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best place for bathroom light switch? - and which type of light?

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George Miles

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Sep 21, 2021, 3:46:58 PM9/21/21
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Where is the best place for a bathroom light switch?
by the door?
in the room or outside of the room?
or a pull cable?

is it best to have one with a dimmer,
or two: a dim one and a bright one?

The ceiling is already plasterboarded with kingspan above it,
I dont want to put any holes in it.
Is there a safer light fitting than the bayonet socket hanging from a rose?

screwfix have this one for £35:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/sylvania-starteco-led-ceiling-light-white-24w-2050lm/950kj
Sylvania StartEco LED Ceiling Light White 24W 2050lm (950KJ)
Product rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
(2)
IP44: For Indoor Use
Warm White / Cool White
Traditional Design

Theo

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Sep 21, 2021, 4:36:22 PM9/21/21
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George Miles <diceg...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Where is the best place for a bathroom light switch?
> by the door?
> in the room or outside of the room?
> or a pull cable?

I think you can have a light switch in the bathroom not in the zones,
although I might be tempted to get an IP44 switch if it's mains. You could
also go low voltage if it was in the zones.

> is it best to have one with a dimmer,
> or two: a dim one and a bright one?
>
> The ceiling is already plasterboarded with kingspan above it,
> I dont want to put any holes in it.
> Is there a safer light fitting than the bayonet socket hanging from a rose?

What kind of fitting do you want? Does the hanging bulb provide the right
lighting, or do you want something else? Is the hanging bulb above the bath
or shower?

I have one of these:
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/tradfri-dimmer-kit-90517659/
in a ceiling dome fitting in a toilet. The switch is mounted on the door
where it's easy to access as you go in. The old pull cord is left
permanently on and tied up out of the way. The switch controls both the
light and its brightness, and it's battery powered so no shock risk. They
also do versions that adjust colour temperature, and other shapes of light,
eg ceiling and wall lights.

> screwfix have this one for £35:
> https://www.screwfix.com/p/sylvania-starteco-led-ceiling-light-white-24w-2050lm/950kj

I don't see how you're going to mount that without extra holes?

Anyway, 2050lm seems really bright if it's not dimmable. That's 150W of
tungsten lamp.

Theo

Vir Campestris

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Sep 21, 2021, 4:47:01 PM9/21/21
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Switch in the room on a pull cord. Stops any kids outside plunging you
into darkness...

I never felt the need for a dimmer.

Make sure it does have that IP rating. Screwfix's cheapest one is
<https://www.screwfix.com/p/sylvania-starteco-led-ceiling-light-white-6w-520lm/207kj>

Other retailers are available :)

Andy

Steve Walker

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Sep 21, 2021, 5:47:57 PM9/21/21
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On 21/09/2021 21:36, Theo wrote:
> George Miles <diceg...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Where is the best place for a bathroom light switch?
>> by the door?
>> in the room or outside of the room?
>> or a pull cable?
>
> I think you can have a light switch in the bathroom not in the zones,
> although I might be tempted to get an IP44 switch if it's mains. You could
> also go low voltage if it was in the zones.

Or wireless - although I am used to the switch being outside the door
... and my wife occasionally switches it off as she's passing, just for fun.

>> is it best to have one with a dimmer,
>> or two: a dim one and a bright one?
>>
>> The ceiling is already plasterboarded with kingspan above it,
>> I dont want to put any holes in it.
>> Is there a safer light fitting than the bayonet socket hanging from a rose?
>
> What kind of fitting do you want? Does the hanging bulb provide the right
> lighting, or do you want something else? Is the hanging bulb above the bath
> or shower?
>
> I have one of these:
> https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/tradfri-dimmer-kit-90517659/
> in a ceiling dome fitting in a toilet. The switch is mounted on the door
> where it's easy to access as you go in. The old pull cord is left
> permanently on and tied up out of the way. The switch controls both the
> light and its brightness, and it's battery powered so no shock risk. They
> also do versions that adjust colour temperature, and other shapes of light,
> eg ceiling and wall lights.
>
>> screwfix have this one for £35:
>> https://www.screwfix.com/p/sylvania-starteco-led-ceiling-light-white-24w-2050lm/950kj
>
> I don't see how you're going to mount that without extra holes?

I'd go for something like that. Three small holes (two for mounting and
one for the cable is surely acceptable, unlike a 2'x2' cut-out for a
recessed light fitting - although I have 8 holes for downlighters (one
being a combined vent and light in the shower cubicle).

> Anyway, 2050lm seems really bright if it's not dimmable. That's 150W of
> tungsten lamp.

150W used to be about right for our (smallish) bathroom, giving plenty
of light for shaving or make-up.

Rod Speed

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Sep 21, 2021, 8:05:23 PM9/21/21
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George Miles <diceg...@gmail.com> wrote

> Where is the best place for a bathroom light switch?

I prefer a movement sensor and the Hue system
which allows fancy programming of the times,
light level, dimming etc. Wireless too so you
can put the sensor anywhere that works best
and move it around to find where works best.

Jeff Layman

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Sep 22, 2021, 2:40:19 AM9/22/21
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On 21/09/2021 20:46, George Miles wrote:
If you don't want any holes for the switch in the ceiling your best best
is a Quinetic switch from TLC. You can mount it anywhere in the bathroom
as it has no wired connections.

--

Jeff

Chris J Dixon

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Sep 22, 2021, 3:51:59 AM9/22/21
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George Miles wrote:

>Where is the best place for a bathroom light switch?
> by the door?
>in the room or outside of the room?
>or a pull cable?
>
>is it best to have one with a dimmer,
>or two: a dim one and a bright one?

I have 6 x 12 V MR16 bulbs in my bathroom, fed via a Dimpull. So
far they haven't made a version of the Dimpull that can handle
LEDs.

<https://www.amazon.co.uk/Greenbrook-DIMPULL-C-Dimmer-Switch-options/dp/B005KQTELU>

In the 16 years since they were installed (tempting providence) I
don't think I have changed any bulbs, of which I have a stock,
but I am on my 3rd Dimpull. Its soft start is obviously good for
bulb life, just a shame its own design isn't better.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
ch...@cdixon.me.uk @ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.

Peeler

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Sep 22, 2021, 4:01:04 AM9/22/21
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On Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:05:16 +1000, cantankerous trolling geezer Rodent
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again:

<FLUSH the abnormal trolling senile cretin's latest trollshit unread>

--
Xeno to senile Rodent:
"You're a sad old man Rod, truly sad."
MID: <id04c3...@mid.individual.net>

alan_m

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Sep 22, 2021, 4:18:53 AM9/22/21
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On 22/09/2021 01:05, Rod Speed wrote:

> I prefer a movement sensor and the Hue system
> which allows fancy programming of the times,

And how does this work when taking a bath or a shower in a cubicle or
with a shower curtain? I've worked in buildings with occupancy sensors
for lights (and heating) and working with a few others into the evening
just sitting in front of computers all the lights would go off until
someone got up and waved their arms around like some demented fool.

> light level, dimming etc.

Why would anyone need a dimmer in a bathroom?


--
mailto : news {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

Chris B

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Sep 22, 2021, 5:10:19 AM9/22/21
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You only ever indulge in rapid invigorating showers then, no time for a
long relaxing bath in lowered light levels? Why do you think candles
are favoured by some in bathrooms?

--
Chris B (News)

Mike Clarke

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Sep 22, 2021, 5:18:50 AM9/22/21
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On 21/09/2021 20:46, George Miles wrote:
> screwfix have this one for £35:
> https://www.screwfix.com/p/sylvania-starteco-led-ceiling-light-white-24w-2050lm/950kj
> Sylvania StartEco LED Ceiling Light White 24W 2050lm (950KJ)

Unless it's a very large bathroom better get yourself a pair of very
dark sunglasses at the same time. That 24W LED gives out 2050 lumens,
equivalent to nearly two 100W tungsten bulbs.

Rod Speed

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Sep 22, 2021, 5:57:35 AM9/22/21
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alan_m <ju...@admac.myzen.co.uk> wrote
> Rod Speed wrote

>> I prefer a movement sensor and the Hue system
>> which allows fancy programming of the times,

> And how does this work when taking a bath or a shower in a cubicle or with
> a shower curtain?

It would work fine with the sensor on the ceiling.

> I've worked in buildings with occupancy sensors for lights (and heating)
> and working with a few others into the evening just sitting in front of
> computers all the lights would go off until someone got up and waved their
> arms around like some demented fool.

I have nothing but movement sensors in my entire
house and never get that problem at all. The Hue
movement sensors are so well designed that they
see you even if you are just browsing on the computer
or reading an ebook for hours.

>> light level, dimming etc.

> Why would anyone need a dimmer in a bathroom?

When they don’t have a separate toilet and prefer
a lower light level when having a piss at night.


Adrian Caspersz

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Sep 22, 2021, 6:00:42 AM9/22/21
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What he said :)

I've got the earlier CPC no-longer-stocked 1500lm 24W "white" version of
that,

https://cpc.farnell.com/sylvania/43263/sylcircle-24w-1500lm-4000k/dp/LA07140

makes a good bright light for a 4m x 4m work room with white walls. I'd
imagine in a small bathroom even that would be blinding.

--
Adrian C

Jack Harry Teesdale

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Sep 22, 2021, 6:44:50 AM9/22/21
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On 21/09/2021 20:46, George Miles wrote:
I would not use a light fitting with the bayonet socket hanging from a
rose in a bathroom. It is preferable to use an enclosed or recessed
fitting but at the very least a ceiling rose with HO skirt as a minimum.

Peeler

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Sep 22, 2021, 8:04:14 AM9/22/21
to
On Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:57:26 +1000, cantankerous trolling geezer Rodent
Speed, the auto-contradicting senile sociopath, blabbered, again:

<FLUSH the abnormal trolling senile cretin's latest trollshit unread>

--
Marland revealing the senile sociopath's pathology:
"You have mentioned Alexa in a couple of threads recently, it is not a real
woman you know even if it is the only thing with a female name that stays
around around while you talk it to it.
Poor sad git who has to resort to Usenet and electronic devices for any
interaction as all real people run a mile to get away from you boring them
to death."
MID: <gfkt3m...@mid.individual.net>

Jonathan

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Sep 22, 2021, 9:41:22 AM9/22/21
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On the wall outside the bathroom so it doesn't make that terible noise at night with the pull switches,

Jonathan

www.GymRatZ.co.uk

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Sep 22, 2021, 11:23:09 AM9/22/21
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On 21/09/2021 20:46, George Miles wrote:
> Where is the best place for a bathroom light switch?
> by the door?
> in the room or outside of the room?
> or a pull cable?

In room on pull cord (if it's in a zone that requires it)

In our small shower room I put a normal switch on the outside next to
the door and after many frustrating years ended up putting a PIR
detector in the room as no-one would ever turn the light off when they
came out so lights were often left on all day whereas a pull-cord is
hard to avoid on the way out.

Adam Funk

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Sep 22, 2021, 11:45:05 AM9/22/21
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On 2021-09-22, alan_m wrote:

> On 22/09/2021 01:05, Rod Speed wrote:
>
>> I prefer a movement sensor and the Hue system
>> which allows fancy programming of the times,
>
> And how does this work when taking a bath or a shower in a cubicle or
> with a shower curtain? I've worked in buildings with occupancy sensors
> for lights (and heating) and working with a few others into the evening
> just sitting in front of computers all the lights would go off until
> someone got up and waved their arms around like some demented fool.

Dilbert cartoon:

<https://dilbert.com/strip/1995-02-22>

ARW

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Sep 22, 2021, 1:00:03 PM9/22/21
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On 21/09/2021 20:46, George Miles wrote:

> Is there a safer light fitting than the bayonet socket hanging from a rose?
>

Are you talking about these

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-straight-batten-lamp-holder-bc-3-/93835?

when you said bayonet socket hanging from a rose?

--

Adam

Robin

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Sep 22, 2021, 2:05:37 PM9/22/21
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https://www.screwfix.com/p/6-pendant-bc-white/8974j ?


--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid

ARW

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Sep 22, 2021, 2:27:59 PM9/22/21
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The lightning should always be inverse to the number of people in the bath.

--

Adam

Jack Harry Teesdale

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Sep 23, 2021, 6:30:57 AM9/23/21
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On 22/09/2021 19:05, Robin wrote:
> On 22/09/2021 18:00, ARW wrote:
>> On 21/09/2021 20:46, George Miles wrote:
>>
>>> Is there a safer light fitting than the bayonet socket hanging from a
>>> rose?
>>>
>>
>> Are you talking about these
>>
>> https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-straight-batten-lamp-holder-bc-3-/93835?
>>
>>
>> when you said bayonet socket hanging from a rose?

That is the correct item for a bathroom.
>>
>
>
> https://www.screwfix.com/p/6-pendant-bc-white/8974j  ?
>
>
That is not suitable for fitting in a bathroom.

George Miles

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Sep 23, 2021, 5:09:40 PM9/23/21
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at the moment i have a hanging 6 inch rose which is unsuitable.

Someone said 24 watt 1500 lumen is too bright -
well if its dimmable we can have it low for relaxing baths,
and bright for cleaning, shaving etc,
putting the dimmer outside of the room


not sure why jonathan says:
"terible noise at night with the pull switches,"
(its just a little click ! )

with this dimmer:
VARILIGHT V-PRO 1-GANG 2-WAY LED DIMMER SWITCH WHITE
https://www.screwfix.com/p/varilight-v-pro-1-gang-2-way-led-dimmer-switch-white/94816#product_additional_details_container
it says 2 way
so I could also have a pull switch inside the room,
but how would this 2 way work?
dimmers i used to have 40 years ago you twisted left to lower it and then they clicked off,
which seems incompatible with 2 way?

#Paul

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Sep 24, 2021, 2:32:04 AM9/24/21
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ARW <adamwa...@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:
> The lightning should always be inverse to the
> number of people in the bath.

Interesting deity you have there.

#Paul
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