Hairdryer location in bathroom and hotel
Purchasing and installing an electric hair dryer, especially in a public place, is not without risk and should be done by a knowledgeable professional. You must understand the concepts of class, IP protection , and, above all, the permitted volume for the installation.
Class II in detail
Only Class II hairdryers with double electrical insulation may be installed in bathrooms. These hairdryers are identified by the standardized symbol.
Hair dryer IP rating
The IP index consists of two numbers:
- the first number represents the level of protection of the hair dryer against solid bodies (e.g. IP 2 1);
- The second number represents the level of protection of the hair dryer against liquid elements (e.g. IP2 1).
For installation in volume 2:
- IPX 3 minimum (flexible device)
For installation in volume 3:
- IPX 1 minimum (extension cord, hair dryer must not penetrate volume 2)
The 4 bathroom volumes are defined by the installation rules of the NFC 15.100 standard.
Technical characteristics of the electric hair dryer
Hair dryer flow rate and power
These parameters determine the drying speed of the hair dryer. Higher numbers increase the drying speed of the hair dryer. Contrary to a common misconception in any electrical appliance in general, wattage is not a guarantee of efficient drying. In the case of hair, the fragility of the latter requires a balanced solution between speed and heat. Furthermore, a powerful appliance will necessarily be a power-hungry appliance.
ON/OFF switch on the hair dryer holder
It allows you to cut off the general power supply to the hair dryer.
This system is required by safety standards in some countries.
Differential switch on hair dryer
It eliminates the risk of electrocution even in humid environments by instantly turning off the electric hair dryer.
A residual current device (RCD) has been mandatory in France since 1991 for all new or renovated electrical installations. In this case, a residual current device (RCD) on the hair dryer is unnecessary, as the electric hair dryer is already protected.
Otherwise, the differential switch is essential.
Shaver socket on hair dryer
This option offered on the hair dryer wall mount avoids an additional specific electrical outlet.
The razor socket is limited in power to 20W for the exclusive use of electric razors or phone chargers.
It accepts all types of files:
- with transformer: 230 V and 115 V output;
- without transformer: 230 V output only.
Left/right positioning of the hair dryer gun
This feature allows for easier use and installation of the electric hair dryer in perfect harmony with the layout of the bathroom.
Hand-held operation
This safety system automatically cuts off the power to the hair dryer as soon as it is no longer in use.
How to read the IP protection rating?
First digit: protection against solid objects
| IP0X | no protection |
| IP1X | protected against solid bodies >50 mm (e.g. hand contact) |
| IP2X | protected against solid bodies >12.5 mm (e.g. finger) |
| IP3X | protected against solid bodies >2.5 mm (e.g. tools, screws) |
| IP4X | protected against solid bodies >1 mm (e.g. small tools, wires) |
| IP5X | protected against dust (no harmful deposits) |
| IP6X | completely protected against dust |
Second digit: protection against liquid bodies
| IPX0 | no protection |
| IPX1 | protected against vertical drops of water |
| IPX2 | protected against water drops up to 15° from the vertical |
| IPX3 | protected against water drops up to 60° from the vertical |
| IPX4 | protected against projections from all directions |
| IPX5 | protected against water jets from all directions (water lance) |
| IPX6 | completely protected against projections (similar to sea waves) |
| IPX7 | protected against the effects of immersion |
| IPX8 | protected against the effects of prolonged immersion |
Find the full range of electric hair dryer on our site