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 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 |
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.
Understanding IP Ratings
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
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
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 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
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.
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 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.
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.
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– Complete Bathroom Lighting Guide
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