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This is a non-standard room, so the electrical system for it is also created non-standard. There are special rules for installing wiring for a room of this type. After all, a bathhouse is characterized by consistently high temperatures and high humidity. And also the presence of flammable material, namely wood. Therefore, correctly installed electrical wiring in a bathhouse is a matter of vital importance. We are offering to you step by step instructions, supported by a diagram that will help you install the wiring with your own hands efficiently.
We follow safety precautions
We deliberately highlighted the point regarding safety rules when working with wiring, primarily because of the specifics bath room. Bathhouse - source large quantity steam, and steam, as you know, are particles of water in a gaseous state. If sockets/switches are installed in places where steam accumulates, there is a high probability that it will settle on the elements in the form of condensation. And this can be fraught with a short circuit or worse than that, all wiring caught fire.
Therefore, the first thing you need to do is carefully calculate and draw up a competent diagram of the future electrical wiring, which is very difficult to do without the appropriate knowledge. The best solution would be to invite a specialist. If you are determined to do all the work yourself, follow the appropriate rules established specifically for wet rooms.
Requirements for electrical wiring in the bathhouse
In order for the result of your work in the bathhouse to be a high-quality and reliable electrical system, adhere to the following principles when installing wiring in wet wooden rooms such as a bathhouse:
- we separate the cable open method, in rooms with high content pair - the shortest path to electrical elements;
- We attach all electrical accessories (sockets, switches) outside the steam room;
- We do not run cables over the stove;
Shield in the bath
- We provide grounding and lightning protection in the premises;
- connecting the wires only using terminals;
- choose non-combustible insulation;
- We use metal protection only for lines passing through the wall.
Advice. Choose wires with copper conductors for the bath: they pass stronger current and are less susceptible to mechanical damage.
Installing wiring in a bathhouse: step-by-step instructions
Wiring in a bathhouse is usually installed in two ways: hidden and open. The first is used in baths made of brick or cinder block (in grooved channels), the second - in wooden buildings(right along the wall). Let's consider the main stages of installing an electrical system in a bathhouse:
Advice. Place the fittings only in the dressing room. According to the rules, bath and shower rooms are not intended for such electrical elements. Protect the lamps with special shades with sealed connections.
Finally, we suggest you take note of a few tips from specialists involved in installing electrical systems of various types:
- Place fire-resistant material under the cable channels, for example, a thin strip of asbestos sheet.
- When working indoors, use thermally insulated elements.
- Lay the cables in a corrugated material made of non-flammable material. This will help prevent the spread of fire if the wiring spontaneously ignites.
- Be sure to install a metal plate between wooden wall and switches/sockets - it will serve as excellent protection.
First of all, take care of fire safety
- Since in modern baths Powerful electrical appliances are often used; for outdoor work, choose cores with a cross-section of at least 16 millimeters square.
We have schematically examined the process of laying electrical wiring with our own hands. Now you know that this is a rather labor-intensive process that requires certain skills and compliance with a number of rules. Before starting work, be sure to read the PUE. Be careful! Good luck!
Electrical wiring in the bathhouse: video
How to make electrical wiring in a bathhouse: photo
Electrical wiring in a bathhouse is naturally different from wiring in a residential building. The room closest to the requirements is the bathroom. It also takes place high humidity, but the temperatures are, of course, different.
However, even in a bathhouse, not all rooms are equally problematic from an electrician’s point of view. So we would call the most “problematic” steam room And washing room Rest room, dressing room, bathroom and veranda don't require increased protection of wiring and devices.
The question arises: Is it necessary to use more expensive heat-resistant wires? for electrical wiring in a steam room? For those who have no way out and have to conduct wiring inside the walls of the steam room - yes, definitely. If you follow the rules - only through the wall to the lamp, then it is a matter of ease of replacing the wire.
The fact is that simple PVC insulation is necessary over time will collapse in the area that is subject to exposure to high temperature. Usually this at the wire entrance to the lamp. Therefore, it is recommended to do this section heat resistant.
In a steam room with an electric oven
Electric furnace used only in sauna,(because we question the ability of electric furnaces without a steam generator to create a Russian bath mode).
Power calculation usually done in a simplified manner, according to the cubic capacity of the room, based on the ratio of 1-1.5 kilowatts per cubic meter. Therefore, it is enough for you to proceed from one or one and a half volume of the steam room. Let's assume that a pair room of 1.8*1.4*2.1 is given (DSHV). Its volume is 5.3 cubic meters. Consequently, the furnace power is from 5 to 8 kW. And that's it small steam room!
It is clear that such a power plant is not installed on a regular outlet (here the current strength is 23-36 A, and a regular outlet can withstand 10-16 A). The wire is led outside and connected to a power outlet (they come in different capacities).
Heat-resistant wires of the required cross-section included with the stove itself, so you just need to output and connect them.
BY THE WAY! A grounding plug requires a ground connection to the outlet, this is not new, is it? 🙂
But the electric furnace also has requirements for grounding. Ideally, you make a ground loop back in construction process, covering the perimeter with a metal tape, which is welded to the mesh on the floor, and then connecting it to the grounding in the panel.
Wiring
There are certain principles wiring that is correct when constructing any scheme electrical wiring in the bathhouse, depending on specific conditions. That is, you build a diagram for a given room layout, but are guided by general rules.
We have already talked above about what an electrical panel is. Do you remember about consumer groups, each of which has its own circuit breaker.
IMPORTANT! Each power plant can (and should) have a circuit breaker.
But the lighting and socket groups of consumers are quite suitable for connection several consumers sequentially using branches in junction boxes.
REMEMBER! Typically, no more than five sockets or lamps are installed on one cable. If you have more of them, make a second group of the same name.
The rules say that in addition to circuit breakers, it is advisable to install RCD, This is especially true for electrical equipment in wet rooms.
Residual current devices - RCD
Exists two main wiring diagrams in the bathhouse (and not only in it), as well as a third scheme, which is a combination of the first two.
The first circuit is sequential
We already said above that sockets and lamps can be connected sequentially per supply cable, simply by making taps from it in the right places inside the distribution boxes.
This circuit is the simplest and therefore popular. Moreover, it can be called more budget, because when using it there is no need to install a separate circuit breaker for each current consumer. In the case of the described consumer groups, this is unprofitable.
The second scheme is “Star”
This is about parallel connection, which is also called “star”. This name can probably be explained by the fact that a “beam” cable stretches from each of the current consumers to the panel, which, if there are a sufficient number of consumers, should really form something like a “star”.
There are cases when such a connection cost-effective. We can definitely say that it is cost-effective for powerful current consumers, which require special cables with a large cross-section and special sockets. But it is needed when it comes to homogeneous low-power consumers.
"Star" expensive, because a machine is installed on each cable, the number and length of cables increases, the shield has to be more powerful, and the work on such an installation is much more complicated and, accordingly, more expensive.
Therefore, a combined method is optimal.
The third scheme is “Loop”
Actually, we have been describing it since the beginning of this article. This is when groups of consumers are created in the panel, and some cables lead to single powerful consumers.
It is fundamentally wrong to work on laying an electric power line in a bathhouse using the same technology as in an apartment or private house. The bathhouse has a number of fundamental differences from most buildings - high values temperature and humidity, their sharp (and quite frequent) changes, the abundance of flammable lumber (more specifically, wood), which is used both in the construction and finishing of almost all of its premises.
And if you add furniture and equipment (and they are mostly wooden), then it becomes clear that both the diagram and the method of installing electrical wiring in a bathhouse have some peculiarities. Let's figure out how to lay it correctly with our own hands.
- There is only one way to lay lines - open. To give the electrical wiring an aesthetic appearance and protect the bathhouse from fire if the insulation is damaged, it is advisable to install all the threads in a plastic corrugation.
- It is necessary to design the circuit in such a way that the number of connections is reduced to a minimum.
- In rooms where people intensively use water during procedures (washing room, steam room), the connection lines to existing lighting fixtures are carried out along the shortest “route”.
- Mandatory presence of protective devices in the electrical wiring diagram (AV and RCD), or a differential circuit breaker that combines their functions.
- Device protection classes (at least): lighting devices – IP-54; switches, sockets – IP-44.
- Connections (joints) of wires are made using terminal blocks.
- The power supply circuit of the bathhouse must provide for the installation of grounding. In the steam room and washing room it is necessary to equip it.
- All products that are used when installing electrical wiring in a bathhouse must have class “NG” insulation (non-flammable). It is advisable to use products with copper conductors. They bend well, do not break, and for the same current strength have a smaller cross-section than their aluminum counterparts.
- The distribution panel should be located in a room with the lowest level of humidity. In a bathhouse, this is usually a relaxation room, a smoking room, or an entrance vestibule (which is much more convenient). Requirements for the installation site are sufficient lighting and free access to the panel.
Prohibited
- In rooms with excessive humidity (such as a washing room and steam room), install sockets and switches. They should be located outside these rooms.
- Lay the cable (wire) above the furnace equipment.
- Make twists when splicing threads.
- Install electrical wiring with laying lines in metal hoses or steel pipes. The only exception is for areas where the cable passes through surfaces (wall or ceiling).
- Fix switches or sockets directly to a wooden base. It is necessary to install a “substrate” (preferably made of plastic).
All other requirements are the same as for any electrical wiring. For example, separate (on individual lines) connection of sockets and lighting fixtures, rules for their selection for damp rooms(only closed type) and so on.
Examples of wiring diagrams
Bathhouse is a generalized concept. All buildings of this type differ in material, dimensions, layout and a number of other indicators. If you have even the slightest knowledge of electrical engineering and follow the above recommendations for installation features, then creating your own circuit is not difficult. As an example, we can take the most common electrical wiring options.
DIY electrical wiring installation
Calculation of the cross-section of cable cores (wires)
Basic rules for internal wiring in a bathhouse
- All connections are only bottom. The explanation is simple - this will prevent moisture from getting inside sockets, switches, and lamps. For example, the same condensate that will flow down the wires.
- Connection to protection devices is made according to the principle: input wires - upper connection, output wires (to the line) - lower.
Several recommendations for externally connecting the bathhouse to the electrical supply
Most reliable way cable laying - in the ground.
To connect a bathhouse, it is necessary to purchase only armored cable products to prevent damage to the line due to soil movements (for example, seasonal) or insulation by rodents. But “pulling” the cable through metal pipe for the same purpose - not The best decision. Condensation will accumulate inside such a channel. There is no need to comment on the consequences.
To connect the bathhouse to the power supply, you can use a cable of the VBBShV brand (4-core), copper, with conductors of at least 10 “squares” (or similar in characteristics). Since the building is located on the site, you won’t need much of it. Therefore, the price is 190 rubles/rm. don't let it scare you. But there will definitely not be any problems with repairing the electricity supply line to the bathhouse.
A bathhouse is a humid and hot room, so electrification here has its own characteristics. Conditions such as high humidity and along with it the temperature, can negatively affect the wiring and the ability safe operation all the benefits of electricity. How to make it truly safe? There are several rules.
In the case of baths ideal option electrification can be considered via a separate cable from the main distribution board. Ideally, it is recommended to use a separate grounding circuit. Below we will look at cable routing methods.
Hidden and open wiring
Bathhouse made of timber, logs or any other natural material- This is the most environmentally friendly option. In such a room you can have a pleasant time and relax. But besides these properties and characteristics, wood is most susceptible to fires, which most often occur due to various problems in the wiring.
Many people want the wiring elements not to be visible, but for safety, the electrical wiring in a log bathhouse should be open type. A closed one does not provide such opportunities. Here all communications are hidden under finishing materials.
Features of open wiring
The use of such a scheme makes the process of maintaining and repairing electrical communications simpler. In the event of any breakdown, you can always identify the location of the fault and quickly solve the problem.
How to install the inner shield
The shield is usually installed in dressing rooms or in rest rooms. The input machine, as well as the RCD, are mounted directly in it. A residual current device is necessary to ensure fire safety and reliable operation of lighting devices and other electrical devices. For a bathhouse, an RCD is simply necessary, since there increased level humidity.
Sockets, switches, boxes for external installation Wiring must be splash-proof. It is recommended to enter from below. You should first prepare a U-shaped elbow - this is done so that condensation cannot get inside the devices.
All electrical wiring in the bathhouse should be carried out only through automatic circuit breakers or special residual current devices, but the shutdown current should be from 10 to 30 mA. It is recommended to use reduced voltages for the steam room, as well as for the washing room. However, this will require an expensive system. Experts advise checking the operation of residual current devices every month. It is advisable to carry out all wiring with double-insulated cable in order to avoid fire in the room when short circuit. In the furnace and in the steam room, an ordinary heat-resistant wire is best suited.
As for lighting, it is preferable to use low-voltage equipment. Conductors must be connected only using the terminal method. Also, do not forget about grounding and lightning protection.
The electrical wiring itself can be placed either in a metal or in a corrugated tube made of or in a metal hose. It is also better to use boxes for power cables from non-flammable materials.
Conclusion
As you can see, do-it-yourself electrical wiring in a bathhouse is quite capable of ensuring safety and long-term operation. If you make a correct and competent project, choose the right cables and electrical equipment, follow the basic rules of installation and work with electricity, then everything will definitely work out. The main thing is that all work is carried out very, very carefully. If you don’t have the necessary knowledge for this, it’s not worth it. once again to risk. It is better to take the help of professionals.
So, we found out how you can carry out your own power cable in the bath.
There should be lamps in the soap and steam rooms sealed. Seals are better made of silicone rather than rubber (the latter deteriorate faster, and the lamps lose their tightness).
You can read more about lamps in articles devoted to: lighting,.
In general, in the steam room and washing room are acceptable only light sources, and even switches for them, should be located outside these rooms.
LIFE HACK! Make a small loop on the wire before inserting the wire into the lamp body - this will prevent condensation from flowing inside.
To make the lighting safe, it is worth installing an RCD on the lighting group. 30 mA is enough to protect a person.
220, 12 or 36 volts?
Installation of wiring in wet rooms is always associated with the choice of voltage of the installed equipment. Many are inclined to believe that it is safer to install 12 or 36-volt light sources. We are talking about economical halogen lamps or LED strips Oh. There are also 36-volt incandescent lamps.
How to install electricity into a bathhouse with your own hands if you need to connect a step-down transformer for a certain group? Modern transformers have very modest dimensions and are quite capable of being placed inside an electrical panel. But this does not mean that this is the only place for them.
You can easily place a transformer directly in front of the wiring for lighting the steam room and washing room.
An important point when choosing a transformer will be to determine its power. Since it depends on the total power of the light sources, you should add everything up and add 20-30% on top.
In addition to the transformer, you can use power supply. First you will need to find out what the power of this tape is per meter, and then multiply by the number of meters.
Switching power supplies that are used for LED strips are made in different housings - plastic, aluminum And open. Despite the fact that aluminum is the heaviest, it is also considered the most durable and reliable.
IMPORTANT! Don't forget to add a margin if you don't want the transformer or power supply to burn out too quickly.
It is worth noting that in the presence of an RCD the danger of the same incandescent lamps in the steam room becomes minimal. But halogens and LEDs have their drawbacks - the former are short-lived, the latter are intolerant of high temperatures and are sensitive to fluctuations in current in the network. And an RCD or difavtomat can protect against electric shock in both 220 and 380 volt networks.
ADVICE! It is worth checking the performance of the RCD every month - just do not forget to press the “test” button at such intervals.
Sockets
The group of sockets is no less important. To begin with, let us clarify that You can install sockets everywhere, except for the same steam room and washing room.
Sockets are designed for different amperage- 10 and 16 amperes. You should estimate approximately what the load will be on the sockets in order to choose the appropriate option.
The calculation formula is simple: we sum up the power of connected electrical appliances and divide the sum of watts by 220 volts.
You can go from the opposite: for an outlet with a current limit of 10 A, the connected power limit is 2200 W. For 16 A - 3520 W.
Depending on the choice you make, circuit breaker, which you place in the panel, must correspond to the socket in terms of current rating. For a 10 A outlet, use a 10 A switch.
What does this give? If you connect several consumers to one 16 A socket, for example, 4 kW in total, then the current in the network will be 18 A, which is without circuit breaker would cause the outlet to overheat and possibly cause a fire. And it will simply turn off and that’s it.
How to select the cable cross-section will be discussed a little later.
Power group
The most powerful consumers, such as an electric furnace, are usually identified as special power group. It is clear that they will also be powered from sockets, but their difference from a socket group is that for them other parameters are selected, designed for great strength current
For example, if you have a 10 kW electric stove, then the current in a 220 V network will be 45.5 A. For such cases, use special power sockets, capable of withstanding high power of an electrical appliance.
In addition to a special socket, the power group will require copper cable with a larger cross-section than other wiring.
Well, he will protect her own RCD with automatic machine or difavtomat.
Cable installation on walls
Email The wiring in the bathhouse is bound by a number of standards described in the PUE. Since we have already cited extensive excerpts from this document, we will now present the essence briefly.
Briefly about choosing the brand and thickness of the cable
A bathhouse is a humid and sometimes hot room, so in order to carry out the wiring correctly you need to choose a suitable cable with insulation that will not be affected by these adverse factors. In addition to the washing room and steam room, you can use PVC insulation, NYM and VVGng cables in the premises.
It is highly recommended not to install wiring in the washing room or steam room itself.. It is permissible to make holes in the wall and insert metal sleeves and lead the wiring through the wall to light sources in these premises. In this case, the switches are made outside!
But, since even a small piece of wire that will be in the steam room will be exposed to high temperatures, and its insulation will be destroyed in a short time, it can be recommended to insert the wire into the steam room with insulation from silicone rubber- RKGM or PRKS, for example. It can withstand temperatures up to 170 degrees.
The thickness of the cable depends on the future load, but we immediately recommend taking the cross-section with reserve. You already know how to calculate the current strength (we divide the power by the mains voltage), now find the appropriate cross-section in the table (not forgetting about the reserve):
Differences between wiring in different rooms of the bathhouse
You can lay the wires as follows: open wiring and inside the walls. The standards for a bathhouse contradict the standards for a wooden room. Therefore, we will consider it this way: again outside the steam room and washing room It is better to lay the cable on the surface, and in the steam room and washing room - do not put it at all. If the bathhouse is not wooden, you can do hidden wiring.
Open wiring should not be in a metal sheath. Plastic corrugation, cable ducts and twisted wiring through ceramic insulators are acceptable. It is also advisable to lay strips between the wires and the wall heat insulator.
Useful video
You may find the report from one of the bathhouse owners regarding the purchased and installed electrical equipment useful:
Here's another good video that you can use as instructions:
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