Bathroom Lighting Guide: IP Ratings and Zones Explained

Water and electricity do not mix, so bathroom lights have to meet stricter rules than lights elsewhere in the home. This guide explains IP ratings and bathroom zones so you can choose a light that is safe where you want to put it.

What does an IP rating mean?

IP stands for ingress protection. The rating has two digits. The first shows protection against solid objects and dust, on a scale of 0 to 6. The second shows protection against water, on a scale of 0 to 8. The higher the number, the better the protection.

• IP20: no protection against water. For dry rooms only.
• IP44: protected against splashes of water from any direction. The most common rating for bathroom lights.
• IP65: dust tight and protected against jets of water. Often chosen for inside or directly above a shower.
• IP67: protected against temporary immersion in water.

What are bathroom zones?

UK wiring regulations (BS 7671) divide a bathroom into zones based on how close you are to water.

• Zone 0: inside the bath or shower tray itself. Lights here must be low voltage and rated at least IP67.
• Zone 1: the area directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m from the floor. Lights need at least IPX4, which in practice means IP44 or higher. IP65 is a sensible choice where a shower spray can reach the light.
• Zone 2: the area stretching 0.6m beyond the edge of the bath or shower, up to 2.25m from the floor. Lights need at least IPX4, so IP44 or higher. It is good practice to treat the area around the basin the same way.
• Outside the zones: anywhere else in the bathroom. There is no specific IP requirement, but an IP44 light is still a wise choice because of steam and condensation.

You may see older guides mention a zone 3. Current regulations no longer use it; that area is now simply called outside the zones.

Which IP rating do I need?

For most bathroom ceiling and wall lights, IP44 is the rating to look for. Choose IP65 for a light inside a shower enclosure or anywhere it could be hit by a jet of water. Always check the rating in the product description before you buy.

Who should fit a bathroom light?

Bathroom lights should be installed by a qualified electrician. In England and Wales, new electrical work in a bathroom is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations.

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