Bathroom IP Zones: how to ensure safety and compliance

When choosing bathroom lighting, style alone is not enough — safety is the priority. Because the bathroom is a humid environment, strict rules apply to electrical installations. These rules divide the bathroom into IP zones, which determine what protection level a luminaire must have. The correct IP rating ensures the fixture is moisture‑resistant, safe and compliant.

What are bathroom IP zones?

The bathroom is divided into three zones: 0, 1 and 2. Each zone requires a different level of protection depending on its proximity to water.

Zone 0: inside the bath or shower

This is the highest‑risk area where the luminaire may be in direct contact with water. Requirements:

  • Only SELV up to 12 V allowed

  • Minimum rating: IP67

  • Only fully waterproof luminaires

Zone 1: above the bath or shower up to 2.25 m

This area is exposed to splashes and steam. Requirements:

  • Recommended rating: IP65

  • 220 V circuits must be protected by a 30 mA RCD

Zone 2: within 0.6 m around the bath or shower

This zone receives indirect splashes and humidity. Requirements:

  • Minimum rating: IP44

  • IP44 protects against splashes from all directions

Areas outside the zones

No IP rating is required. However:

  • shaver, hairdryer and toothbrush sockets must have a 30 mA RCD

  • sockets cannot be placed in zones 0, 1 or 2

    

 

Understanding IP ratings

The IP code consists of two digits.

First digit: protection against solid objects

0 – no protection 1 – >50 mm 2 – >12 mm 3 – >2.5 mm 4 – >1 mm 5 – dust‑protected 6 – dust‑tight

Second digit: protection against water

0 – no protection 1 – vertical drops 2 – drops up to 15° 3 – drops up to 60° 4 – splashes from all directions 5 – low‑pressure water jet 6 – high‑pressure water jet 7 – immersion up to 1 m 8 – long‑term immersion

Common bathroom IP ratings

  • IP67 – zone 0

  • IP65 – zone 1

  • IP44 – zone 2

  • IP20 – dry areas

Summary

Understanding bathroom IP zones helps you choose safe and suitable lighting. Remember:

  • the closer to water, the higher the IP rating

  • zone 0 → IP67

  • zone 1 → IP65

  • zone 2 → IP44

  • outside zones → no IP required

  • 220 V devices require a 30 mA RCD