Bathroom zones Information
diagram and explanation of bathroom lighting zones
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.
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 should use Separated Extra Low Voltage (SELV) with the transformer located beyond zone 2. Also 1.2m horizontally from the centre of a shower outlet to the height of the outlet or 2.25m whichever is the higher.
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, or SELV with the transformer located beyond zone 2.
In addition it is good practice to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap, to be considered as zone 2.
Outside Zones 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
Notes
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.
More detailed information can be obtained from the Institute of Engineering and Technology; www.theiet.org
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 (see separate page for an explanation of IP Codes).