You may well be familiar with the term zoning in interior design, but when it comes to bathroom zones, there's an additional all-to-important reason why they matter so much.
As well as defining the spaces where your sanitaryware is positioned, each zone relates to an IP rating for electrical items. Place the wrongly rated fitting in the incorrect zone and you will potentially compromise the safety of your bathroom design.
But, it's not as complicated as it might sound. Follow our easy-to-understand guide to bathroom zones and making the right choices when choosing electrical fittings for your new bathroom will be much easier than you think.
What is an IP rating?
Once you understand what and IP rating is, it's easier to appreciate why certain bathroom zones are limited to specific IP ratings.
“An IP rating (Ingress Protection) is a simple guide that tells you how well a lighting fixture is protected against dust and moisture," explains Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville.
"The rating is presented as a two-digit code – the first digit refers to the level of protection against solid objects such as dust, and the second digit indicates the level of resistance against water," she expands.
The first digit can range from between 0 and 6, while the second will be between 0 and 8. The digit 0 indicates no protection at all, while the higher numbers show that the fittings are pretty failsafe – so if you see a light with IP65 you know it offers the highest protection.
"Bathrooms are naturally humid spaces, so choosing the right IP rating is really important not just for safety, but for peace of mind too," adds James Kendall, operations director at KES Lighting & Home.
Mara combines her commercial expertise with a deep commitment to creating high-quality, handcrafted lighting and furniture. Each piece is designed in-house by the Industville team and encapsulates a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship, exceptional quality, and contemporary style, embodying sustainable luxury.
As Operations Director at KES Lighting, James is an expert on all aspects of home lighting. Whether it's choosing dazzling crystal chandeliers and statement wall lights or understanding the safety and electrical requirements of installing lighting, James and his knowledgeable team are always on hand to help customers find the perfect lighting for their individual project.
Shop bathroom lighting by IP rating
A set of six IP-65 rated lights with added fire protection
Boost your bathroom ceiling with this IP-44 rated light that offers good moisture resistance
Use these IP-44 wall lights above your sink for an extra layer of ambient lighting in your bathroom
How are bathrooms zoned?
When it comes to electrical safety in bathrooms, all different bathroom ideas can be divided into zones and it's the proximity of light to water that defines how they are zoned.
In each of these zones, any electrical appliances installed will need to have a certain IP Rating to ensure they are safe to use in that particular space.
The bathroom zones are as follows, explains James Kendall.
- Zone 0: The area inside the bath or shower itself, where fittings are fully exposed to water. This applies to shower enclosures and wet rooms too
- Zone 1: The area directly above the bath or shower, up to around two and a quarter metres high
- Zone 2: This covers the area around the bath, shower and basin, usually within about 60 centimetres
- Zone 3 (also referred to as ‘Outside Zones’): These are basically any areas that lie outside Zones 0, 1 and 2 and where no water jets will be used
Which IP ratings are suitable in each different zone?
So when it comes to designing your bathroom lighting, what IP rated items can you use in each zone?
"As zone 1 includes areas directly exposed to water, such as inside a walk-in shower or above a bath, only IP-65 rated fixtures should be used in this zone, as they provide full protection against dust and water projected from a nozzle, explains Mara Rypacek Miller. "This ensures safety and durability, even in high-moisture environments.
"Lighting in zone 2 must be at least IP-44 rated, offering protection against solid objects and water sprayed from all directions," she expands.
"As zone 3 refers to areas outside zone 1 and 2, where there is no direct water exposure IP-20 rated fixtures can be used in this zone," she notes, "as they protect against solid objects but offer no protection against moisture."
It is also worth noting that in areas of the bathroom where you might be using jets of water (such as from the shower head) to clean for example, it is also best to stick to fittings with a rating of at least IP65.
"IP-44 ratings can also be more suitable for zone 3," adds James Kendall, "as bathrooms, particularly busy family bathrooms can be humid environments and increasing the IP rating will help fittings last longer."
Zone | IP Rating | Row 0 - Cell 2 |
0 | IP-65 | Row 1 - Cell 2 |
1 | IP-44 (min) | Row 2 - Cell 2 |
2 | IP-44 (min) | Row 3 - Cell 2 |
3 | IP-20 (min) | Row 4 - Cell 2 |
Which type of light is best for each bathroom zone
Even though your bathroom layout will be focused around the placement of your sanitaryware, in order to avoid making bathroom layout mistakes, you will also need to think about the type of lighting you need in each bathroom zone to ensure the space functions as you need it to.
But, with IP ratings impacting the lights you can choose, what do our experts say is the best bathroom lighting for each different zone?
“When choosing lighting for bathroom zones, it’s important to balance functionality with ambience," advises Mara Rypacek Miller.
"Recessed downlights are ideal for zones 1 and 2 as they’re discreet, practical and available with suitable IP ratings," suggests James Kendall.
"In zone 2, task lighting also plays a key role," adds Mara, "ensuring visibility for grooming tasks, makeup application and shaving. Wall lights are ideal in this area but avoid putting them directly above mirrors, instead place on either side at eye-level to reduce shadows and glare.
"Zone 3 offers greater flexibility however," she notes, "and is ideal for introducing decorative lighting. Overhead fixtures such as pendants or ceiling lights can be used safely away from the shower or bath."
"It's this combination of task, ambient and decorative lighting that will ensure a well-lit space for everyday tasks, alongside soft and ambient options to create a deeply relaxing atmosphere,” she concludes.
You can find a great range of bathroom lighting online at stores such as BHS, John Lewis and Lighting Direct.
It's also important to remember that regardless of the size of your washroom, bathroom lighting regulations will apply. Steering clear of these bathroom lighting mistakes is also a must for a space that is safe, stylish and practical.
