JCC Lighting Catalogue Issue 35

Bathroom Lighting Zones Bathroom zone locations

The correct lighting for bathroom application must not only be illuminating and aesthetically pleasing, but also adhere to IEE Wiring Regulations, BS 7671 18th Edition, section 701. The regulations identify ‘zones’ within a bathroom that are deemed to be at risk from water ingress and indicate what type of electrical appliance can be installed in each zone.

Areas of the bathroom are split into zones 0, 1 and 2 and the below illustration gives an example of these zone areas. However, it is important to read the description for specific area measurements and particular care should also be taken with wash basins. Guidance for these are also contained within BS 7671.

2

2

2

2

2

1

2

2

1

0

0

2

0

Zone 0 MIN. IPX7

Zone 1 MIN. IPX5 The area above the bath or

Zone 2 MIN. IPX4 Covers an area 0.6 meters wide immediately next to, and all around Zone 1, and to a height of 2.25m. Wash basins should also be treated as Zone 2. The minimum rating here IPX4.

This refers to the interior of the bath or shower that can hold water. Requires electrical products to be low voltage (max. 12V) and rated IPX7, which is immersible up to 1m.

shower up to a height of 2.25m. Requires a minimum of IPX4, plus RCD protection. IPX5 should be considered if water jets may be present (for cleaning purposes).

Technical 570