In Europe we have a "zone" concept concerning "rooms with permanently installed showers or bath tubs" (= bathroom).
Zone 0 is within the tub.
Zone 1 is above up to 2.25m (appx 7 ft.)(2.6 (appx 8 ft.) in some countries)
Zone 2 is 0.6m (appx 2 ft.) from the edge of the tub or 1.2m (appx 4 ft.) if the shower is not separated as given above.
Within these zones no normal receptacles/sockets or other elctric devices are allowed.
In the remaining space we can install outlets or other devices that are mandatorily rcd protected at a maximum of 30mA. (American GFCI set appx 5mA)
There are certain devices that may be installed in zone 1 and 2, that are exempted from the rule as long as the manufacturer allows installation in his specs, typical example is a water heater.
Derived from that basic concept there are local regs which may require 2-pole switches for light (f.i. Belgium) or else, depending on country or poco or other rules.
A typical actual German bathroom installation would require an outlet for an electrical toothbrush charger, a hair dryer and a razor. So 2 to 4 outlets are not untypical above the basin/bowl. They are often integrated in a "Allibert" which is a brand name for "above basin mirror closets with integrated light fixtures"
In case a washing mashine is placed in the bathroom two separate circuits for washing and drying are necessary.
Last edited by renosteinke; 01/25/09 06:08 PM. Reason: To convert units, as requested
