Bathroom Zones

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.

Bathroom IP Rating Zones Overview
Bathroom IP Zone Diagram

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.