Bathroom Lighting Zones and Regulations Explained
Bathroom Lighting Zones and Regulations Explained
If you are looking to install a new light fixture in your bathroom, it is important to understand the bathroom lighting zones and regulations that are in place. Knowing the correct zone for a particular light fixture to be installed in can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your bathroom is safe to use.
In this guide to bathroom lighting, we'll explain the various zones, regulations, and safety considerations that are in place when it comes to bathroom lighting. With this knowledge, you'll have the confidence to create a bright and beautiful bathroom that meets all necessary safety standards.
In this guide you will find
Consider The Type Of Bathroom You Have
Bathroom Light Zones Explained
What Are Good Options Per Bathroom Zone
IP Ratings First Digit: Degrees Of Protection From Solid Objects
IP Ratings Second Digit: Degrees Of Protection From Liquids
What Are The IET Wiring Regulations?
Consider The Type Of Bathroom You Have
Before we get started, you must consider the type of bathroom you have. This will help you understand the zones better and will ensure your bathroom is safe to use. For example, if you have a wet room and will need a light fitting in the bath or shower, you need to make sure that the bathroom lights have the appropriate IP rating.
Keep reading this guide to bathroom lighting regulations to learn more as we go in-depth with bathroom lighting zones, IET wiring regulations, and the IP rating.
Bathroom Light Zones Explained
When choosing a bathroom light, you may be wondering what lighting zones you should be installing it in. Each bathroom zone requires a different level of water-resistant protection for the light fittings.
The bathroom zones go as follows:
Zone 0: The area directly inside the bath or shower, such as the shower tray. This means that the light fittings you choose for this area will be in contact with a high water level, especially if you have water jets installed.
Zone 1: The ceiling area directly above the bath or shower, which can include inside the shower cubicle.
Zone 2: This area borders the section around the wash basin and walls above the bath.
What Are Good Lighting Options Per Bathroom Zone
Zone 1 -
Zone 2 -
What Does IP Rating Mean?
IP stands for "Ingress Protection," a rating system that indicates how resistant bathroom lights are to water damage and solid objects.
IP Ratings First Digit: Degrees Of Protection From Solid Objects
The first number in an IP rating indicates the number of solid items that a bathroom light fixture can withstand.
| First IP Number | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Some protection against solid objects over 50mm |
| 2 | Shield against solid objects over 12mm. |
| 3 | Shield against solid objects over 2.5mm. |
| 4 | Shield against solid objects over 1mm. |
| 5 | Shield from dust |
| 6 | Total protection |
IP Ratings Second Digit: Degrees Of Protection From Liquids
The second number in an IP rating indicates the degree of liquid resistance that a bathroom light fixture has.
Numbers 4 to 6 are often referred to as "limited ingress permitted" and offer the following protection. Numbers 7 to 8 provide different levels of protection against immersion.
| Second IP Number | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 0 | No protection |
| 1 | Some protection that covers vertically falling drops |
| 2 | Full safety against 15-degree angle sprays |
| 3 | Full safety against 60-degree angle sprays |
| 4 | Protection against all angled sprays |
| 5 | Protection against low-pressure jets. |
| 6 | Protection against high-pressure jets. |
| 7 | Resistant against the effects between 15cm and 1m |
| 8 | Can withstand immersion for long periods as well as high pressure |
What Are The IET Wiring Regulations?
Previously known as the IEE wiring regulations before the IEE and IIE merged to become the IET. The IET wiring regulations are designed to ensure that electric light fittings are installed safely and securely by a qualified electrician. The regulations are updated annually to ensure that all electricians, engineers, and other professionals working with electrics are doing so correctly and safely.
Safe Bathroom Lighting Tips
Once you've chosen the correct bathroom lighting zones for your fixtures, it is important to remember the following guidelines to ensure that your bathroom is as safe as possible. When planning out your bathroom lighting, it's important to:
- Follow the bathroom zones.
- Remember the IP rating.
- Hire a qualified electrician.
- Be practical and ensure your bathroom is well-lit.
Bottom Line
This roundup of bathroom lighting zones and regulations will hopefully be a helpful guide to understanding the regulations and zones in place when installing new light fixtures in your home.