Your Complete Guide
When it comes to designing and installing bathroom pendant lighting, you have to consider safety and functionality. There are strict regulations regarding the type of lights you can use in a bathroom, and all of the information out there can be a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in!
Let’s look at all of the bathroom lighting zones and help you to choose the right lights for your space.
Bathroom Lighting Zones
Bathroom light zones divide the bathroom into different areas, taking into account their proximity to water sources and any potential exposure to moisture. These zones help you select the right lighting fixtures for each area of your bathroom, ensuring safety and compliance with electrical regulations along with functionality.
The zones are defined as follows:
- Zone 0: Inside the bathtub or shower itself. In this zone, only low-voltage lighting with a maximum of 12V is allowed, and the lighting fixtures must be rated at least IP67 for immersion in water.
- Zone 1: The area directly above the bathtub or shower, up to a height of 2.25 metres. In this zone, you must use luminaires that are at least IPX4 rated, although it’s accepted that IP65 is to be used. Bear in mind that most shower lights are rated at IP65 as standard.
- Zone 2: An area stretching 0.6 metres beyond the perimeter of Zone 1 and extending up to a height of 2.25 metres. In this zone, lighting fixtures should have an IPX4 rating as well. We recommend considering the area around a sink– within a 60cm radius of any tap – as within Zone 2.
- Zone 3: This is outside the perimeter of Zones 1 and 2. While there are no specific IP ratings required for this zone, it's essential to consider the potential for moisture in the air. We recommend that you consider a light with an IP rating of at least IP20+.
Understanding the specific zones in your bathroom will help you make informed decisions about the types of fixtures to install.
What IP Rating for Bathroom Lighting?
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are used to measure the level of protection that an electrical appliance provides against the intrusion of solids and liquids. For bathroom lighting, it's essential to choose fixtures with appropriate IP ratings to ensure they can withstand the moist environment. Here's what the bathroom lighting IP rating system consists of:
- The first digit represents protection against solids, like dust and particles. It ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (completely dust-tight).
- The second digit signifies protection against liquids, especially water. It ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets).
Keep in mind that IP ratings are not just about protection but also about durability. Fixtures with higher IP ratings are likely to have a longer lifespan in a bathroom setting due to their ability to resist moisture and potential damage from water exposure.
If you’re not sure which bathroom lighting IP rating is right for your space, we are here to help. Our experienced team can point you in the direction of the right pendant light for your bathroom, giving you total peace of mind.