Bathroom Zones and IP Ratings
Using electrical equipment in bathrooms or wet rooms requires attention to safety. The IEE Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) have identified particular zones within the bathroom to indicate what type of electrical equipment can be installed.
Zone 0
Inside the bath, shower or wet room zone.
This area requires a minimum rating of IP67 and must be low voltage (12V max).
Zone 1
Up to 2250mm above bath, shower or wet room basin. A minimum rating of IP44. For 240V fittings, a 30ma RCD must also be used to protect the circuit.
Zone 2
600mm outside a bath, shower, sink or water outlet.
A rating of at least IP44 is required.
Outside Zones
Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2, where water jets are not used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply.
IP Ratings
The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two digit code given to a piece of electrical apparatus that indicates the degree of protection its enclosure provides from dust, water and impact.
IP Rated
Bathroom Products
Stylish, dual power, colour selectable downlight
Stylish, dual power, colour selectable downlight
Bathroom zones FAQs
Bathroom lighting guideWhat are bathroom zones?
Bathroom zones are areas around the bath, shower and basin that set what type of electrical equipment can be installed, based on how likely it is to get wet. Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower, zone 1 is above it, and zone 2 is the area around it. Everywhere else is outside the zones.
What IP rating do I need for zone 0?
A minimum of IP67, and the fitting must be low voltage (12V max).
What IP rating do I need for zone 1?
A minimum of IP44. Zone 1 covers the area up to 2250mm above the bath, shower or wet room basin. For 240V fittings, a 30mA RCD must also protect the circuit.
What IP rating do I need for zone 2?
At least IP44. Zone 2 covers the area 600mm outside a bath, shower, sink or water outlet.
Can an LED mirror go in zone 2?
Our mains-powered illuminated mirrors and cabinets are IP44 rated, which meets the zone 2 requirement. Browse LED mirrors and mirror cabinets.
What does an IP rating mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The two-digit code shows how well a fitting's enclosure is protected: the first digit against dust and solid objects, the second against water. The higher the number, the greater the protection.
Who should install bathroom lighting?
Electrical work in bathrooms should be carried out by a qualified electrician, in line with the current wiring regulations (BS 7671).