Bathroom Lighting Zones Explained

bathroom lighting zones

When planning a lighting scheme for your bathroom it is important to ensure that the fittings you are looking to purchase can be installed in their desired location. All light fittings have what is known as an IP Rating, it is this rating that determines where a light can be installed.

Once you have ascertained the IP Rating of the fitting, please use the guide below and the map opposite to see if it can be installed where you would like.

You should always seek advice from a qualified electrician before installing lighting within a Bathroom. N.B Regulations apply to domestic applications only, according to IEE Wiring Regulations (17th Edition) BS 7671:2008 For non domestic applications, please refer to your electrician.

Bathroom Lighting Zones Explained

All Bathroom Zones

All electrical circuits in the bathroom must be protected by a 30ma Residual Current device (RCD) Electrical equipment exposed to water jets e.g for cleaning purposes must be at least IP65 (IPX5)

Zone 0

The interior of bathtub or shower tray – IP7+ and low voltage supply (max 12 Volt).

Zone 1

The Perimeter of bathtub or shower tray up to a height of 2.25 metre above the floor- IP4+ Use IP5+ where water jets are used for cleaning purposes.

Zone 2

The Perimeter 0.6 metre wide around Zone 1 and 0.75 metre above Zone 1 – IP4+. Use IP5+ where water jets are used for cleaning purposes.

Zone 3

The Perimeter 2.4 metre wide around zone 2 and 0.75 metre above Zone 2 – Use IP5+ where water jets are used for cleaning purposes. Otherwise no specified IP rating required although lights should be suitable for their location and provide adequate protection against electric shock.

The space under the bath tub is Zone 1 if accessible without the use of a tool or outside the Zones if accessible only with the use of a tool.

 

andrew author bio

Andrew Evangelidis Head of Buying

Andrew is an experienced buying professional who takes an entrepreneurial approach to identify new lighting solutions and ensure Lyco have first-to-market ranges for our customers. Having previously worked for well known brands such as Wickes, Carphone Warehouse and Toys R Us, Andrew has now turned his hand to sourcing commercial lighting and ensure our customers receive top brand quality products at marketing leading prices. He manages a team of commercial and decorative buyers who travel the world finding new products that our customers don’t even know they need yet.