For the purposes of installing electrical equipment, a bathroom is divided into zones. The criteria for each zone is based on the risk of electric shock. The zones relate to the IP rating of products and where they can be safely installed.

Click here to view all Bathroom Lighting 
or
View our Bathroom Lighting Ideas section

Diagram and explanation of bathroom lighting zones

 

Bathroom Zone 0 - the interior of the bath or shower that can hold water. Requires electrical products to be low voltage (max 12V) and rated IPX7.
 

Bathroom Zone 1 - the area directly above zone 0, limited to a height of 2.25m above the bath or shower. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better.

Products using safety extra low voltage (SELV) can be used but the transformer must be located in zone 3 or beyond. If the fitting is fed by a 240V supply a 30ma residual current device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit in this zone.

Click here to view Bathroom Zone 1 Light

Bathroom Zone 2 - the area beyond zones 0 and 1, stretching 0.6m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. Also includes the recessed area of a window with a sill next to the bath. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. SELV with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.

Click here to view Bathroom Zone 2 Lighting

Not Zoned (was Bathroom Zone 3) - the area beyond zone 2, stretching 2.4m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically, used to be rated as Zone 3 but this is now not separated and any lighting fitting can go in this area. There is not a specified IP number for this area, although some products are marked as not for bathroom use. SELV or shaver units are permitted, all other portable electrical equipment is not. 

Notes 
• When the size of the bathroom extends beyond zone 3, portable electrical equipment must be restricted, e.g. cable length is restricted so it cannot be moved into zone 3. 
• Where ceiling heights exceed 2.25m, the zones effectively extend up to 3m with beyond 3m un-zoned. 
• Basins are not covered, although they are usually consider to be zone 2. 
• If the space under the bath cannot be accessed without using a tool (i.e. a screwdriver) then that space is considered un-zoned.

Full details of regulations can be found in the latest copy of the IEE wiring regulations.

All electrical work in a bathroom must be carried out by a qualified electrician, if you have questions in relation to bathroom lighting that are specific to your situation we strongly advise you contact a professional for further advice.