UK Bathroom Lighting Zones & IP Ratings
Complete Compliance Guide
UK bathrooms are divided into 4 zones (0-3) based on water exposure. Zone 0 (inside bath/shower) requires IP67, Zone 1 (above bath/shower) requires IP65, Zone 2 (60cm around bath) requires IP44, and Zone 3 (rest of bathroom) recommends IP44 but permits IP20.
Understanding bathroom lighting zones is essential for safety and UK Building Regulations compliance. This guide explains exactly what IP rating you need for each zone, with a clear diagram and fixture recommendations.
Bathroom Zones: Quick Answer
UK bathrooms are divided into 4 zones based on water exposure risk:
- Zone 0 (inside bath/shower tray) → IP67 required (submersible, low voltage only)
- Zone 1 (directly above bath/shower to 2.25m) → IP65 required (jet-proof)
- Zone 2 (60cm around bath/shower, above basins) → IP44 required (splash-proof)
- Zone 3 (rest of bathroom) → IP20 permitted, IP44 recommended
Most common question: “Is IP20 OK for bathrooms?” Answer: Legally yes in Zone 3, but practically no—use IP44 for longevity. See detailed explanation below.
Bathroom Zones Diagram
Diagram shows:
- Zone 0 (Dark Blue) – Inside bath/shower enclosure
- Zone 1 (Inside shower / over bath) – Directly above bath/shower to 2.25m height
- Zone 2 (Pale blue) – 60cm around bath/shower, above basins within 60cm of taps
- Zone 3 – Remainder of bathroom
Quick Reference: IP Ratings by Zone
| Zone | Location | IP Rating Required | Typical Fixtures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Inside bath/shower | IP67 (submersible) | Low voltage only – specialist advice needed |
| Zone 1 | Above bath/shower to 2.25m | IP65 (jet-proof) | IP65 ceiling lights, IP65 pendants |
| Zone 2 | 60cm around bath/shower + above basins | IP44 (splash-proof) | IP44 wall lights, ceiling lights, most bathroom fixtures |
| Zone 3 | Remainder of bathroom | IP20 minimum, IP44 recommended | Any bathroom-rated fixture |
⚠️ Is IP20 OK for Bathrooms? The Short Answer
IP20 is legally permitted in Zone 3 only (areas 60cm+ away from water sources). However, we strongly recommend IP44 throughout your entire bathroom for three critical reasons:
- Humidity spreads everywhere – Steam from hot showers affects the entire bathroom, not just near the shower
- Longevity – IP44 fixtures last significantly longer in moisture-rich environments
- Minimal cost difference – IP44 costs barely more than IP20 but provides years of additional protection
Bottom line: Can you use IP20 in Zone 3? Yes, legally. Should you? No – choose IP44 instead. See Zone 3 details below for full explanation.
Current Regulations for Bathroom Lights | Edition 18
Zone 0: Inside Bath or Shower
Definition
Zone 0 is the interior of the bath or shower tray—anywhere that can be filled with or regularly exposed to water immersion.
IP Rating Required
IP67 minimum (fully waterproof, protected against temporary immersion)
What You Can Use
Only low-voltage lighting (12V maximum) is permitted in Zone 0. This is specialist territory—most homeowners don’t install fixtures in Zone 0.
Important: Always consult a qualified electrician for Zone 0 installations. DIY is not recommended.
Zone 1: Directly Above Bath or Shower
Definition
Zone 1 extends from the floor to 2.25 meters high, directly above the bath or within the shower enclosure (but not inside the tray itself).
IP Rating Required
IP65 minimum (protected against water jets from any direction)
What You Can Use
- IP65-rated ceiling lights – Flush and semi-flush designs
- IP65 brass pendants – For feature lighting above freestanding baths
- IP65 ceramic pendants – Artisan shower lighting
- IP65 recessed downlights – Popular for shower ceiling lighting
- IP65 glass pendants – Elegant over-bath lighting
Why IP65? Zone 1 fixtures face direct water spray from showers and splashing from baths. IP65 provides complete protection against water jets, ensuring safe operation even when directly sprayed.
Height matters: If your ceiling is higher than 2.25m, the area above 2.25m is considered Zone 3 (outside zones) rather than Zone 1.
Zone 2: Around Bath, Shower & Above Basins
Definition
Zone 2 extends 60cm horizontally from Zone 1 in all directions, up to 2.25m height. It also includes the area above washbasins and sinks within 60cm of any tap or water outlet.
IP Rating Required
IP44 minimum (protected against water splashes from any direction)
What You Can Use
- IP44 ceiling lights – Most bathroom ceiling fixtures
- IP44 wall sconces – Perfect for mirror lighting
- Brass bathroom wall lights – Traditional or contemporary styles
- Gooseneck wall lights – Adjustable task lighting
- Glass wall sconces – Elegant ambient lighting
- Any fixture rated IP44 or higher (IP65, IP67 also work)
Why IP44? Zone 2 experiences water splashes but not direct jets. IP44 protects against splashing water from any angle—perfect for areas around showers, baths, and sinks.
Common Zone 2 locations:
- Walls beside bath or shower (within 60cm)
- Above bathroom vanity and basin
- Ceiling directly over sink area
- Areas within splash distance of shower door
Zone 3: Remainder of Bathroom
Definition
Zone 3 (sometimes called “outside zones”) is any area in the bathroom more than 60cm from a bath, shower, or basin.
IP Rating Required
IP20 minimum (basic dust protection, no water protection)
IP44 recommended for longevity and peace of mind
What You Can Use
Technically, standard indoor lighting (IP20) is permitted in Zone 3. However, we strongly recommend IP44-rated fixtures throughout bathrooms because:
- Bathroom humidity affects all areas, not just near water sources
- Steam from hot showers spreads throughout the room
- IP44 fixtures last longer in moisture-rich environments
- Better safe than sorry—IP44 costs barely more than IP20
Our recommendation: Use IP44-rated bathroom lighting throughout your bathroom for consistent protection and longevity.
Beyond general bathroom lighting, consider picture lights for illuminating bathroom artwork with appropriate IP ratings
Understanding IP Ratings
| Feature | IP20 | IP44 | IP65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Protection | ❌ None | ✓ Splash-proof | ✓✓ Jet-proof |
| Dust Protection | Basic (>12.5mm) | Good (>1mm) | Complete (dust-tight) |
| Zone 0 | ❌ Not permitted | ❌ Not permitted | ❌ Not permitted (needs IP67) |
| Zone 1 | ❌ Not permitted | ❌ Not permitted | ✓ Required minimum |
| Zone 2 | ❌ Not permitted | ✓ Required minimum | ✓ Exceeds requirements |
| Zone 3 | ✓ Legally permitted | ✓✓ Recommended | ✓✓ Exceeds requirements |
| Best For | Dry rooms only (NOT bathrooms) | All bathroom zones | Wet zones (showers, baths) |
| Cost | £ | £ (+£5-15) | ££ (+£15-30) |
| Longevity in Bathrooms | 3-5 years | 10-15 years | 15-20 years |
| Our Recommendation | ❌ Avoid in bathrooms | ✓✓ Minimum standard | ✓✓ Best for wet areas |
Key takeaway: While IP20 is technically permitted in Zone 3, the minimal cost difference (£5-15) makes IP44 the smarter choice for any bathroom fixture. Browse our IP44 bathroom collection.
What Does “IP” Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The IP rating system uses two numbers:
First digit = Protection against solids (dust, debris)
- 4 = Protected against objects larger than 1mm
- 6 = Completely dust-tight
Second digit = Protection against liquids (water)
- 0 = No protection
- 4 = Protected against water splashes from any direction
- 5 = Protected against water jets
- 6 = Protected against powerful water jets
- 7 = Protected against temporary immersion
Common Bathroom IP Ratings
IP20 = Basic dust protection, no water protection
Use: Zone 3 only (but IP44 recommended instead)
IP44 = Dust protection + splash-proof
Use: Zone 2, Zone 3, recommended throughout bathroom
IP65 = Dust-tight + jet-proof
Use: Zone 1, Zone 2, any wet area
IP67 = Dust-tight + submersible
Use: Zone 0 only
Key takeaway: While IP20 is technically permitted in Zone 3, the minimal cost difference (£5-15) makes IP44 the smarter choice for any bathroom fixture. Browse our IP44 bathroom collection.
How to Measure Bathroom Zones
Tools You Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil/pen
- Paper (to sketch your bathroom)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mark Zone 0
Identify the interior of your bath or shower tray. This is Zone 0.
Step 2: Mark Zone 1
From the edge of the bath/shower, draw a line straight up to 2.25m (225cm) from the floor. The area directly above the bath/shower, up to this height, is Zone 1.
Step 3: Mark Zone 2
From the edge of Zone 1, measure 60cm (0.6m) outward in all directions, up to 2.25m height. This is Zone 2.
Don’t forget: Zone 2 also includes the area above any basin or sink, within 60cm of the tap.
Step 4: Everything else is Zone 3
Any area beyond 60cm from water sources, or above 2.25m height, is Zone 3.
Pro tip: Take photos of your bathroom and mark zones on the photos using editing software—easier than trying to remember measurements.
Common Bathroom Lighting Questions
Do all bathroom lights need to be IP rated?
Yes. UK Building Regulations require appropriate IP ratings for each bathroom zone: Zone 0 needs IP67, Zone 1 needs IP65, Zone 2 needs IP44, and Zone 3 legally permits IP20 but IP44 is recommended. Using incorrect IP ratings compromises safety and violates building regulations.
Can IP20 be used in a bathroom?
Yes, IP20 can be used in Zone 3 (60cm+ from water). However, IP44 is recommended instead as bathroom humidity spreads throughout the room. Most electricians and designers recommend IP44 minimum for all bathroom fixtures to ensure longevity. Browse IP44-rated bathroom lighting.
Do I really need IP44 in Zone 3?
Legally, no—IP20 is permitted. Practically, yes—bathroom moisture affects the entire room. IP44 fixtures last significantly longer and cost barely more than IP20. We recommend IP44 throughout – unless you have a well ventilated large bathroom.
What does Zone 2 mean in bathrooms?
Zone 2 extends 60cm horizontally around baths, showers, and above basins. This area requires IP44 minimum protection (splash-proof). Common Zone 2 locations include walls beside baths, above bathroom vanities, and within splash distance of shower doors. All lights in Zone 2 need IP44 or higher rating.
Is IP44 better than IP20 for bathrooms?
Yes. IP44 provides splash protection that IP20 lacks. While IP20 is legally permitted in Zone 3, IP44 performs significantly better in bathroom humidity. The cost difference is minimal (usually £5-15 per fixture) but IP44 lasts years longer. We recommend IP44 minimum throughout all bathrooms.
What about wall lights beside my bathroom mirror?
If your mirror is above a basin with taps, the wall lights need to be IP44 rated minimum (you’re in Zone 2). See our IP44 bathroom wall lights collection. or our bathroom Mirrors with LED’s installed
What IP rating do I need above my bathroom sink?
Above bathroom sinks and basins within 60cm of taps is Zone 2, requiring IP44 minimum. This protects against water splashes from handwashing and toothbrushing. IP44 bathroom wall lights and ceiling lights are perfect for this location.
Can I use a chandelier in my bathroom?
Yes, but only if it’s positioned in Zone 3 (60cm+ from bath/shower) and has appropriate IP rating. We recommend IP44 minimum for bathroom chandeliers. Browse IP44-rated bathroom ceiling lights.
What if my bathroom has a separate shower cubicle?
Treat it exactly like a bath—measure 60cm from the shower door/enclosure to define Zone 2. Inside the cubicle is Zone 0, directly above (to 2.25m) is Zone 1.
Can I install bathroom lighting myself?
In the UK, bathroom electrical work is regulated under Part P Building Regulations. You must either:
Use a registered competent person (qualified electrician), OR
Notify your local Building Control before starting work
We strongly recommend using a qualified electrician for all bathroom lighting installations.
Can I use LED downlights in my shower ceiling?
Yes, but they must be IP65 rated minimum. Standard indoor downlights (IP20) are not safe for shower ceilings. Always use IP65-rated ceiling lights in Zone 1.
Shop Bathroom Lighting by Zone
Zone 1 Lighting (IP65 Required)
- IP65 Bathroom Ceiling Lights – Flush and semi-flush designs
- IP65 Brass Pendants – Statement over-bath lighting
- IP65 Ceramic Pendants – Handcrafted shower lighting
- IP65 Glass Pendants – Elegant bathroom focal points
Zone 2 Lighting (IP44 Required)
- IP44 Bathroom Ceiling Lights – Complete collection
- IP44 Bathroom Wall Lights – Sconces and vanity lights
- Brass Bathroom Wall Sconces – Traditional elegance
- Gooseneck Wall Lights – Adjustable task lighting
- Glass Wall Sconces – Contemporary style
Zone 3 Lighting (IP44 Recommended)
- Complete IP44 Bathroom Collection – All styles
- Browse All Bathroom Lighting – Full range
Still Have Questions About Bathroom Zones?
Our lighting experts can help you determine the correct IP ratings for your specific bathroom layout. We offer:
- Free zone identification advice
- Fixture recommendations for your layout
- Compliance guidance
- Installation best practices
Contact us for personalized bathroom lighting advice, or explore our complete bathroom lighting collection.