Are you planning a bathroom renovation? Typically, homeowners first plan out the aesthetic changes they want to make in a renovation. But it is a must to plan out the electrical wiring in a bathroom renovation to ensure safety and ease of use. Let’s face it; we spend a lot of our time in our bathrooms. So when making changes, you’ll want to ensure your wiring is up to code and installed correctly.

The top 4 wiring considerations for a bathroom renovation:

1. Lighting
2. Ventilation Fans
3. Power Outlets
4. Electrical Floor Heating

Lighting
Illuminating your bathroom with the proper fixtures can make showering and getting ready much more convenient. Bathrooms tend to be darker than other rooms in your home, so you want to ensure adequate lighting.

It is essential to remember that there is water in areas like the shower and tub. Depending on how much water is near the light fixture will determine which one you’ll want to get. A light fixture in the shower area must have a rating for damp zones. However, if the shower or tub directly sprays onto the fixture, you’ll want to get one rated for wet locations.

Ventilation Fans
Bathrooms can get wet, and whether you have a window or not, moisture can accumulate and cause mold, water stains, unwanted odors and humidity. That is why it is essential to have a ventilation fan in your bathroom. There are numerous different types of fans you’ll have to choose from. Some have heating options in addition to a light and fan, along with many other combinations. Depending on the fan you plan to install, it is best to consult a professional to understand which location is suitable for your fan type, as there are different wiring requirements for each.

Power Outlets
GFCI outlets, which stands for ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, are required in any area of your home where a water source is present. As we know, there are a lot of water sources in a bathroom. A GFCI outlet will help protect you from electrocution.
Hair dryers, curling irons, and electric shavers are common bathroom tools. When using these tools near a sink or another source of water, a GFCI outlet will protect you from potential electrical hazards.

Electric Floor Heating
Looking to add that extra element of luxury to your new bathroom? In-floor heating does just that. Comfortable and efficient, heated floors are a must for many bathroom renovations. It’s important to determine that the electrical circuit is suitable to support in-floor heating beginning the work. Your heating system should be on its own dedicated circuit. If you are unsure, it is best to contact an experienced professional to help with your assessment.

Electric floor heating is easy to install yourself, and often people do it as a DIY project. With that in mind, it is highly recommended that you contact a registered electrician esure proper wiring requirements first, and when the project is completed, to sign off on the installation.

AJ’s Electrical serves customers across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, helping them with all of their electrical needs. Their expert team has over 60 years of combined experience. They know what it takes to ensure safety, functionality, and efficiency for your home.