A simple 4 step guide to bathroom lighting
We receive a lot of enquiries from customers asking for help choosing the right lighting for their bathroom projects. So, without further ado, here is the Lightsource ‘4 step guide to buying that perfect light for your bathroom.’
1. Safety regulations often get in the way of lighting up bathrooms the way you want. But they don’t have to. Here are a few things to consider:
Aerin Lauder, ‘Hampton’ white Pendant
You might not need an IP rated fitting. Have a look at the image above – only certain zones in a bathroom require an IP rating.
Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower itself. Any fitting used in this zone must be low voltage, (max 12v) and be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof. Zone 1 is the area above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP45 is required but it is generally accepted that IP65 is to be used. It’s also worth noting that most shower lights are rated at IP65 in any case. Zone 2 is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. In addition, it is good practice to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.
Outside Zones is anywhere outside zones 0,1 and 2 (subject to specific limits) and where no water jet is likely to be used. There are no special IP requirements in this zone, however we suggest that you consider a light with an IP rating of at least IP20+.
2. If you’ve established that you do need an IP rated fitting, then we’ve got a variety in our catalogue. Let us know if you need help sourcing them.
3. If the light you want isn’t IP rated, don’t fret! There’s a chance we will be able to convert it to the suitable IP rating.
4. If we can’t convert them, then we will help you find an alternative amongst our 300 suppliers. Talk to a member of our lighting team. Here to help!
*Remember, always consult a fully accredited Electrcian when carrying out electrical work.