Understanding bathroom zones is essential for safe and compliant lighting installations. Our interactive guide explains zones 0, 1 and 2, decodes IP ratings, and helps you choose the right fittings for every part of your bathroom.
Click a zone on the diagram or use the buttons below to see IP requirements, voltage specifications and example fittings
The international classification for sealing effectiveness against foreign bodies and moisture
EN 60529 outlines an international classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion of foreign bodies (tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. The classification uses the letters "IP" followed by two digits — and sometimes a third for impact protection.
Protection against foreign solid bodies — fingers, tools, dust and other particles.
Protection against water ingress — from drips and splashes through to full submersion.
Impact resistance, written as IPxx(i) where i is the impact level. Used less commonly.
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Protection from large body parts (hand) and solid objects greater than 50mm diameter |
| 2 | Protection from fingers or objects up to 80mm long and 12mm diameter |
| 3 | Protection from tools and wires greater than 2.5mm diameter |
| 4 | Protection from solid objects greater than 1.0mm in diameter |
| 5 | Limited dust protection — sufficient to prevent harmful operation |
| 6 | Dust tight — complete protection against dust ingress |
| 0 | No special protection |
| 1 | Protection from dripping water |
| 2 | Protection from vertically dripping water (up to 15° tilt) |
| 3 | Protection from sprayed water (up to 60° from vertical) |
| 4 | Protection from splashed water from any direction |
| 5 | Protection from water projected from a nozzle |
| 6 | Protection against heavy seas or powerful water jets |
| 7 | Protection against immersion (up to 1m for 30 minutes) |
| 8 | Protection against complete, continuous submersion |
Essential bathroom lighting requirements at a glance
Only 12V SELV fittings permitted inside the bath or shower. Power source must be located outside zones 0, 1 and 2.
Splash-proof rating required above the bath or shower up to 2.25m. Look for fittings rated IP44 or higher.
While not specified in IEE regulations, the Lighting Association recommends treating wash basin areas as Zone 2 with IPx4 minimum.
Standard fittings permitted beyond 0.6m from the bath or shower. No specific IP rating required, but IP20 minimum advised.
Expert guides to help you plan and specify the perfect bathroom lighting
Browse our complete range of zone-rated bathroom lights including downlights, wall lights, mirror lights and ceiling fittings — all clearly labelled with IP ratings.
View collectionDiscover downlights suitable for zones 1 and 2. Available in fixed, adjustable and tilt versions with warm white and colour-changing options.
Browse downlightsWall lights and illuminated mirrors designed for bathroom use. Find IPx4 and IPx5 options for above-basin and beside-mirror installation in zones 1 and 2.
See mirror lightsWaterproof IP65 and IP67 LED tape ideal for vanity lighting, recessed shelves and shower niche illumination. Available in single colour and tunable white.
Explore LED tapeFlush and semi-flush ceiling lights with IPx4 and higher ratings, suitable for general bathroom illumination in zones 1 and 2.
View ceiling lightsDiscover Wise Controls and Lutron systems that work with bathroom lighting. Set scenes for relaxing baths, energising mornings, or subtle nightlights.
See controlsVisit our Wandsworth or Fulham showrooms to see bathroom-rated fittings working in realistic settings. Compare beam angles and finishes in person.
Find showroomsBook a free consultation with our lighting design team. Bring your bathroom plans and we'll specify zone-compliant fittings tailored to your project.
Book consultationElectricians, designers and contractors — open a trade account for project pricing on bathroom-rated lighting and bulk order discounts.
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