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Last updated: 31 May 2023
What lights are suitable for bathrooms?
Bathrooms are moist environments, so there are strict regulations around the kind of lights you can install. So, what lights are suitable for bathrooms? Well, it depends on where in the bathroom you’re hoping to install them. Essentially, electrical safety regulations divide bathrooms into zones
Bathrooms are moist environments, so there are strict regulations around the kind of lights you can install. So, what lights are suitable for bathrooms?
Well, it depends on where in the bathroom you’re hoping to install them. Essentially, electrical safety regulations divide bathrooms into zones. You’ll need to choose a light fixture that has an IP (ingress protection) rating suitable for the zone in which you want to install it.
Zone 0. Any area that can hold water, such as the area inside a bath, shower tray or sink. Lights installed here must have a minimum rating of IP67 (which makes them immersion-proof). They must also be low voltage.
Zone 1. The area right above the bath or shower, up to a height of 2.25m. This area is still likely to get very wet, so lights installed here should have a minimum rating of IP44 (protecting them against water spray from any direction). You’ll also need an RCD (residual current device) if the light has a 240v supply.
Zone 2: The area up to 0.6m outside the bath or shower’s perimeter, up to a height of 2.25m. This area is less likely to get wet but could still receive the odd splash. Lights installed here should again have a minimum rating of IP44.
Zone 3 (outside zones): Any area outside of zones 0, 1 and 2 (if you’re lucky enough to have a bathroom that big!). These areas should have no contact with water, so no IP rating is needed. However, some electricians will still only fit lights that are IP rated, just to be safe.
As long as you follow the correct safety procedures and pick lights with the right IP rating for the zone where you’re installing them, you can choose any light fittings you like. So, there’s still plenty of scope to make your bathroom your own.
If possible, we’d still recommend chatting to a qualified electrician before purchasing any lighting for your bathroom so that you can be sure it adheres to all the safety requirements. Our guide to finding a good local electrician has your back.
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