Tiny House GuideBack to Bathroom

Bathroom Electrical

Important — not a DIY task. Electrical work in a wet area carries a real risk of electric shock and is tightly regulated. In most places it is illegal to do your own bathroom wiring. This page explains the concepts so you can plan and talk to your electrician — it is not a how-to guide. Always use a licensed electrician and have the work inspected.

The things to understand and discuss with your electrician. Pricing is shown per country; regions marked "being researched" are coming soon.

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Key things to plan

Wet-Area Zones

Bathrooms are split into safety zones based on distance from water. Each zone limits what fittings and outlets are allowed and what IP rating they need. Your electrician designs to these.

Advantages

  • Keeps electrics away from water
  • Defines safe fitting placement

Considerations

  • Restricts where points and lights can go
  • Must be planned before lining the walls

Indicative pricing

🇦🇺 AustraliaDesign included in electrician quote
🇺🇸 USABeing researched
🇨🇦 CanadaBeing researched
🇬🇧 UKBeing researched
🇪🇺 EuropeBeing researched

RCD / Safety Switch Protection

A residual current device cuts power in milliseconds if it detects a fault — essential anywhere water and electricity are close. Bathroom circuits must be RCD protected.

Advantages

  • Life-saving shock protection
  • Required by wiring rules
  • Protects the whole circuit

Considerations

  • Must be fitted and tested by an electrician

Indicative pricing

🇦🇺 AustraliaApprox $80 – $200 per RCD + install
🇺🇸 USABeing researched
🇨🇦 CanadaBeing researched
🇬🇧 UKBeing researched
🇪🇺 EuropeBeing researched

Power Points (GPOs)

Outlets must sit the required distance from basins and showers, and any near water need extra protection. Placement is governed by the zone rules.

Advantages

  • Power for shaver, toothbrush, heated towel rail
  • Convenience at the vanity

Considerations

  • Strict placement rules near water
  • Limited positions in a tiny bathroom

Indicative pricing

🇦🇺 AustraliaApprox $90 – $180 per point installed
🇺🇸 USABeing researched
🇨🇦 CanadaBeing researched
🇬🇧 UKBeing researched
🇪🇺 EuropeBeing researched

Off-Grid 12V vs 240V

Off-grid tiny homes often mix low-voltage 12V circuits (lights, fans) with 240V via an inverter for appliances. An electrician should design how the two systems interact.

Advantages

  • 12V is efficient and safer at low voltage
  • Runs from solar/battery
  • Inverter covers mains appliances

Considerations

  • More complex dual system
  • Inverter and battery sizing matters
  • Needs professional design

Indicative pricing

🇦🇺 AustraliaVaries — part of whole-home electrical design
🇺🇸 USABeing researched
🇨🇦 CanadaBeing researched
🇬🇧 UKBeing researched
🇪🇺 EuropeBeing researched
Safety & pricing note: figures are indicative 2026 estimates in Australian dollars and vary widely. All bathroom electrical work must be carried out and certified by a licensed electrician under local wiring rules — this page is for planning and discussion only, not a DIY guide. Last updated: June 2026.