Download Bathroom Lighting Zone

Guidance Notes
Lighting in Bathrooms (UK)
Bathroom Lighting Zone Regulations
This note is designed to help you decide on the correct type and location of light fittings in a bathroom.
There are specific regulations that must be adhered to when installing lighting in wet areas. Bathrooms
are divided into zones, with different requirements in each zone.
This document should be used in conjunction with BS7671 special locations
Please see fig 1.1 and fig 2.1 for definitions
IP rating
Ingress Protection Ratings are used to identify fittings that are constructed to prevent specific
objects or materials entering the electrical parts of a luminaire. Whilst this may be for many
reasons, in bathrooms this is primarily concerned with safety issues resulting from water
ingress. Each zone will require specific levels of ingress protection, dependent upon the likely
risk of submersion, splashing or water vapour penetration.
IP rating = (Ingress Protection rating)
The higher the IP rating the more protected the light will be.
The rating refers to the light fittings ability to prevent solids and/or fluids entering the fitting
enclosure.
An IP rating has 2 numbers after it for example IP 55
The first number relates to protection from ingress or impact from solid material entering the
light fitting (Dust, tools, fingers). The second number relates to protection from fluids entering
the light fitting (water).
These ratings are determined by specific tests. Sometimes you will see IPx4 or IP4x. The (x) is
used when the corresponding number is not required. For example: IP2x (the industry standard
finger test) denotes that you cannot touch or gain access to live parts with your finger.
Date: 28/10/2013 Author: Dave Grant Revision: VR.2.1
Fig (1.1)
Protection Against Solid Objects &
Dust
First
Description / Test
Number
0
No Protection
Protection against solid
1
objects over 50mm, e.g.
accidental touch by hands.
Protection against solid
2
objects over 12mm, e.g.
fingers.
Protection against solid
3
objects over 2.5mm (tools /
wires).
Protection against solid
4
objects over 1mm (tools /
wires / small wires).
Protection against dust 5
limited ingress (no harmful
deposit).
6
Totally protected against
dust.
Protection Against Fluids
Second
Number
0
Description / Test
No Protection
1
Protection against vertically
falling drops of water.
2
Protection against direct sprays
of water up to 15 degrees from
the vertical.
3
Protection against sprays to 60
degrees from the vertical.
4
5
6
7
8
Protection against water
sprayed from all directions limited ingress permitted.
Protection against low pressure
jets of water from all direction limited ingress permitted.
Protection against strong jets of
water, e.g. for use on ship decks
- limited ingress permitted.
Protection against the effects of
immersion between 15cm and
1m.
Protection against long periods
of immersion under pressure.
Every light fitting should have an IP rating. PhotonStar products typically have a minimum of
IP20, with the rating labelled clearly on the data sheet and written in the product description
text.
Bathroom fittings must have a higher IP rating than lights you may use in your kitchen or sitting
room. Once you have the correct IP rating for your location and light fitting it must now comply
with the different zones in your bathroom area.
A minimum rating or IPx5 are the areas of ZONES 1 and 2 (Protection against low pressure jets
of water from all direction - limited ingress permitted) this is the most important factor when
choosing a light for your bathroom. The guidelines for bathroom lights above should help you
decide which zone and what the requirements are for the positioning of fittings with in the
Document: Guidance notes
Date: 28/10/2013 Author: Dave Grant Revision: VR.2.1
Fig (2.1)
Zones
0
Minimum degree of
protection
IPX7
1
IPX4 (IPX5 if water
jets)
2
IPX4 (IPX5 if water
jets)
Outside zones
IPXXB or IP2X
Current using
equipment
Only 12V AC rms or
30V ripple free DC
SELV, the safety
source installed
outside the zones
25 V a.c rms or 60V
ripple free d.c SELV or
PELV, the safety
source installed
outside the zones.
The following mains
voltage fixed,
permanently
connected equipment
allowed: whirlpool
units, electric
showers, shower
pumps, ventilation
equipment, towel
rails, water heaters,
luminaires.
Fixed permanently
connected equipment
allowed, General rules
apply.
General rules apply
Taken from on-site guide BS 7671:2008(2011)
Document: Guidance notes
Date: 28/10/2013 Author: Dave Grant Revision: VR.2.1
Switchgear and
accessories
None allowed
Only 12 V a.c rms or
30 v ripple –free d.c
SELV switches, the
safety source installed
outside the zones.
Only switches and
sockets of SELV
circuits allowed, the
source being outside
the zones, and shaver
supply units
complying with BS EN
61558-2-5 if fixed
where direct spray is
unlikely
Accessories, SELV
socket-outlets and
shaver supply units to
BS EN 61558-2-5
allowed. Socketoutlets allowed 3m
horizontally from the
boundary zone 1
Bathroom Area. The lighting in a bathroom should be as bright and even as possible without any
glare to the eye.
Please
refer to BS EN 60529 IP codes and note that this is only a guide and should be used in
conjunction with BS7671 amendment 1, also a competent person should be tasked with the
works as per EAWR 1989.
Document: Guidance notes
Date: 28/10/2013 Author: Dave Grant Revision: VR.2.1