Dimmer switch in bathroom

[FRANSINA]

Hi, we have had some work done on our house which included relocating and refitting the bathroom. We have not been able to live at home during this process so have visited when possible. When I had a look today the electrician had wired in a standard knob dimmer switch to control the ceiling lights and next to it, a switch for the fan. Both are situated where you would normally expect to find a switch by the door. I realise there are regulations about the switch distance being 1.5m from a water source but our bathroom is TINY (2m x 1.9m) and if my daughter stood up in the bath, she could reach both these switches! On this basis alone I will get it changed to something safer but am wondering if this really could be considered acceptable?! Can anyone recommend a safer alternative? These switches have been wired in through a tile which will need replacing if they are removed. Are there any 'safe' switches on the market?! Thanks.

"regulations about the switch distance being 1.5m from a water source "

no there aren't.

If you are in England or Wales, there are regulations about electrical fittings distance from a fixed bath or shower. Horizontally, 600mm away from the footprint of the bath or shower tray, unless it is more than 2250mm above floor level.

Many people install ceiling pull-cord switches because they are usually far enough away.

There is a good diagram on page 2
electrical.theiet.org/wiring-matters/26/bathrooms.cfm?type=pdf

Some people like to pretend there is a zone around washbasins, but this is not part of the regulations.

Electrical sockets have to be at least 3metres away from a fixed bath or shower, which in most UK bathrooms is impossible.

Anyone installing electrics in a bathroom ought to be a member of a Competent Person Scheme (you can check them). Ask which scheme your electrician is in. He should be proud to tell you. If he is evasive or acts offended, be as suspicious as if your taxi driver hadn't got a driving licence.
See factsheet www.niceic.com/medialib/www.niceic.com/PDF/15868-FactSheet-Bathroom-A4-4pp-web.pdf

p.s.

I just had a look at IP44 lightswitches (resistant to water) but they are the sort of thing used for outdoor lights, so you may not like them. I don't know any that are elegant and attractive. A ceiling switch would be easiest. Safe Extra-low voltage would be possible (e.g. a 12volt lighting circuit) but more complicated and expensive.

It's not usual to have a separate switch for the extractor fan. Usually they come on with the lightswitch, and there is an isolator for maintenance purposes, usually well out of the way at ceiling height, or outside the bathroom above the door. If you really want a wall switch, it is occasionally fitted on the opposite side of the doorway to the bath.

Beware a lot of internet searches will bring up American documents, which are different.

here's an example of a better water-resistant switch. I can see how you could install it in a hollow partition wall with only the face visible. Usually, the whole waterproof backbox is visible on the wall, which might be inelegant.

Or you could just have an ordinary lightswitch fitted outside the bathroom door.

If it was me I would have a pull-cord ceiling switch and no dimmer.

It is certainly a strange bit of wiring - I cannot understand why they just didnt put in a pull chord. Regulations apart it just seems more sensible. Aesthetically pleasing, waterproof dimmer switches are hard to come by - thanks for your input Piglet John!

OP I would normally expect switches to be outside the bathroom door. Are these inside?

I may be wrong but if it has been done properly then I would say it's safe. In mainland Europe everyone has switches inside the bathroom. You can dry your hair or do whatever you want inside the bathroom as long as there are proper trip switches (as far as I'm aware). Electricity is so safe now (if done properly)

Just to let you know that putting the switch inside is illegal . He cannot be a certified tradesperson and has put both yourself and your daughters lives at risk

yes thats what i understood too - so either pullswitches inside bathroom - or ordinary type switches outside - could you get him to move them out inti the hall if its just straight through the wall