Bathroom lights, bathroom lighting, contemporary lights, modern lights, Bathroom Lights, Designer Bathroom Lights, Modern Bathroom Lights, Contemporary Bathroom Lights, low voltage lights, led lights, plinth lights, mirror lights, shaver lights, spotlights, electrical lights, light fittings,
 
Home
Kitchen Lights Information
Links
BATHROOM ZONING
Electrical equipment in bathrooms must be protected against ingress of water. The I.E.E. Wiring regulations (BS 7671: 2001 Section 601) has mandatory requirements for areas containing a bath or shower. These safety standards are measured in zones, with the requirements for each zone being based on the perceived degree of risk of electric shock. There are four precisely dimensioned zones: 0, 1, 2 and 3.
It is important to understand the rating by which bathroom lighting is classified. IP rating stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ and is followed by two characters. The first specifies the degree of protection against particles or solid objects. The second specifies the degree of protection against liquids. (See table below)
Zone 0
Inside the bath or shower. Any fittings used here must be SELV (max. 12V) and be rated IPX7 (protected against immersion in water)
Zone 1
Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IPX4 is required (See note 1)
Zone 2
The area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower if over 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IPX4 is required (See note 1)
Zone 3
Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 & 2. Where water jets are not to be used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply (See note 1)

IP RATINGS EXPLAINED
FIRST NUMBER SECOND NUMBER
0 No protection 0 No protection
1 Protected against solid objects greater than 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by hands) 1 Protection against vertically falling drops of water (e.g. condensation)
2 Protected against solid objects up to 12mm (e.g. fingers) 2 Protection against direct sprays of water up to 15 degrees from vertical
3 Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires) 3 Protection against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical
4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1mm (e.g. small tools and wires) 4 Protection against water sprayed from all directions - limited ingress permitted
5 Protected against dust, limited ingress (e.g. no harmful deposit) 5 Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions - limited ingress permitted
6 Totally protected against dust 6 Protected against high pressure jets of water (use on ship deck) - limited ingress permitted
7 Protected against the effects of immersion between 15cm and 1m
8 Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure
Notes:
1
In zones 1, 2 & 3, if there’s a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a min. of IPX5 is required.
2
In zones 1 and 2, SELV or 240V luminaires may be used (subject to IP rating) 240V luminaires must be protected by a 30MA RCD if installed in Zone 1.
3
There is no requirement for luminaires to be protected against particles or solid objects, e.g. IPX4.
4
The above information is intended as a guide only. For detailed information, refer to the I.E.E. Wiring regulations (BS 7671: 2001 Section 601).
For further information, please email us on sales@inspiredelectrical.co.uk