BATHROOM LIGHTING SAFETY: ZONES AND IP RATINGS

When planning your bathroom lighting, you may choose fixtures that are functional and stylish. But have you factored in safety? The bathroom is a wet zone in the home, so it’s important that the lighting meets certain rules and regulations to keep you safe when using this space.

The following explanation of bathroom zones and fixture IP ratings should help you make an informed choice. These zones and IP ratings dictate what type of lighting should be installed to ensure your safety and the longevity and functionality of the fixture.

Zone 0:

This area is inside the bath or shower itself. Fixtures used in this zone must be low voltage and rated at least IP67, meaning they are totally immersion-proof.

Zone 1:

This area is above the shower or bath and measures approximately 2.25m from the floor. A minimum rating of IP45 is required, but it is advised that a rating of IP65 should be used.

Zone 2:

This area stretches 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and reaches a height from 2.25m from the floor, requiring a rating of at least IP44. Remember to also consider the area around the basin. A 60cm radius around the tap is considered part of zone 2.

Outside zone:

This area is any area of the bathroom not included in zones 0, 1 and 2. It’s a zone where no water is likely to be used. While there are no specific IP requirements for this zone, a rating of at least IP20 is recommended.

You now know that certain IP ratings are required for the different zones, but what exactly does IP mean and why is it important?

IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a rating system used to define how protected the fixture is against particles and water.

The first digit represents the level of protection against particles and the second digit represents the protection against water. 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

FIRST DIGIT (INGRESS OF PARTICLES)

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

Eurolux Lighting stocks a comprehensive range of lighting suitable for bathroom applications.

www.eurolux.co.za