UK Bathroom Lighting Zones & IP Ratings
Complete Compliance Guide
UK bathrooms are divided into zones around the bath or shower, plus the area outside the zones (often called Zone 3). Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower) needs IPX7, Zones 1 and 2 need at least IPX4 (IP44), and outside the zones the wiring regulations set no minimum IP rating, so IP20 is permitted.
This guide explains what IP rating you need in each zone, with a diagram, when IP20 is fine, and where IP44 or IP65 is the better choice. It follows BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition), Section 701.
Is IP20 OK for Bathrooms? The Short Answer
Yes, IP20 is permitted outside the zones. BS 7671 sets no minimum IP rating for lights outside Zones 0, 1 and 2, so an IP20 light is allowed there. It is not permitted in Zones 1 or 2, which need at least IP44.
IP20 works well when:
- the bathroom is large, and the bath and shower zones cover only a small part of it
- the light is well away from the shower, such as a ceiling light above 2.25m or a wall light more than 0.6m from the zones
- the bathroom has a working extractor fan or good ventilation
Choose IP44 instead when:
- the bathroom is small, and the zones cover most of the room
- steam is heavy, ventilation is poor, or condensation forms on the ceiling and walls
- the light is close to a zone boundary, or you are not sure where the zones fall
- the light will be wiped or cleaned with water
IP20 has no protection against water, so steam and condensation can still reach a light outside the zones. That is why IP44 is a sensible choice in smaller or steamier rooms, even though it is not required.
Bottom line: IP20 is a legitimate choice in the right position, such as a large, well-ventilated bathroom with the light well away from the water. IP44 is the safer all-round choice if the room is small or steamy. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and have the lights fitted by a qualified electrician.
Your Quick Guide:
Bathroom Zones: Quick Answer
UK bathrooms are divided into zones based on water exposure risk:
- Zone 0 (inside the bath or shower tray) ā IPX7 required (temporary immersion), low voltage (12V) only
- Zone 1 (directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m) ā at least IPX4 (IP44). IP65 is a common choice for extra margin, and IPX5 is needed where water jets may be used
- Zone 2 (0.6m beyond Zone 1, up to 2.25m) ā at least IPX4 (IP44)
- Outside the zones (the rest of the bathroom, often called Zone 3) ā no minimum IP rating, so IP20 is permitted. IP44 gives extra margin where steam is heavy
Most common question: “Is IP20 OK for bathrooms?” Answer: yes, outside the zones. IP20 lights are permitted anywhere beyond Zone 2, which in a large or high-ceilinged bathroom can include the ceiling and the walls well away from the bath and shower. They are not permitted in Zones 1 or 2. See the full answer below.
Bathroom Zones Diagram
The zones are:
- Zone 0: inside the bath or shower enclosure (the tray or basin itself)
- Zone 1: directly above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m above the floor (or the height of the highest fixed shower head, if that is higher)
- Zone 2: 0.6m beyond Zone 1 in every direction, up to 2.25m
- Outside the zones: the remainder of the bathroom, including anything above 2.25m
A shower with no tray or basin (a walk-in or wet-room shower) is different: Zone 1 extends 1.2m horizontally from the fixed water outlet, and there is no Zone 2.
Quick Reference: IP Ratings by Zone
| Zone | Location | Minimum IP rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | Inside the bath or shower | IPX7 (immersion) | Low voltage (12V) only. Specialist advice needed |
| Zone 1 | Above the bath or shower, to 2.25m | IPX4 (IP44) | IP65 is a common choice in the shower enclosure. IPX5 where jets may be used. Pendant & ceiling lights or wall lights |
| Zone 2 | 0.6m beyond Zone 1, to 2.25m | IPX4 (IP44) | Pendant & ceiling lights or wall lights |
| Outside the zones | Remainder of the bathroom | No minimum (IP20 permitted) | IP44 gives extra margin in small or steamy bathrooms. Bathroom lighting |
Current Regulations for Bathroom Lights | Edition 18
The zone rules come from BS 7671, Section 701 (locations containing a bath or shower). All low-voltage circuits serving a bathroom also need 30mA RCD protection.
Zone 0: Inside Bath or Shower
Definition
Zone 0 is the interior of the bath or shower tray: anywhere that can be filled with water or regularly sits in it.
IP Rating Required
IPX7 minimum (protected against temporary immersion).
What You Can Use
Only low-voltage lighting (12V maximum) is permitted in Zone 0. This is specialist territory, and most homeowners do not install lights here.
Important: always consult a qualified electrician for Zone 0 installations.
Zone 1: Directly Above Bath or Shower
Definition
Zone 1 extends from the bath or shower up to 2.25m above the floor (or the highest fixed shower head, if higher). It includes the shower enclosure, but not the tray or bath itself, which is Zone 0.
IP Rating Required
IPX4 (IP44) minimum (protected against splashing water from any direction). IPX5 is required where water jets may be used. Many people choose IP65 inside a shower enclosure for extra margin.
What You Can Use
- IP44 or IP65 ceiling lights: flush and semi-flush designs
- IP65 brass or glass pendants: feature lighting above freestanding baths
- IP65 recessed downlights: popular for shower ceilings
- IP44 pendants: elegant central bathroom lighting
- IP54 or IP65 bulkheads: for an industrial or nautical look
Why IP44 or higher? Zone 1 lights face spray from the shower and splashing from the bath. IP44 meets the minimum, and IP65 adds protection from jets.
Height matters: if your ceiling is higher than 2.25m, the space above 2.25m is outside the zones (unless the highest fixed shower head is higher). If your ceiling is 2.25m or lower, a ceiling light above the bath or shower is in Zone 1.
Zone 2: Around the Bath or Shower
Definition
Zone 2 extends 0.6m horizontally beyond Zone 1 in every direction, up to 2.25m high.
IP Rating Required
IPX4 (IP44) minimum (protected against splashing water from any direction).
What You Can Use
- IP44 bathroom ceiling lights: the complete collection
- IP44 bathroom wall lights: sconces and vanity lights
- Any light rated IP44 or higher
Why IP44? Zone 2 gets splashes but not direct jets. IP44 protects against splashing water from any angle, which suits the area around the bath and shower.
Common Zone 2 locations:
- Walls beside the bath or shower (within 0.6m of Zone 1)
- Ceilings next to the bath or shower, if the ceiling is 2.25m or lower
- Areas within splash distance of a shower door or screen
Basins: zones are measured from the bath or shower, not from a basin. A light beside a basin that is outside those zones has no minimum IP rating, but IP44 is a sensible choice where it can be splashed.
Outside the Zones (Zone 3): Remainder of Bathroom
Definition
The area outside the zones is anywhere beyond Zone 2: more than 0.6m from Zone 1, or above 2.25m (unless the highest fixed shower head is higher). Older guides call this Zone 3, and the term is still widely used.
IP Rating Required
No minimum IP rating. IP20 is permitted. IP44 gives extra margin in small, steamy or poorly ventilated bathrooms.
What You Can Use
Standard IP20 lights are permitted outside the zones, so a large bathroom can use a wider choice of fittings, such as pendants. IP44 lights are equally suitable, and a better choice if the room is small or steamy. See the full IP20 answer above.
Beyond general bathroom lighting, consider picture lights for bathroom artwork with an appropriate IP rating.
Understanding IP Ratings
| Feature | IP20 | IP44 | IP65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water protection | None | Splashing water | Water jets |
| Dust protection | Objects over 12.5mm | Objects over 1mm | Dust-tight |
| Zone 0 | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted (needs IPX7) |
| Zone 1 | Not permitted | Permitted (IPX4 minimum) | Permitted. Suits shower enclosures and jets |
| Zone 2 | Not permitted | Permitted (IPX4 minimum) | Permitted |
| Outside the zones | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted |
| Best for | Outside the zones in larger, well-ventilated bathrooms | Any bathroom position outside Zone 0 | Shower enclosures and places water jets can reach |
Key takeaway: IP44 meets the minimum for every zone except Zone 0, so it works anywhere in the bathroom. IP20 is permitted outside the zones and suits larger, well-ventilated rooms. IP65 is worth having where water jets could reach the light. Browse our bathroom collection.
What Does “IP” Mean?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The rating uses two numbers:
First digit = protection against solids (dust, debris)
- 2 = protected against objects larger than 12.5mm
- 4 = protected against objects larger than 1mm
- 6 = completely dust-tight
Second digit = protection against water
- 0 = no protection
- 4 = protected against splashing water from any direction
- 5 = protected against water jets
- 6 = protected against powerful water jets
- 7 = protected against temporary immersion
Common Bathroom IP Ratings
IP20 = no water protection
Use: outside the zones only
IP44 = splash-proof
Use: Zones 1 and 2, and anywhere outside the zones
IP65 = dust-tight and jet-proof
Use: Zone 1 where jets may reach, or anywhere you want extra margin
IP67 = dust-tight and immersion-proof
Use: Zone 0 only
How to Measure Bathroom Zones
Tools You Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil or pen
- Paper to sketch your bathroom
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Mark Zone 0
Identify the inside of your bath or shower tray. This is Zone 0.
Step 2: Mark Zone 1
Draw a line straight up from the edge of the bath or shower to 2.25m above the floor (or the highest fixed shower head, if higher). The space above the bath or shower, up to this height, is Zone 1. For a shower with no tray, measure 1.2m horizontally from the fixed water outlet.
Step 3: Mark Zone 2
From the edge of Zone 1, measure 0.6m outward in every direction, up to 2.25m. This is Zone 2. A shower with no tray has no Zone 2.
Step 4: Everything else is outside the zones
Anything beyond 0.6m from Zone 1, or above 2.25m, is outside the zones.
Pro tip: take photos of your bathroom and mark the zones on them. It is easier than remembering the measurements, and your electrician can check them.
Common Bathroom Lighting Questions
Do all bathroom lights need to be IP rated?
Not all. Lights in Zones 0, 1 and 2 need a minimum IP rating: IPX7 in Zone 0, and IPX4 in Zones 1 and 2. Outside the zones, BS 7671 sets no minimum IP rating, so IP20 lights are permitted there. Using the wrong rating inside a zone is unsafe and does not meet the wiring regulations.
Can IP20 be used in a bathroom?
Yes, outside the zones. IP20 is permitted anywhere beyond Zone 2, which in a large bathroom can include the ceiling and walls well away from the bath and shower. It is not permitted in Zones 1 or 2. In small or steamy bathrooms IP44 gives extra margin. Browse bathroom lighting.
Do I really need IP44 outside the zones?
No, it is not a requirement. IP44 is a sensible choice where the room is small, steamy or poorly ventilated, or the light is close to a zone boundary. In a large, well-ventilated bathroom, IP20 lights well away from the water are permitted.
Is IP44 better than IP20 for bathrooms?
IP44 protects against splashing water and IP20 gives no water protection, so IP44 copes better with splashes, steam and condensation. It is required in Zones 1 and 2, and optional outside the zones.
Is IP65 required in Zone 1?
No. The wiring regulations require at least IPX4 (IP44) in Zone 1, and IPX5 where water jets may be used. IP65 is a popular choice inside a shower enclosure for extra margin, but it is not the minimum for every Zone 1 light.
What does Zone 2 mean in bathrooms?
Zone 2 extends 0.6m horizontally beyond Zone 1 around the bath or shower, up to 2.25m high. Lights in Zone 2 need at least IPX4 (IP44). Common Zone 2 locations include walls beside the bath or shower and areas within splash distance of a shower door.
Can I use IP20 ceiling lights in a bathroom?
Yes, if the light is outside the zones. With a typical ceiling height above 2.25m, a ceiling light away from the shower and bath can be IP20. If your ceiling is 2.25m or lower, a light above or within 0.6m of the bath or shower is in Zone 1 or 2 and needs at least IP44.
What IP rating do I need for wall lights beside a bathroom mirror or basin?
Zones are measured from the bath or shower, not from the basin. If the mirror is outside those zones there is no minimum IP rating, but IP44 is a sensible choice where it can be splashed. If it is within 0.6m of the bath or shower zone, you need at least IP44. See our bathroom wall lights or bathroom mirrors with LEDs.
Can I use a chandelier in my bathroom?
Yes, if it hangs outside Zones 0 to 2, or has at least IPX4 where it hangs within a zone. Measure from the lowest part of the fitting. Most chandeliers are IP20, so they usually suit a large bathroom with a high ceiling, well away from the bath and shower. Browse bathroom pendant lights.
What if my bathroom has a separate shower cubicle?
Treat a cubicle with a tray like a bath: inside is Zone 0, the space above it up to 2.25m is Zone 1, and Zone 2 extends 0.6m beyond. For a shower with no tray, Zone 1 extends 1.2m horizontally from the fixed water outlet and there is no Zone 2.
Can I install bathroom lighting myself?
We recommend a qualified electrician for all bathroom lighting. Bathroom electrical work must meet BS 7671 and the Building Regulations (Part P), and all circuits serving a bathroom need 30mA RCD protection.
Can I use LED downlights in my shower ceiling?
Only if they are rated for the zone. A downlight above the shower is in Zone 1 if the ceiling is 2.25m or lower, so it needs at least IPX4. IP65 is a popular choice. Standard IP20 downlights are not suitable in Zones 1 or 2. See our IP-rated ceiling lights.
Shop Bathroom Lighting by Zone
Zone 1 Lighting (IP44 Minimum, IP65 for Jets)
- IP44 and IP65 Bathroom Ceiling Lights: flush and semi-flush designs
- IP44 and IP65 Brass Pendants: statement over-bath lighting
- IP44 and IP65 Glass Pendants: elegant bathroom focal points
Zone 2 Lighting (IP44 Minimum)
- IP44 Bathroom Ceiling Lights: complete collection
- IP44 Bathroom Wall Lights: sconces and vanity lights
Outside the Zones (IP20 Permitted, IP44 for Extra Margin)
- Browse All Bathroom Lighting: full range
- Pendant lights: IP20 lights for larger bathrooms, outside the zones
Still Have Questions About Bathroom Zones?
Tell us about your bathroom layout and we can help you work out the right IP ratings. We offer:
- Free zone identification advice
- Fixture recommendations for your layout
- Guidance on the regulations
- Installation best practices
Contact us for bathroom lighting advice, or explore our complete bathroom lighting collection. Your electrician is responsible for the installation and for confirming the zones in your bathroom.