Chapter Q

Residential and other special

locations

Contents

1 Residential and similar premises

1.1 General
Q2
Q2
1.2 Distribution boards components Q2
1.3 Protection of people Q4
1.4 Circuits Q6
1.5 Protection against overvoltages and lightning Q7

2 Bathrooms and showers

2.1 Classification of zones
Q8
Q8
2.2 Equipotential bonding Q11
2.3 Requirements prescribed for each zone Q11

3 Recommendations applicable to special installations

and locations Q12

Q1
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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 Q - Residential and other special locations
1 Residential and similar premises

Electrical installations for residential premises 1.1 General

need a high standard of safety and reliability
The power distribution utility connects the LV
neutral point of its MV/LV distribution tranformer
to earth.
All LV installations must be protected by RCDs.
All exposed conductive parts must be bonded
together and connected to the earth.
Related standards
Most countries have national regulations and-or standards governing the rules
to be strictly observed in the design and realization of electrical installations for
residential and similar premises. The relevant international standard is the publication
IEC 60364.
The power network
The vast majority of power distribution utilities connect the low voltage neutral point
of their MV/LV distribution transformers to earth.
The protection of persons against electric shock therefore depends, in such case, on
the principle discussed in chapter F. The measures required depend on whether the
TT, TN or IT scheme of earthing is adopted.
RCDs are essential for TT and IT earthed installations. For TN installations, high
speed overcurrent devices or RCDs may provide protection against direct contact
of the electrical circuits. To extend the protection to flexible leads beyond the fixed
socket outlets and to ensure protection against fires of electrical origin RCDs shall
be installed.

The quality of electrical equipment used in

residential premises is commonly ensured by a
mark of conformity situated on the front of each
item
1.2 Distribution boards components (see Fig. Q1)
Distribution boards (generally only one in residential premises) usually include
the meter(s) and in some cases (notably where the supply utilities impose a TT
earthing system and/or tariff conditions which limit the maximum permitted current
consumption) an incoming supply differential circuit-breaker which includes an
overcurrent trip. This circuit-breaker is freely accessible to the consumer.

Enclosure

Service connection

Distribution board
Incoming-supply
circuit breaker
Lightning protection
Combi surge arrester

Overcurrent
protection
and isolation MCB phase and neutral
Protection against
direct and indirect
contact,
and protection
against fire
Differential Differential load
Q2 MCB switch
Remote control
Remote control switch
TL 16 A

Energy management
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Programmable thermostat Load shedding switch

THP CDSt

Programmable time switch Contactors, off-peak

IHP or manual control CT
Fig. Q1 : Presentation of realizable functions on a consumer unit

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 1 similar premises
 Residential and similar premises

On
On installations
installations which
which are
are TN earthed,
earthed, the
the supply
supply utilities
utilities usually
usually protect
protect the
the
On installations
On installations which
which are TN earthed, the
are TN supply utilities usually protect the
installation
installation simply
installation simply by
simply by means of
by means of sealed fuse
fuse cut-outs immediately
immediately upstream of of the
installation simply by means of sealed
sealed fuse cut-outs
cut-outs immediately upstream
upstream of the
the
meter(s)
meter(s)
meter(s) (see
(see
(see Fig.
Fig.
Fig. N2
Q2).
P2).). The
The
The consumer
consumer
consumer has
has
has no
no
no access
access
access to
to
to these
these
these
meter(s) (see Fig. N2 ). The consumer has no access to these fuses. fuses.
fuses.
fuses.

Meter
Meter
Meter
Meter
Meter
Meter

Fuse
Fuse …
Fuse …
…
… or
or …
or …
…
… Circuit breaker
Circuit breaker
Circuit breaker
breaker
Fuse
Fuse
Fuse …
… or
or
or …
… Circuit
Circuit
Circuit breaker
breaker
depending
depending on
depending on
on
on Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
depending
depending on Distribution
Distribution
earthing
earthing system
earthing system
system board
board
board
earthing
earthing system
system board
board
Fig.
Fig.
Fig. N2
N2 :: Components
Q2
Fig. P2
P2 Components of
of aaacontrol
Components of control and
control and distribution
and distribution board
distribution board
board
Fig.
Fig.
Fig. N2 ::::Components
N2 Components ofaa
Componentsof
of a control
controland
control anddistribution
and distributionboard
distribution board
board

The incoming
The incoming supply
supply circuit
circuit breaker
breaker (see
circuit-breaker (see Fig. N3
(see Fig.
N3
Q3)))
Fig. P3)
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
N3
N3 :: Incoming-supply
Q3
Fig. P3
P3
Incoming-supply circuit
circuit breaker
Incoming-supply circuit-breaker
breaker
Fig.
Fig.
Fig. N3 ::::Incoming-supply
N3 Incoming-supplycircuit-breaker
Incoming-supply circuit
circuit breaker
breaker The consumer
consumer is allowed allowed to operate
operate this CB CB if necessary (e.g (e.g to to reclose
The
The consumer is is allowed to to operate this necessary (e.g.
this CB ifif necessary (e.g to recloseititititififififthe
toreclose
reclose
the
the CB
the
current
has consumption
tripped due to current has exceeded
exceeded
consumption the authorized
authorized
exceeded the limit; to open
open it in
authorized in case
case of it in
current
current consumption
consumption has
has exceeded the
the authorized limit;
limit; to open ititlimit;
to in caseto open
of
of
emergency
case
emergency or for
of emergency
or for isolation purposes).
or for isolation purposes).
emergency or for isolation
isolation purposes).
purposes).
The rated
rated residual current current of the the incoming circuit-breaker
circuit breaker in the the earth leakage
leakage
The rated residual
The residual current of of the incoming
incoming circuit breaker in in the earth
earth leakage
protection shall
protection shall be be 300
300 mA.mA.
protection shall be 300 mA.
If the
the installation is is TT,
TT, thethe earth
earth electrode
electrode resistance
resistance shall shall be be less
less than
than
If installation is TT,
If the installation the earth electrode
electrode resistance
resistance shallshall be be less
less than
than
50 V V
R = 50 =
R = 300 mA = 166 Ω ...In166 Ω . In practice, the earth electrode resistance of a new installation
installation
In practice,
practice, the the earth
earth electrode
electrode resistance
resistance of of aa new
new installation
300 mA
R
shall
shall be
shall
shall be less
be
be less than
less
less than 80
than
than 80 Ω
80
80 Ω (( R ).)...
Ω
2
2
The control
control and
The control and distribution
distribution board board (consumer
(consumer unit) unit) (see Fig. P4)
(see Fig. Fig. N4
Q4)
N4 ))
The
This board
and
comprises:
distribution board (consumer unit) (see
This
This board
board comprises:
comprises:
b
This
bA board comprises:
control
control panel
panel for for mounting (where appropriate) the the incoming
incoming supply supply circuit-
circuit-
c
c A control
A control panel for mounting (where (where appropriate)
appropriate) the the incoming supply circuit
breaker
breaker andpanelotherfor mounting
control auxiliaries, as required incoming supply circuit
breaker
breaker and other
and other control
control auxiliaries,
auxiliaries, as required
bbA distribution
distribution panel
panel for
for housing 1, 2as or required
3 rows (of 24 Acti multi99units) units)ororsimilar
similarMCBs MCBs
c
c A distribution
A distribution panel
panel for
for housing 1,
housing 1, 2 2 or
or 33 rows
rows (of(of 2424 multi
multi 9 9 units)
units) or or similar
similar MCBs MCBs
or
or fuse
fuse units,
units, etc.
or
or fuse
fuse units,
units, etc.
etc.
b Installation accessories
b Installation accessories for for fixing
fixing conductors,
conductors, and and rails
rails for
for mounting
mounting MCBs, MCBs, fuses fuses
c
c Installation accessories
Installation accessories for fixing fixing conductors,
conductors, and and rails
rails for
for mounting
mounting MCBs, MCBs, fuses fuses
bases,
bases, etc, neutral busbarfor and earthing bar, and so on
bases,
bases, etc, neutral
etc,cable
neutral busbar
busbar and earthing
and earthing bar,
bar, and so
and so on on
bb Service ducts or conduits, surface
surface mounted
mounted or in
or in cable
cable chases
chases embedded
embedded in in
c
c Service cable
Service cable ductsducts or or conduits,
conduits, surfacesurface mounted
mounted or or in
in cable
cable chases
chases embedded
embedded in in
the
the wall
wall
the wall
the wall
Note: to
Note:
Note:
to facilitate future modifications
facilitate future
to facilitate
facilitate future
modifications to
future modifications
modifications to
to the
the installation,
to the
installation, itit is
the installation,
installation, itit is
is recommended
recommended to
is recommended
recommended to
to keep
keep
to keep
keep
Note:
all to
all relevant
relevant documents (photos, diagrams, characteristics,
characteristics, etc.) in
etc.) in aa suitable
suitable location location
all
all relevant
relevant documents
documents (photos,
(photos, diagrams,
diagrams, characteristics,
characteristics, etc.)
etc.) in
in a
a suitable
suitable location
location
close
close to to the
to the distribution
the distribution
distribution board.board.
board.
close
close
The to the distribution board. at N3
P3
N3
The board
The board
board
should
should
should
be
be installed
be installed
installed at a
at
height
height such
aa height
height such that
such that the
that the operating
the operating handles,
operating handles, indicatingindicating
indicating
The boarddials
indicating should
dials (of meters)
(of be installed
meters) etc.,
etc.,atarea
are between
between such 1 metre
1 metre
that and
the
and 1.80 metres
operating
1.80 metres
handles,from the
from the floor
floor
dials
dials (of
(of meters)
meters) etc.,
etc., are
are between
between 1
1 metre
metre and
and 1.80
1.80 metres
metres from the
from the floor
floor
(1.30 metres
(1.30 metres in in situations
situations where
where handicapped
handicapped or
or elderly
elderly people
people are
are concerned).
concerned).
Fig.
Fig. N4
N4 :: Control
Q4
Fig. P4 Control and
Control and distribution
and distribution board
distribution board
board (1.30 metres
metres in in situations
situations wherewhere handicapped
handicapped or or elderly
elderly people
people are are concerned).
concerned).
Fig.
Fig.
Fig.
Fig. P4
N4 ::::Control
N4 Control and
Controland distribution
anddistribution board
distributionboard
board (1.30
Lightning arresters
Lightning arresters
arresters
Lightning
The
The installation of
installation
The installation of lightning
lightning arresters
installation of arresters at
of lightning at the
lightning arrestersthe service
service position
arresters atat theposition of
the service of aa LV
LV installation is
service position
position ofof a
a LV
LV installation is is
The
strongly
strongly recommended
recommended for
for installations which include sensitive (e.g installation
electronic)
strongly
strongly recommended
recommended for
for installations which
installations which include
include sensitive
sensitive (e.g
(e.g electronic)
electronic)
equipment.
equipment.
equipment.
equipment.
These
These devices
devices must automatically disconnect themselves from the installation in
These
These devices
devices must automatically
must automatically disconnect themselves
themselves fromfrom the
the installation
installation in
case
case of
of failure
failure or be protected by adisconnect
MCB. In In the
the case
case ofof residential
residential installations,inthe
installations,
case of
case of failure or
or be
be protected
protected by by a
a MCB.
MCB. In In the
the case
case ofof residential
residential installations,
installations, the
the
the of afailure
use use of
300a 300
mA mA differential
differential incoming
incoming supply
supply circuit-breaker
circuit-breaker typetype S (i.e
S (i.e slightly
slightly time-
use of
use of a
a 300
300 mAmA differential
differential incoming
incoming supply
supply circuit
circuit breaker
breaker type
type S S (i.e
(i.e slightly
slightly time-
time-
time-delayed) will provide
delayed) will provide effective
effective earthearth
leakageleakage protection,
protection, while,while,
at theatsame
the same
time, time,
will
delayed) will
delayed) will provide
provide effective
effective earth
earth leakage
leakage protection,
protection, while,
while, at
at the
the same
same time,
time, will
will
will
not not
trip trip unnecessarily
unnecessarily each each
timetime a lightning
a lightning arrester
arrester discharges
discharges the the current
current (of an
(of an Q3
not
not trip
trip unnecessarily
unnecessarily each
each time
time a
a lightning
lightning arrester
arrester discharges
discharges the
the current
current (of
(of an
an
overvoltage-surge) to
overvoltage-surge) to earth. earth.
overvoltage-surge)
If, in
If, in aa TT
TT scheme, the the value
value of
of 80
of 80 Ω for
Ω
80 Ω
Ω for the
for the
the overvoltage-surge) to earth.
If, in a TT scheme,
scheme, the value
value of 80 for the
resistance of
resistance
resistance of the
of the electrode
the electrode can
electrode can not
can not be
not be met
be met then,
met then,
then, Resistance value
value of
Resistance value of the
the earth electrode
earth electrode
electrode
30 mA RCDs must be installed to take over the Resistance
In
In the
the case
case where
where the
of the
the resistance
earth
resistance to
to earth
earth exceeds
exceeds 80
80 Ω,
30 mA
30 RCDs must
mA RCDs
RCDs must be
must be installed
be installed to
installed to take
to take over
take over the
over the In the
the case where
where the
the resistance
resistance to
to earth exceeds Ω, one
exceeds 80 one or
or several
Ω, one
80 Ω, several 30 mA RCDs
one oror several RCDs
several 30
30 mA
mA RCDs
function of the earth leakage protection of the In
shouldcase
should be
be used
used in
in place of
of the earthearth
the earth leakage
leakage protection of
of the
the incoming supply RCDs
incoming supply
function of the earth leakage
earth
function of the earth leakage protection
leakage protection of
protection of the
of the
the should be used in place
place of the earth leakage protection
protection of the incoming supply circuit
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incoming supply
supply circuit
circuit breaker
breaker should be used in place of the earth leakage protection of the incoming supply circuit
circuit-breaker.
circuit-breaker.
incoming
incoming supply circuit-breaker breaker.
breaker.

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 Q - Residential and other special locations

Where utility power supply systems and 1.3 Protection of people

consumers’ installations form a TT earthed
On TT earthed systems, the protection of persons is ensured by the following
system, the governing standards impose the use
measures:
of RCDs to ensure the protection of persons
b Protection against indirect contact hazards by RCDs (see Fig. Q5) of medium
sensitivity (300 mA) at the origin of the installation (incorporated in the incoming
supply circuit-breaker or, on the incoming feed to the distribution board). This
measure is associated with a consumer installed earth electrode to which must be
connected the protective earth conductor (PE) from the exposed conductive parts
of all class I insulated appliances and equipment, as well as those from the earthing
pins of all socket outlets
b When the CB at the origin of an installation has no RCD protection, the protection
of persons shall be ensured by class II level of insulation on all circuits upstream
of the first RCDs. In the case where the distribution board is metallic, care shall be
taken that all live parts are double insulated (supplementary clearances or insulation,
use of covers, etc.) and wiring reliably fixed
b Obligatory protection by 30 mA sensitive RCDs of socket outlet circuits, and
circuits feeding bathroom, laundry rooms, and so on (for details of this latter
obligation, refer to clause 3 of this chapter)

300 mA

30 mA 30 mA

Diverse Socket-outlets Bathroom and/or

circuits circuit shower room

Fig. Q5 : Installation with incoming-supply circuit-breaker having instantaneous differential

protection

Incoming supply circuit-breaker with instantaneous differential

relay
In this case:
b An insulation fault to earth could result in a shutdown of the entire installation
b Where a lightning arrester is installed, its operation (i.e. discharging a voltage
surge to earth) could appear to an RCD as an earth fault, with a consequent
shutdown of the installation
Recommendation of suitable Schneider Electric components
b Incoming supply circuit-breaker with 300 mA differential and
b High sensitivity 30 mA RCD (for example differential circuit-breaker 1P + N type
Q4 Declic Vigi) on the circuits supplying socket outlets
b High sensitivity 30 mA RCD (for example differential load switch type ID’clic) on
circuits to bathrooms, shower rooms, laundry rooms, etc. (lighting, heating, socket
outlets)

Incoming supply circuit-breaker with type S time delayed

© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

differential relay
This type of CB affords protection against fault to earth, but by virtue of a short time
delay, provides a measure of discrimination with downstream instantaneous RCDs.
Tripping of the incoming supply CB and its consequences (on deep freezers, for
example) is thereby made less probable in the event of lightning, or other causes of
voltage surges. The discharge of voltage surge current to earth, through the surge
arrester, will leave the type S circuit-breaker unaffected.

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 1 Residential and similar premises

Recommendation of suitable Schneider Electric components (see Fig. Q6)

b Incoming supply circuit-breaker with 300 mA differential type S and
b High sensitivity 30 mA RCD (for example differential circuit-breaker 1P + N type
Declic Vigi) on the circuits supplying washing machines and dish-washing machine
b High sensitivity 30 mA RCD (for example differential load switch type ID’clic) on
circuits to bathrooms, shower rooms, laundry rooms, etc. (lighting, heating, socket
outlets)

300 mA - type S

30 mA 30 mA 30 mA

1
Diverse High-risk location Socket- Bathroom and/or
circuits (laundry room) outlet shower room
circuit
2
Fig. Q6 : Installation with incoming-supply circuit-breaker having short time delay differential
protection, type S

Incoming supply circuit-breaker without differential protection

In this case the protection of persons must be ensured by:
5 3 4
b Class II level of insulation up to the downstream terminals of the RCDs
b All outgoing circuits from the distribution board must be protected by 30 mA or
300 mA RCDs according to the type of circuit concerned as discussed in chapter F.
Where a voltage surge arrester is installed upstream of the distribution board (to
300 mA 30 mA 30 mA 30 mA
protect sensitive electronic equipment such as microprocessors, video-cassette
recorders, TV sets, electronic cash registers, etc.) it is imperative that the
device automatically disconnects itself from the installation following a rare (but
always possible) failure. Some devices employ replaceable fusing elements; the
recommended method however as shown in Figure Q7, is to use a circuit-breaker.
Bathroom and/or
shower room Recommendation of suitable Schneider Electric components
Figure Q7 refers:
1. Incoming-supply circuit-breaker without differential protection
Socket-outlet
2. Automatic disconnection device (if a lightning arrester is installed)
circuit
3. 30 mA RCD (for example differential circuit-breaker 1P + N type Declic Vigi) on
High-risk circuit each circuit supplying one or more socket-outlets
Diverse (dish-washing
4. 30 mA RCD (for example differential load swith type ID’clic) on circuits to
circuits machine)
bathrooms and shower rooms (lighting, heating and socket-outlets) or a 30 mA
Fig. Q7 : Installation with incoming-supply circuit-breaker differential circuit-breaker per circuit
having no differential protection 5. 300 mA RCD (for example differential load switch on all the other circuits
Q5
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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 Q - Residential and other special locations

The distribution and division of circuits provides 1.4 Circuits

comfort and facilitates rapid location of fault
Subdivision
National standards commonly recommend the subdivision of circuits according to the
number of utilization categories in the installation concerned (see Fig. Q8):
b At least 1 circuit for lighting. Each circuit supplying a maximum of 8 lighting points
b At least 1 circuit for socket-outlets rated 10/16 A, each circuit supplying a
maximum of 8 sockets. These sockets may be single or double units (a double unit is
made up of two 10/16 A sockets mounted on a common base in an embedded box,
identical to that of a single unit
b 1 circuit for each appliance such as water heater, washing machine, dish-washing
machine, cooker, refrigerator, etc. Recommended numbers of 10/16 A (or similar)
socket-outlets and fixed lighting points, according to the use for which the various
rooms of a dwelling are intended, are indicated in Figure Q9

Room function Minimum number Minimum number

of fixed lighting points of 10/16 A socket-outlets
Living room 1 5
Bedroom, lounge, 1 3
bureau, dining room
Kitchen 2 4 (1)
Bathroom, shower room 2 1 or 2
Entrance hall, box room 1 1
WC, storage space 1 -
Laundry room - 1
(1) Of which 2 above the working surface and 1 for a specialized circuit: in addition
Socket- Lighting Heating Washing Cooking an independent socket-outlet of 16 A or 20 A for a cooker and a junction box or
outlets machine apparatus socket-outlet for a 32 A specialized circuit

Fig. Q8 : Circuit division according to utilization Fig Q9 : Recommended minimum number of lighting and power points in residential premises

The inclusion of a protective conductor in all Protective conductors

circuits is required by IEC and most national IEC and most national standards require that each circuit includes a protective
standards conductor. This practice is strongly recommended where class I insulated appliances
and equipment are installed, which is the general case.
The protective conductors must connect the earthing-pin contact in each socket-
outlet, and the earthing terminal in class I equipment, to the main earthing terminal at
the origin of the installation.
Furthermore, 10/16 A (or similarly sized) socket-outlets must be provided with
shuttered contact orifices.

Cross-sectional-area (c.s.a.) of conductors (see Fig. Q11)

The c.s.a. of conductors and the rated current of the associated protective device
depend on the current magnitude of the circuit, the ambient temperature, the kind of
installation, and the influence of neighbouring circuits (refer to chapter G)
Moreover, the conductors for the phase wires, the neutral and the protective
conductors of a given circuit must all be of equal c.s.a.(1) (assuming the same
material for the conductors concerned, i.e. all copper or all aluminium).

Q6
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

(1) Here we speak about household installation where

conductors used are isolated conductors or multi-core with PE
included and in that case PE conductors is allowed to have
same c.s.a. as active conductors.
Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016
 1 Residential and similar premises

Figure Q11 indicates the c.s.a. required for commonly-used appliances

Protective devices 1 phase + N in 2 x 9 mm spaces comply with requirements for
isolation, and for marking of circuit current rating and conductor sizes.

Type of circuit c. s. a. of the Maximum power Protective device

single-phase 230 V conductors
1 ph + N or 1 ph + N + PE
Fixed lighting 1.5 mm2 2,300 W Circuit-breaker 16 A
(2.5 mm2) Fuse 10 A

10/16 A 2.5 mm2 4,600 W Circuit-breaker 25 A

(4 mm2) Fuse 20 A

Individual-load circuits
Water heater 2.5 mm2 4,600 W Circuit-breaker 25 A
(4 mm2) Fuse 20 A

Dish-washing machine 2.5 mm2 4,600 W Circuit-breaker 25 A

(4 mm2) Fuse 20 A

Clothes-washing machine 2.5 mm2 4,600 W Circuit-breaker 25 A

(4 mm2) Fuse 20 A

Cooker or hotplate 6 mm2 7,300 W Circuit-breaker 40 A

(10 mm2) Fuse 32 A

Electric space heater 1.5 mm2 2,300 W Circuit-breaker 16 A

(2.5 mm2) Fuse 10 A

Fig. Q11 : C. s. a. of conductors and current rating of the protective devices in residential installations (the c. s. a. of aluminium conductors are shown in brackets)

1.5 Protection against overvoltages and lightning

The choice of surge arrester is described in chapter J

Installation rules
Three principal rules must be respected:
1 - It is imperative that the three lengths of cable used for the installation of the surge
arrester each be less than 50 cm i.e.:
b the live conductors connected to the isolating switch
b from the isolating switch to the surge arrester
b from the surge arrester to the main distribution board (MDB) earth bar (not
to be confused with the main protective-earth (PE) conductor or the main earth
terminal for the installation.The MDB earth bar must evidently be located in the Q7
same cabinet as the surge arrester.
2 - It is necessary to use an isolating switch of a type recommended by the
manufacturer of the surge arrester.
3 - In the interest of a good continuity of supply it is recommended that the
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

circuit-breaker be of the time-delayed or selective type.

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 Q - Residential and other special locations
2 Bathrooms and showers

Bathrooms and showers rooms are areas of high risk, because of the very low
resistance of the human body when wet or immersed in water.
Precaution to be taken are therefore correspondingly rigorous, and the regulations
are more severe than those for most other locations.
The relevant standard is IEC 60364-7-701.
Precautions to observe are based on three aspects:
b The definition of zones, numbered 0,1, 2, 3 in which the placement (or exclusion)
of any electrical device is strictly limited or forbidden and, where permitted, the
electrical and mechanical protection is prescribed
b The establishment of an equipotential bond between all exposed and extraneous
metal parts in the zones concerned
b The strict adherence to the requirements prescribed for each particular zones, as
tabled in clause 3

2.1 Classification of zones

Sub-clause 701.32 of IEC 60364-7-701 defines the zones 0, 1, 2, 3 as shown in the
following diagrams (see Fig. Q12 below to Fig Q18 opposite and next pages):

Zone 1* Zone 1*
Zone 2 Zone 3
Zone 2 Zone 3
Zone 0 Zone 0

0.60 m 2.40 m
2.40 m
0.60 m

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

2.25 m
Zone 1

Zone 0

0.60 m 2.40 m

(*) Zone 1 is above the bath as shown in the vertical cross-section

Fig. Q12 : Zones 0, 1, 2 and 3 in proximity to a bath-tub

Q8
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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 2 Bathrooms and showers

Zone 0 Zone 0
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

0.60 m 2.40 m 2.40 m

0.60 m

Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

2.25 m
Zone 1

Zone 0

0.60 m 2.40 m

Fig. Q13 : Zones 0, 1, 2 and 3 in proximity of a shower with basin

Fixed shower Fixed shower

head (1) head (1)
0.60 m 0.60 m
Zone 1 Zone 1
0.60 m
0.60 m Zone 2
Zone 2

2.40 m 2.40 m
Zone 3 Zone 3

Zone 1 Zone Zone 3

2

2.25 m

(1) When the shower head is at the end of a flexible tube, the vertical central axis of
a zone passes through the fixed end of the flexible tube

Fig. Q14 : Zones 0, 1, 2 and 3 in proximity of a shower without basin

0.60 m Q9
Prefabricated
shower
cabinet
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

0.60 m

Fig. Q15 : No switch or socket-outlet is permitted within 60 cm of the door opening of a shower
cabinet

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 Q - Residential and other special locations

Classes Classes
of external of external
influences influences

AD 3 AD 3
BB 2 Zone 3 BB 2
BC 3 BC 3
Dressing cubicles (zone 2)
AD 3 AD 3
BB 3
WC BB 2
BC 3 BC 3
AD 7
BB 3
BC 3
Shower cabinets (zone 1)

Fig. QP16 : Individual showers with dressing cubicles

Classes Classes
of external of external
influences influences

h < 1.10m Dressing cubicles h < 1.10m

AD 5 AD 5
1.10m < h < 2.25m Zone 2 1.10m < h < 2.25m
AD 3 AD 3
BB 3 BB 3
BC 3 BC 3

AD 7 Zone 1 AD 3
BB 3 WC BB 2
BC 3 BC 3

Fig. Q17 : Individual showers with separate individual dressing cubicles

Classes Classes
of external of external
influences influences

h < 1.10m
AD 3 Dressing room AD 5
BB 2 1.10m < h < 2.25m
BC 3 Zone 2
AD 3
BB 3
BC 3

h < 1.10m
AD 5 AD 7
1.10m < h < 2.25m BB 3
AD 3 Zone 2 Zone 1 BC 3
BB 3
BC 3

Fig. Q18 : Communal showers and common dressing room

Note: Classes of external influences (see Fig.Q46).

Q10
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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 2 Bathrooms and showers

2.2 Equipotential bonding (see Fig. Q19)

To the earth
electrode Metallic pipes
hi 2m

Water-drainage
piping

Gaz
Socket-outlet
Radiator

Lighting

Metal bath Equipotential conductors Metal

for a bathroom door-frame

Fig. Q19 : Supplementary equipotential bonding in a bathroom

2.3 Requirements prescribed for each zone

The table of clause 3 describes the application of the principles mentioned in the
foregoing text and in other similar or related cases

Q11
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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 Q - Residential and other special locations
3 Recommendations applicable to
special installations and locations

Figure Q20 below summarizes the main requirements prescribed in many national
and international standards.
Note: Section in brackets refer to sections of IEC60364-7
(example: "section 701" means IEC60364-7-701)

Locations Protection principles IP Wiring Switchgear Socket-outlets Installation

level and cables materials
Domestic dwellings b TT or TN-S systems 20 Switch operating handles Protection by
and other habitations b Differential protection and similar devices on 30 mA RCDs
v 300 mA if the earth electrode distribution panels,
resistance is y 80 ohms instantaneous to be mounted
or short time delay (type S) between 1 metre and
v 30 mA if the earth electrode 1.80 metre above the floor
resistance is u 500 ohms
b surge arrester at the origin of the
installation if 
v supply is from overhead line with bare
conductors, and if
v the keraunic level > 25
b a protective earth (PE) conductor
on all circuits
Bathrooms or shower Supplementary equipotential bonding
rooms (section 701) in zones 0, 1, 2 and 3
Zone 0 SELV 12 V only 27 Class II Special appliances
limited to
strict minimum
Zone 1 SELV 12 V 25 Class II Special aplliances
limited to Water heater
strict minimum
Zone 2 SELV 12 V or 30 mA RCD 24 Class II Special appliances
limited to Water heater
strict minimum Class II luminaires
Zone 3 21 Only socket-outlets protected by :
b 30 mA RCD or
b Electrical separation or
b SELV 50 V
Swimming baths Supplementary equipotential bonding
(section 702) in zones 0, 1, and 2
Zone 0 SELV 12 V 28 Class II Special appliances
limited to
strict minimum
Zone 1 25 Class II Special appliances
limited to
strict minimum
Zone 2 22 Only socket-outlets protected by :
(indoor) b 30 mA RCD or
24 b electrical separation or
(outdoor) b SELV 50 V
Saunas 24 Class II Adapted to temperature
(section 703)
Work sites Conventional voltage limit UL 44 Mechanically Protection by
(section 704) reduced to 25 V protected 30 mA RCDs
Agricultural and Conventional voltage limit UL 35 Protection by
horticultural reduced to 25 V 30 mA RCDs
establishments Protection against fire risks
(section 705) by 500 mA RCDs
Restricted conductive 2x Protection of:
locations (section 706) b Portable tools by:
Q12 v SELV or
v Electrical separation
b Hand-held lamps
v By SELV
b Fixed equipement by
v SELV
v Electrical separation
© Schneider Electric - all rights reserved

v 30 mA RCDs
v Special supplementary
equipotential bonding

Fig. Q20 : Main requirements prescribed in many national and international standards (continued on opposite page)

Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016

 3 Recommendations applicable to
special installations and locations

Locations Protection principles IP Wiring Switchgear Socket-outlets Installation

level and cables materials
Fountains Protection by 30 mA RCDs and
(section 702) equipotential bonding of all exposed
and extraneous conductive parts
Caravan park 55 Flexible cable of Socket-outlets
(section 708) 25 metres shall be placed
length at a height of
0.80 m to 1.50 m
from the ground.
Protection of
circuits by
30 mA RCDs
(one per 6
socket-outlets)
Marinas and pleasure The cable length for connection to Protection of
craft (section 709) pleasure craft must not exceeded 25 m circuits by
30 mA RCDs
(one per 6
socket-outlets)
Medical locations IT medical system equipotential Only magnetic Protection of circuits
Group 2 : Operating grouding, limited to one operating protection for the by thermal-magnetic
theatres and similar theatre and not exceeding 10 kVA primary of LV/LV protection only. One
(section 710) transformer. Monitoring to three per circuit.
of secondary loads
and transformer
temperature
Medical locations TT or TNS Protection by
Group 1 : 30 mA RCDs
Hospitalization and
similar (section 710)
Exhibitions, shows and TT or TN-S systems 4x Protection by
stands (section 711) 30 mA RCDs
Balneotherapy Individual: see section 701
(cure-centre baths) (volumes 0 and 1)
Collective: see section 702
(volumes 0 and 1)
Motor-fuel filling Explosion risks in security zones Limited to the
stations necessary minimum
Motor vehicules Protection by RCDs or by
electrical separation
External lighting 23 Protection by
installations 30 mA RCDs
(section 714)
Mobile or transportable The use of TN-C system is not 30 mA RCDs
units (section 717) permitted inside any unit must be used for
all socket-outlets
supplying
equipment
outside the unit

Fig. Q20 : Main requirements prescribed in many national and international standards (concluded)

Q13
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Schneider Electric - Electrical installation guide 2016