FAQ's & Regulations

The following information is a guide to help you understand what fittings can be placed where. This is not an installation guide and reference should be made to the IEE Wirings Regulations (16th Edition) or a qualified electrician.

• How much light do I need?
• What light fittings can I use in a bathroom?
• What is a bathroom zone?
• What does the 'IP' number mean?
• What are the requirements for each zone?

How much light do I need?

This very much depends on your perception and requirements, as there are many factors to consider i.e.. colour of room/floor, reflective surfaces, number of windows etc.

As a guide line you can use the formula below:-

Room size in square metres x 20 = Number of watts required

e.g.
A bathroom of 3m x 3m = An area of 9 square metres
9 x 20 = 180 watts

This could be made up of 1 x 100 watt ceiling fitting and 1 x 80 watt mirror light. Total = 180 watts

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What light fittings can I use in a bathroom?

Regulations are strict concerning the type of light fittings you can use. All the fittings on this website are suitable for use in bathrooms when fitted in the correct zone.

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What is a bathroom zone?

The installation of lighting in bathrooms must comply to guidelines which are based on a zonal concept, see the diagram below:-

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What does the 'IP' number mean?

'IP' stands for 'Ingress Protection' and is always followed by two numbers. The first digit specifies the degree of protection against particles or solid objects. The second digit indicates the fittings resistance to water. On a scale of 0 - 8 ( 8 being totally waterproof ). You should choose a fitting with the correct rating according to where the fitting will be sited in the bathroom. All our products will have details of both the IP and Zone rating.

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What are the requirements for each zone?

Zone 0
We do not supply fittings suitable for Zone 0 as underwater lights are not generally used in domestic bathrooms.

Zone 1
Is the area above the bath or shower tray to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP44 is required. If the fitting is 240V a 30mA residual current device (RCD) must also be used to protect the circuit in this zone.

Zone 2
Is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath or shower tray and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. A Zone 2 fitting is permitted directly over the bath or shower at a height of over 2.25m. In this zone an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. In addition, it is good practise to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.

Zone 3
Is anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2 with a IP rating of IP20. Please note - if there is a likelihood of water jets being used for cleaning purposes or the possibility of any lighting being splashed with water in zones 1, 2 and 3 a minimum of IP65 must be used.

Full details can be found in the latest copy of the IEE wiring regulations which can be obtained from the Institute of Electrician Engineers website - http://www.iee.org/publish/wireregs/

We hope these questions and answers prove to be a useful guide to help you understand what fittings can be placed where. This is not an installation guide and reference should be made to the IEE wiring regulations (16th Edition) using the above link or a qualified electrician.

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