!!

alanq

magn8p wrote: »

We are redecorating our place and I thought of replacing the pull chord with a switch on the wall but cost of that is unjustifiable - electrician to do the wiring and plasterer to plaster the truncated wall.

The reason normal switches are not a good idea (forbidden?) in bathrooms is because of the risk of shock by operating it with wet hands. A pull cord insulates between the switch and the hand.

I wonder about the benefits of PIR. Savings by not having the light on unnecessarily at night would be offset by it coming on when not needed during the day - or is there a light level detector as well? I am not sure that when relaxing in the bath I would like having to constantly wave or lie in the dark.

ComicGeek

You can get combined daylight and movement sensors, so can set these to a daylight level to avoid unnecessary operation during the day - that's assuming that the bathroom has a window, no need if it doesn't. Looks like the OP is looking at this option to replace a pullcord without the costs of installing a light switch external to the bathroom, rather than saving running costs.

You can also adjust the time out period, so can set this longer if you need longer - most can be adjusted up to 30mins, that would cover most people!

magn8p

Thanks ComicGeek, that's exactly what I want to do. Setting it to 20 mins or so will cover most of the needs.

alanq - the LED lights (5 to 10 wats for a bright light) are very efficient, so illuminating for double the needed time wouldn't really cost a lot.

Mutton_Geoff

ComicGeek wrote: »

You can get combined daylight and movement sensors, so can set these to a daylight level to avoid unnecessary operation during the day - that's assuming that the bathroom has a window, no need if it doesn't. Looks like the OP is looking at this option to replace a pullcord without the costs of installing a light switch external to the bathroom, rather than saving running costs.

You can also adjust the time out period, so can set this longer if you need longer - most can be adjusted up to 30mins, that would cover most people!

PIR occupancy sensor with time clock = £50?
Pull switch = £5?


Personally I'd put up with pulling a bit of string.

magn8p

Agree with you Geoff, I am with you too. It's down to aesthetics according to the wife.

She wanted a switch outside the bathroom and when I added up the cost, it didn't make any sense to me to spend £200 or over to install a switch. Hence thinking of a cheaper alternative.

Of course the cheapest is to leave it as is. Wish I could convince her