Bathroom GPO installation is the area of residential electrical work with the most specific compliance requirements. Get it wrong and you face a failed inspection, a safety risk, and the cost of re-doing work in a finished, tiled space.
This guide explains the AS/NZS 3000 bathroom zone rules in plain English, covers what types of outlets are permitted in each zone, and outlines the RCD and IP rating requirements that apply to all bathroom electrical work.
The AS/NZS 3000 Bathroom Zones Explained
AS/NZS 3000 divides bathroom areas into zones based on proximity to water sources:
- Zone 0 — Inside the bath tub or shower enclosure
- Zone 1 — Directly above the bath or shower, from the floor to 2.25 m above the highest fixed showerhead or bath rim, horizontally to the outer edge of the bath or shower tray
- Zone 2 — The area extending 600 mm horizontally beyond the outer boundary of Zone 1, from the floor to 2.25 m
The zones are measured in 3D — ceiling and wall fittings within the zone boundaries are subject to zone rules.
What Is Permitted in Each Zone
| Zone | Location | Permitted Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Inside bath or shower | No GPOs. No shaver outlets. |
| Zone 1 | Directly above bath/shower to 2.25 m | No GPOs. Fixed luminaires with minimum IP44. |
| Zone 2 | 600 mm beyond Zone 1 | Shaver outlets (AS/NZS 3820) only. No standard GPOs. |
| Outside all zones | Remainder of bathroom | Standard GPOs permitted. Must be RCD protected. |
Shaver Outlets: Where and How
A shaver outlet is a transformer-isolated outlet compliant with AS/NZS 3820. It is the only socket type permitted in Zone 2 and is commonly installed near the vanity mirror.
When installing shaver outlets:
- Confirm the unit is labelled as compliant with AS/NZS 3820
- Position outside Zone 1 (not directly above the bath or shower)
- Can be in Zone 2 — but measure carefully from the zone boundary
- Still requires RCD protection
Around the Basin
AS/NZS 3000 does not define formal zones around bathroom basins in the same way as baths and showers, but the general principle of keeping electrical outlets away from water sources applies.
- Do not install GPOs directly above or immediately beside the basin where water could splash directly onto the outlet
- Position outlets on the adjacent wall or in the vanity cabinet, away from the splash zone
- All outlets near basins must be RCD protected
RCD Requirements
Every socket outlet in a bathroom — including shaver outlets — must be RCD protected under AS/NZS 3000. There are no exceptions. For new installations, RCD protection is provided at the switchboard. For additions to existing bathrooms, confirm that the existing circuit has RCD protection before connecting any new outlet.
IP Ratings for Bathroom Fittings
- Zone 1: Minimum IP44 required for all fixed fittings
- Zone 2: Minimum IP44 recommended
- Outside zones: Standard fittings acceptable for GPOs
IP44 protects against water splashing from any direction. IP65 adds dust-tight protection — a better choice for shower-adjacent fittings.
Practical Placement Guide
For most domestic bathroom installations, compliant GPO locations are:
- Entry wall — Typically well outside all zones
- Vanity wall adjacent to basin — Outside the basin splash area, used for shaver outlets and general GPOs
- Behind the door — A convenient, zone-safe location
Before rough-in, draw a plan showing the bath/shower dimensions and mark the zone boundaries to confirm every outlet position is compliant.
For accurate cut-outs, the PowerpointMate Standard Series Plate and Slimline Series Plate give you a precision template for every opening. Browse the range — $25 AUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you put a normal power point in a bathroom?
- Yes, but only outside the defined splash zones. Standard GPOs are not permitted in Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2. Outside all zones, standard GPOs are permitted subject to RCD protection.
- Do bathroom power points need RCD protection?
- Yes. All socket outlets in bathrooms must be RCD protected under AS/NZS 3000. This is mandatory.
- What is a shaver outlet and where can it be installed?
- A shaver outlet is a transformer-isolated socket compliant with AS/NZS 3820. It is the only type of outlet permitted in Zone 2 (within 600 mm of the bath/shower zone boundary).
- How far should a power point be from a shower?
- Under AS/NZS 3000, no standard GPO can be installed in Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2. Standard GPOs must be entirely outside all zones.
- What IP rating is required for bathroom electrical fittings?
- For fittings within Zone 1, a minimum IP44 rating is required. Outside the zones, standard fittings are acceptable for GPOs.
- What electrical zone is a bathroom sink?
- Bathroom basins are not classified in the same zone system as baths and showers under AS/NZS 3000. GPOs near basins must still maintain safe clearance from splash areas and must always be RCD protected.
