Choosing Bathroom Lighting — IP Ratings Made Simple
Bathroom zones are governed by strict safety rules due to the presence of water and steam. Always consult a qualified electrician and refer to the current IEE Wiring Regulations before installation. This guide is for general reference only.
Zone 0
- Inside the bath or enclosed shower base
- Fittings must be low voltage (max 12V) and rated IP67 minimum
- Above an open shower head: low voltage (12V max) and rated at least IP65
Zone 1
- Above the bath or shower up to 2.25m from the floor
- Fittings require a minimum rating of IP44
- If using 240V fittings, a 30mA RCD (Residual Current Device) must be used
Zone 2
- Extends 0.6m beyond the bath or shower and up to 2.25m high
- Minimum IP44 rating required
- Good practice: treat 60cm radius around wash basins as Zone 2
Zone 3 (Outside Zones)
- Anywhere beyond Zones 0, 1, and 2
- No specific IP rating required, provided no water jets are used
Additional Note
If water jets are likely to be used for cleaning (e.g., in commercial or wet-room settings), fittings should be rated IP65 or higher, even outside the core zones.
