Bathroom Zones

Using electrical equipment in bathrooms or wet rooms requires attention to safety. The IEE Wiring Regulations (18th Edition) have identified particular zones within the bathroom to indicate what type of electrical equipment can be installed.

Zone 0

Inside the bath, shower or wet room zone.

This area requires a minimum rating of IP67 and must be low voltage (12V max).

Zone 1

Up to 2250mm above bath, shower or wet room basin. A minimum rating of IP44. For 240V fittings, a 30ma RCD must also be used to protect the circuit.

Zone 2

600mm outside a bath, shower, sink or water outlet.

A rating of at least IP44 is required.

Outside Zones

Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2, where water jets are not used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply.

IP Ratings

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is a two digit code given to a piece of electrical apparatus that indicates the degree of protection its enclosure provides from dust, water and impact.