When it comes to choosing lights for your bathroom, there are strict regulations in place regarding the type of lights you can use. Do not worry, as this guide will help you select the correct fittings for your bathroom.
A bathroom is split into three zones: 0, 1 and 2. This can be seen in the diagram below
Zone 0
This zone covers inside the bath or the shower. Light fittings used in this zone must be low voltage and be rated at least IP67 which is immersion proof. Here are a few examples of the IP67 fittings we sell.
Astro 1378003 Cromarty 120 Stainless Steel
Astro 1378003 Cromarty 120 Stainless Steel
£127.75
The Astro Lighting 1378003 Cromarty 120 Brushed Stainless Steel is a great little ground light. It looks amazing running down the sides of paths and driveways to illuminate your way. Max. drive overweight load: 800kg | Static load: 500kg A ten-year warranty is offered on all products within the Coastal collection, except those that have integral LEDs or drivers, which are subject to our standard three-year warranty. Browse the rest of our Coastal Collection here.
Astro 1201002 Terra 42 LED Anodised Aluminium
Astro 1201002 Terra 42 LED Anodised Aluminium
£42.81
1201002 – Terra exterior ground-light. Anodised Aluminium finish, toughened glass. Uses a 3w LED. IP67 rated. Class III. Requires a 700mA constant current driver, not included. This product can be dimmed if a dimmable driver is used. 102 lumens. All of our exterior products are covered by a 3 year guarantee; however this does not apply to any that are installed within 5 miles of the coast or in a high salt environment. For these environments, browse our Coastal Collection here. Guide to LED Wiring > View Terra Range
For more IP67 lights click here.
Zone 1
The area above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25 from the floor. Light fittings in this zone must have a minimum rating of IP45 but it is generally accepted that IP65 is to be used. See recommended lights below.
Industville BR-IP65-WL-BH-BR Brooklyn Bathroom Wall Light – Brass Holder – Brass Ring
Industville BR-IP65-WL-BH-BR Brooklyn Bathroom Wall Light – Brass Holder – Brass Ring
£85.00
Industville BR-IP65-WL-BH-BR – The Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Wall Light provides an elegant yet efficient lighting solution for your exterior and interior in your home or business. These lights are the perfect addition for above an outside table or seating area, allowing you to continue to enjoy your outside space well into the night. This versatile light is the perfect solution to light up more difficult areas. The Brooklyn Outdoor & Bathroom Range are all IP20, IP44 and IP65 rated – waterproof and weatherproof! FINISH: Brass HEIGHT X WIDTH X DEPTH: 32.5 cm x 13.5 cm x 25 cm GLASS: Diameter: 8 cm / 3.1″, Height: 15 cm / 5.9″ HOLDER: Diameter: 6 cm / 2.3″, Height: 16 cm / 6.2″ WALL ROSE: Diameter: 13.5 cm / 5.3″ Height: 3 cm / 1.2″ HOLDER MATERIAL: Brass finish – Brass material
Dar Lighting AKO2168 Akos Wall Light Aluminium IP65 LED
Dar Lighting AKO2168 Akos Wall Light Aluminium IP65 LED
£41.40
Dar Lighting the Akos Wall Light AKO2168 is a machine polished aluminium LED path light. It is a simple fitting that would illuminate an outdoor space perfectly. This product has an IP65 rating so is resistant to moisture and dust – from Dar Lighting
Astro 1039002 Toronto Oval Polished Aluminium Outdoor Wall Light
Astro 1039002 Toronto Oval Polished Aluminium Outdoor Wall Light
£83.19
Toronto Oval exterior wall light. Can also be mounted on a ceiling. Polished aluminium finish, etched glass diffuser. Uses a 60w (max) E27 lamp (excl). IP65 rated. Class I. Sheltered application only. All of our exterior products are covered by a 3 year guarantee; however, this does not apply to any that are installed within 5 miles of the coast or in a high salt environment. For these environments, browse our Coastal Collection here.
For more IP65 lights click here.
Zone 2
The area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone, an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. See recommended lights below
Searchlight 7039-28CC IP44 2 Light Flush Ceiling Light with Opal Glass Shade & Chrome Trim
Searchlight 7039-28CC IP44 2 Light Flush Ceiling Light with Opal Glass Shade & Chrome Trim
£43.68
Searchlight 7039-28CC – This 2 light flush fitting with opal glass shade and chrome trim looks elegant on any bathroom or kitchen ceiling. The two lights are set behind a large 28cm diameter opal glass shade, which creates a beautiful lighting effect and brightens up the entire room. This simple white fitting has a stylish polished chrome finish trim to complete the look. This flush light is also IP44 rated and fully splashproof.
Dar Lighting ARB5250 Arbor IP44 3 Light Flush Ceiling Light Polished Chrome
Dar Lighting ARB5250 Arbor IP44 3 Light Flush Ceiling Light Polished Chrome
£85.80
Dar Lighting ARBOR ARB5250 – A flush-fitting with prismatic glass and chrome trim, reminiscent of early twentieth-century interior design. An IP44 water-resistance rating makes this ceiling flush perfect for bathrooms – From Dar Lighting
Astro 1411001 Ottavino Bathroom Wall Light
Astro 1411001 Ottavino Bathroom Wall Light
£98.00
1411001 – Ottavino Wall – From Astro Lighting Lighting
For more IP44 lights click here.
Outside of Zones
There are no special IP requirements in this zone. Except that all mains voltage fittings used in a bathroom must be connected to a circuit protected by 30m A Residual current device (RCD).
IP Ratings
IP ratings stand for “Ingress Protection” and followed by two characters. The numbers refer to the level of protection, and it is very important that you choose fittings with the correct rating according to the zone that the fittings will be installed within the bathroom.
The first digit tells you the level of protection against access to hazardous parts and the ingress of foreign objects, such as dust. The second digit tells you the protection against moisture i.e. water.
First Digit (Ingress of Solid Objects)
- 0 – No Protection
- 1 – Protected against penetration by solid objects 50mm+
- 2 – Protected against penetration by solid objects 12mm+
- 3 – Protected against penetration by solid objects 2.5mm+
- 4 – Protected against penetration by solid objects 1mm+
- 5 – Dust Protected
- 6 – Dust Tight
Second Digit (Ingress of Water)
- 0 – No Protection
- 1 – Protected from vertically falling drops
- 2 – Protected from water drops falling at a max angle of 15°
- 3 – Protected from water as in the rain at a max angle of 60°
- 4 – Protected from splashing or projection
- 5 – Protected from low pressure jets
- 6 – Protected from high pressure jets
- 7 – Protected from temporary immersion
- 8 – Protected against long periods of immersion
Please note this information is not an installation guide. Reference should be made to the IEE Wiring Regulations – 17th Edition and you should always seek advice from a qualified electrician before you install lighting within your bathroom. If you require an electrician why not use our Electrical company Central Electrical Contracts Ltd by calling them on 01902 74410
In Summary
We hope this guide has helped you understand what light fittings are suitable for your bathroom. Why not leave a comment telling us which light fitting you have chosen?