Installing an outlet with degree of protection IP44

Moisture-proof sockets are used to provide consumers with electricity that are located in rooms with high humidity.

In order to determine the degree of protection of the device from the penetration of foreign objects into its body or substances, including moisture, developed a special classification system - Ingress Protection Rating.

Classification of degrees of protection

This classification is built taking into account the requirements of international standards IEC 60529 (GOST 14254-96), it provides for the division of electrical equipment into 8 groups for moisture protection, as well as 6 groups for degree dust protection. The belonging of each product to a particular group is determined mainly by the design of its body. Correspondence of the enclosure to one degree or another degree of protection is established by testing and is indicated in the technical description of the device, while the corresponding marking is applied to its body (for example - IP 44).

The marking consists of the letters IP and two numbers, the first of which indicates the level of protection of the product from penetration of solid objects into its body, and the second from the effects of liquid.

According to the degree of protection from mechanical influences on the working part of the device, 6 types of devices are distinguished. The lowest degree to which the IP 0X code corresponds does not provide protection against unintentional contact with live parts. Devices with the highest degree of protection against mechanical impact (IP67, IP65, IP66) provide complete dustproofness.

 In many cases, including for outlet installation in the bathroom, it is enough to use dustproof devices (IP55, IP54). However, the most acceptable option in terms of price and degree of protection are products marked with IP44.

The second digit of the IP code, which characterizes the security of the electrical device, shows the degree of moisture resistance:

• IP X0 - the shell of the device does not protect it from moisture.
• X1 - the device case protects against dripping water.
• X2 - provides protection against drops falling at an angle of 150 to the shell.
• X3 - providing protection from rain (the direction of spray of water can be up to 600 to the vertical axis of the product).
• X4 - the device is completely protected from water splashes. The most common types are IP 44 and IP 54.
• X5 - protection against a directed stream of water.
• X6 - protection against water supplied under pressure.
• X7 - the housing of the device provides its protection during short-term immersion in water.
• X8 - protection when immersed in water to a depth of more than 1 m, while the device remains fully operational.

The letters are indicated after the numerical code as supporting information. For example, the letter H denotes high-voltage equipment, W - additional protection against weather conditions, M - conducting tests during which the device with moving mechanisms was in operation condition.

Socket IP69

In accordance with the DIN 40050-9 standard, another type is added to the existing classification of devices according to the degree of protection - IP69K, which includes products in housings that can protect working mechanisms from water during washing under high pressure. When carrying out repair work in an apartment, products of this type are inappropriate to use.

The protection of the outlet in the bathroom must correspond to one of the following types: IP44, IP55, IP54, IP67, IP65.

Socket IP44

The most common types of outlets that are used for installation in bathrooms include devices with a degree of protection IP 44.

To assess the design features of these products, as well as the rules for their connection and operation, should familiarize yourself with the requirements of the guidelines for the arrangement of electrical wiring in rooms with high danger.

Features of installing electrical wiring in bathrooms

Until recently, installing a power outlet in the bathroom was not permitted for security reasons. Today, the presence of such a device is simply necessary to power consumers, which include washing machines, a jacuzzi, hand-drying apparatus, hair dryers, electric shavers, etc. Therefore, the installation of outlets corresponding to a degree not lower than IP44 is allowed provided that certain electrical safety requirements are met.

The main requirements for the elements of electrical wiring in the bathroom include:

1. Installing outlets no closer than 60 cm from the edge of the bathroom or shower.
2. In rooms with high humidity, which include bathrooms, concealed installation is allowed electrical wiring, which is made of a three-wire electric cable, which necessarily includes a PE conductor.
3. When installing concealed wiring, it is forbidden to use metal conduits.
4. All devices (both wiring components and consumers) installed in bathrooms must have a degree of protection against moisture exposure of at least IP 44.

According to the existing division of the bathroom into security zones, the requirements for electrical outlets installed in each of these zones differ significantly:

1. Zone 0. Includes water storage areas, which include bathtubs and shower trays. Installing outlets in this area is prohibited.
2. Zone 1. It includes a washbasin or shower. Only water heaters are allowed in this zone; installation of sockets is prohibited.
3. Zone 2. Covers a space within 60 cm of the zero or first zone.
4. Zone 3. Allowed the installation of devices with degrees of protection IP44, IP67, IP65, IP54, IP55. This is a safe area for installing wiring components that are connected through an isolation transformer or residual current device.

Today, the ban on installation in areas 0, 1, 2 of rooms with high humidity applies to junction boxes, sockets, electrical panels, as well as switches. In such places, the supply voltage of devices (for example, fixtures) approved for operation should not exceed 12 V.

Sockets with a degree of protection IP44 and higher are devices enclosed in a sealed plastic case. The front of this product is equipped with a hinged lid that protects the plug from water spray.

There are several technical options for such outlets (from IP 44 and above), depending on their rated current. Devices rated for a current of more than 16 A are designed for installation in three-phase electrical networks.

According to the type of outlet with a degree of protection IP44 distinguish between overhead and built-in. Overhead type sockets are more convenient to install. This technical solution allows to achieve a high degree of moisture resistance of the device, regardless of the quality of installation of the socket. In turn, built-in sockets provide a more aesthetic appearance and are traditionally used as elements of hidden electrical wiring.

Features of mounting an outlet with a degree of protection IP44

In general, the installation of the outlet in the bathroom is carried out in the same way as in the rest of the apartment. However, when installing electrical wiring, you should remember these features:

1. Bathroom consumers receiving power from outlets (even those with a degree of protection higher than IP 44) should be allocated as a separate group in the apartment electrical panel.
2. Power supply for IP44 sockets via separate circuit breaker and RCD (instead of them can be used differential automaton).
3. Installation of moisture-proof sockets with degree of protection IP44, IP67, IP65, IP54, IP55 is allowed at a distance of no closer than 60 cm from the edge of the bathroom or shower.
4. Connecting a single-phase outlet with a degree of protection IP 44 and above should be carried out using a three-wire cable, which necessarily includes a PE conductor (protective ground).
5. Do not use metal pipes and other bathroom communications as grounding.
6. It is recommended to use an isolation transformer for connecting outlets with a degree of protection IP 44. This device allows galvanic isolation with a common power supply system, which significantly increases the safety of operation of consumers of electric energy. A reduction in the supply voltage for lighting devices to 36, 24 or 12 V can be used.

Thus, waterproof sockets with degrees of protection IP44, IP67, IP65, IP54, IP55 are the most suitable devices for installation in the bathroom, however, when connected, it is necessary to strictly follow the requirements of the EMP to ensure electrical safety.