Bathroom Regulations

Bathroom Illustration NEW IP Ratings

All installations must comply to guidelines based on the zonal requirements These regulations apply to domestic installations only.

It is recommended that all electrical work carried out is done by a suitably qualified electrician in accordance with the current IEE wiring regulations (17th Edition).

Bathroom Lights are classified using an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The IP characters are followed by 2 numbers which refer to the level of protection against ingress of foreign bodies (1st number), and protection against the ingress of liquids (2nd number)

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

Zone 1 — is an area above the bath to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IPX4 is required

Zone 2 — is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum of IPX4 is required. Around a wash basin, a radius within 60cm is considered as zone 2.

Outside Zones — has no special requirements unless water jets are likely to be used for cleaning purposes.

All Zones — any electrical circuits in a bathroom must be protected by a 30mA Residual Current Device (RCD). Electrical equipment exposed to water jets for cleaning purposes must be at least IPX5.