IP rating for Bathroom Lights

Bathroom
It all depends on which zone you are in. The IEE wiring regulations split bathrooms into different Zones depending on how likely they are to get splashed. The light for individual Zones must then be matched to be able to prevent water ingress.

What is an IP rating?

IP65 Bathroom LightEach light is designed and tested to a defined rating system that uses a two digit code. This is called Ingress Protection (i.e. IP) rating. The IP rating consists of two digits (e.g. IP65). The first digit is relates to how smaller an object can penetrate the casing of the light, and is largely irrelevant for bathroom lighting (we will therefore ignore this and use an 'x' for the first digit e.g. IPx5). The second digit relates to water ingress and is critical to selecting safe bathroom lights that comply with the regulations. The IP ratings are classified as follows:

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 against powerful jets of water.
IPx7 - Protection against immersion.
IPx8 - Protection against continuous submersion.

What are the different Zones?

12v IP65 ShowerlightThe bathroom zones are calculated by measuring the distance the light fitting is from the various water sources. Your electrician will need to determine exactly what zone each fitting is in and ensure that it meets the specific requirement of that Zone. Below is a guide that will indicate approximately what zone is the fitting is in:

IEE Zones

What IP ratings can go in which IEE Zones?

IP54 Square LEDAll you need to do now is marry up the IP rating with the bathroom zone. This is done on a minimum requirement basis (i.e. an IPx5 low voltage light can be installed in Zones 1 but can also be installed in Zones 2, 3 as the requirement is less, but it can never be installed in Zone 0).

Zone 3 - IPx3 upwards
Zone 2 - IPx4 upwards
Zone 1 – IPx4 SELV 12v Class III (with transformer in Zone 3)

Most shower lights fall into the Zone 1 category, while often the rest of the downlights can be IPx0. It really depends on the design and size of your bathroom. The larger the bathroom or shower room, the more scope you have to install standard fittings. For shower cubicles and smaller wet rooms you will be restricted to Zone 1 compliant fittings.

Remember, to be sure you must consult a Part P qualified electrician.



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