Zone 1 Bathroom Lighting

Zone 1 is the area above the bath to a height of 2.25m from the floor. For full details see the foot of this page.

Zone 1 is the area above the bath to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP44 is required. If the fitting is fed by 240v supply a 30ma residual current device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit in this zone. SELV - safety extra low voltage lighting can be used such as 12v fittings with 12v lamps but the transformer must be located in zone 3 i.e. in furniture, under the bath or in the ceiling void. That said fittings in zone 1 can still be damaged by water and by the damp environment and while you will be safe you from electrocution you may not want your fittings to rust and corrode.

General Guide to Bathroom Zones

Zone O
This is inside the bath or shower itself. Any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage, (max 12v) and be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof.

Zone 1
This area above the bath to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP44 is required. If the fitting is 240v a 30ma residual current device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit in this zone.

Zone 2
Is an 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. In addition it is good practice to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.

Zone 3
This area is anywhere outside zones 0,1 and 2 (subject to specific limits) and where no water jet is likely to be used. No IP rating is required. In addition to the above, if there is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purpose in zones 1,2 and 3 a fitting rated a minimum IP65 must be used. Full details can be found in the latest copy of the IEE wiring regulations.