Bathroom & Outdoor
Bathroom & outdoor lighting and IP rating
It's a common misconception that only ingress protected (IP) rated lighting can be used in domestic bathrooms. However, BS 7671 'Requirements for Electrical Installations' 17th edition divides bathrooms into zones and lighting without an IP rating can normally be used in unzoned areas when the wiring is compliant and no water jets are likely to be used. Electrical work in bathrooms must be carried out by a registered electrician.
ZONE 0
Inside bath or shower. Minimum degree of protection is IPX7
ZONE 1
Area directly above bath or shower up to height of 2,250 mm. Minimum degree of protection is IPX4 or IPX5 if water jets.
ZONE 2
Area immediately next to Zone 1. 600 mm wide - covers the areas directly next to Zone 1, all around Zone 1 and also the area above the 2,250 mm high directly above bath or shower cubicle. Includes the area around the wash basin. Minimum degree of protection is IPX4 or IPX5 if water jets.
UNZONED
Any area outside the zones listed. Any lighting products can normally be used in the unzoned area when the electrical wiring specification is compliant and no water jets are likely to be used. Consult a qualified electrical contractor to be certain.
Lighting for 'zoned' bathroom areas, outdoor, garden or exterior use
Protection against exposure to objects and water is given using the two digit ingress protection ingress protection or IP Code system. The first digit gives the protection against ingress of solid object and the second digit the protection against the ingress of liquids, principally water - see the tables below.
Urban Cottage Industries offers two ceramic IP rated lights (an angled wall light version and a straight wall or ceiling light version), an IP rated industrial lantern and an IP rated bulkhead light. For more information get in touch hello@urbancottageindustries.com.
|
IP Code | First Digit: Level of protection enclosure provides against ingress of solid objects |
IP Code | Second Digit: Level of protection enclosure provides against ingress of liquid |
||
|
Level |
Object size protected against |
Level |
Liquid protected against |
|
0 |
— |
0 |
Not protected |
|
1 |
>50 mm |
1 |
Dripping water |
|
2 |
>12.5 mm |
2 |
Dripping water when tilted up to 15° |
|
3 |
>2.5 mm |
3 |
Spraying water |
|
4 |
>1 mm |
4 |
Splashing water |
|
5 |
Dust protected |
5 |
Water jets |
|
6 |
Dust tight |
6 |
Powerful water jets |
|
7 |
Immersion up to 1 m | ||
|
8 |
Immersion beyond 1 m | ||