Bathroom Zoning and IP Rating

What is Bathroom Zoning?
Put simply, the bathroom area has been divided up into 'Zones' or areas which are classified using the numbers 0 - 3. Light fittings are then assigned an 'IP RATING' which indicates how much protection they provide against ingress of water and other particles. Each zone has a minimum IP requirement that must be met if a fitting is to be installed in this area.
Bathroom Zones
ZONE
0
 Inside the bath or shower. Any fittings used here must be SELV (max. 12V) and have a minimum rating of IPX7 (proctected against immersion in water).
   
ZONE
1
 Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. A minimum rating of IPX4 is required *(see note 1).
   
ZONE
2
 The area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower if over 2.25m. An IP rating of at least IPX4 is required *(see note 1).
   
ZONE
3
 Anywhere outside zones 0, 1 & 2. Where water jets are not to be used for cleaning purposes, the general rules of BS7671 apply *(see note 1).
 
NOTES:
1. In zones 1, 2 & 3, if there's a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes, a min, of IPX5 is required.
2. In zones 1 and 2, SELV or 240V luminaires may be used (subject to IP rating) 240V luminaires must be protected by a 30MA RCD if installed in Zone 1.
4. The above information is intended as a guide only. For detailed information, refer to I.E.E. Wiring regulations (BS 7671: 2001 Section 601).
3. There is no requirement for luminaires to be protected against particles or solid objects, e.g. IPX4.
     
     
information & pictures supplied by Aurora Lighting (www.lighting.eu.com)