Exposed wires in bathroom - help!

bizgirl

The ceiling light in my bathroom broke last night and I've been left with just a standard bulb hanging down from the ceiling, with the wire that connects it exposed. The wire runs through a small hole into the ceiling. The light is located in the centre of the room (so not directly above the shower/bath, but pretty close).

Is it safe to have a shower with the light in that condition, or could the steam cause problems? It's not a massive bathroom so does get quite "steamed up" following a hot shower. I have ordered a new light fitting but it's not due to arrive for another week. Is the best solution just to leave the light switched off when showering until the new fitting arrives?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

bris

Don't turn the light on. Steam with sit on the fittings and turn back into water, that's not good for exposed electrical connections.


get an approved bathroom fitting, that's one that has an IP44 rating.

bizgirl

Thanks Bris. Will I be ok to have a shower as long as I don’t switch the light on? I also have an electric bathroom cabinet I can use to light the room. Sorry - totally clueless here!

Davesnave

It will be fine, so long as you're certain there's no chance of the exposed wire/fitting touching any part of you. If it's sheathed in plastic with no metal bits showing that's good, but assume none of it is safe to touch at all.


Turn off at the main switch on the distribution board before putting up another fitting and make sure it's suitable. Replacing a fitting can be a DIY job, but not for someone 'totally clueless!' Get help.

bizgirl

That's super helpful - thanks Davesnave!