Bathroom Safety

Due to the presence of water within a bathroom, there is an increased risk of electrical shock.  For this reason great care needs to be taken when choosing a light fitting for such an area.

The IEE Wiring Regulations require bathrooms to be split into different areas or Zones. These Zones are numbered 0-3, with Zone 0 being the closest to the water source and Zone 3 being the furthest. The bathroom is therefore divided into four clear zones, just as the diagram alongside illustrates:

The next requirement is to then establish what Zone the intended light fitting falls under. Zone 0, 1, 2 or 3. Each zone has specific requirements regarding the electrical equipment that can be used in
that zone.

 

Zones Explained

Zone 0: Is the area inside the bath or shower. Any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage, (max 12v) and be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof.

Zone 1:  I the area above the bath to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP44 is required. If the fitting is 240v a 30ma residual current device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit in this zone.

Zone 2:  Is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25 from the floor. In this zone IP rating of at least IP44 is required.

Zone 3: Is anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2 (subject to specific limits) and where no water jet is likely to be used. No IP rating is required.

 

 

IP Ratings Explained

Electrical equipment for use in a bathroom will have an IP rating. This is called Ingress Protection. This IP rating is a two digit code (eg.IP67). The first digit relates to the degree of protection a light fitting has against solid objects. The second digit relates to water ingress and is critical to selecting safe bathroom lights that comply with the regulations. If a piece of equipment does not have an IP number, it must not be used in zones 0, 1 or 2.


The IP ratings are classified as follows (the 1st digit is irrelevant for bathroom equipment and is therefore replaced with an x):

   IPx0 - No special protection
   IPx1 - Protection from dripping water.
   IPx2 - Protection from vertically dripping water.
   IPx3 - Protection from sprayed water.
   IPx4 - Protection from splashed water.
   IPx5 - Protection from projected water.
   IPx6 - Protection from powerful jets of water.
   IPx7 - Protection against immersion for limited periods
   IPx8 - Protection against continuous submersion

 

 

NB: This is not an installation guide and reference should be made to the IEE Wiring Regulations (16th Edition) or please consult a qualified electrician.