Electrical

Special Locations (Part 7) Explained

Part 7 modifies the general requirements of BS 7671 for locations with extra risk — bathrooms, pools, saunas, agricultural premises, EV points and more.

Updated 21 Aug 20269 min read

Some locations carry a higher risk of electric shock or fire, so BS 7671 adds or tightens requirements for them in Part 7. Where a Part 7 rule conflicts with the general requirements, the Part 7 rule wins.

This guide explains why Part 7 exists, lists the locations it covers, and works through the most common one on domestic work — the bathroom, with its zones and supplementary bonding rules.

Key takeaways

Part 7 sections modify, not replace, the general rules for higher-risk locations.
Bathrooms (Section 701) use zones 0, 1 and 2 to control what equipment can go where.
Most circuits serving a bathroom need 30 mA RCD protection.
Supplementary bonding can be omitted in a bathroom only if specific conditions are all met.
Other Part 7 locations include pools (702), saunas (703), construction sites (704), agricultural (705), EV (722) and solar PV (712).

Why Part 7 exists

Water, confined conducting spaces, high temperatures and outdoor exposure all raise shock and fire risk. Part 7 responds by adding rules — extra RCD protection, restrictions on where equipment can be installed, and specific IP ratings.

The key principle is that Part 7 modifies the general requirements. You still apply the whole of BS 7671, then layer the relevant Part 7 section on top.

Bathroom zones (Section 701)

A bathroom is divided into zones. Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower basin. Zone 1 is above it to 2.25 m. Zone 2 extends 0.6 m beyond zone 1. Each zone sets a minimum IP rating and limits what equipment is permitted.

For example, only SELV equipment rated for the position is allowed in zone 0, and accessories such as socket outlets are generally kept out of the zones entirely, other than shaver sockets to BS EN 61558-2-5.

Zone the room first

Mark the zones before you plan positions — most bathroom defects come from equipment sitting in the wrong zone for its IP rating.

RCD protection and supplementary bonding

Circuits serving a bathroom generally require 30 mA RCD additional protection. Supplementary equipotential bonding was historically always required, but it can be omitted where all circuits have RCD protection, the main protective bonding is in place and confirmed, and the installation is in good condition.

If any of those conditions is not met — commonly an unconfirmed main bond — the supplementary bonding has to stay.

Other special locations

Beyond bathrooms, Part 7 covers swimming pools and fountains (702), saunas (703), construction sites (704), agricultural and horticultural premises (705), caravans and caravan parks (708/721), marinas (709), EV charging (722) and solar PV (712), among others.

Each has its own quirks, so when a job falls into one of these, read the specific section rather than assuming the general rules are enough.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a socket in a bathroom?

General-purpose socket outlets are not permitted within the bathroom zones. A shaver supply unit to BS EN 61558-2-5 is allowed outside zones 0 and 1, and sockets can go in a large bathroom only well outside the zones.

Is supplementary bonding still required in bathrooms?

It can be omitted, but only if all circuits have 30 mA RCD protection, the main protective bonding is present and verified, and the installation is in a satisfactory condition. If any condition fails, it must remain.

Does a shower room count as a special location?

Yes. A room containing a shower is treated the same as a bathroom under Section 701, with the same zoning and protection requirements.

From guidance to action

Max Zs calculatorCheck disconnection times for RCD-protected bathroom circuits.EICR certificate appRecord special-location observations on a condition report.