Bathroom Lights : Zoning Regulations

Zone 0 is the interior of the bath tub or shower basin. For showers without a basin, zone 0 extends up to a height of 0.1m and it covers an area of 1.2m radius from the centre point of the fixed water outlet on the wall or ceiling. Any fitting used in this zone must be fixed, protected by SELV (safety extra low voltage - max 12v AC), with safety source installed outside zones 0, 1 and 2 and be rated at least IPX7 which is immersion proof for limited depth and time.

Zone 1 is the area above the bath or shower basin to a height of 2.25m from the floor or to the same level of the highest fixed water outlet or shower head, whichever is higher. It includes the area below a bath if this is accessible without the use of a tool. For showers without a basin, zone 1 covers the same horizontal area as zone 0, but it extends up to a height as described above for standard showers and bath tubs. In this zone a minimum rating of IPX4 is required.

Zone 2 is an area stretching 0.6m all around the edge of zones 0 and 1 and up to the same height of zone 1. It is good practise considering zone 2 also the area stretching 0.6m above a sink. In this zone IP rating of at least IPX4 is required. Outside Zone is anywhere outside zones 0, 1 and 2. No specific IP rating is required.

In addition to the above, if there is a likelihood of water jets being used anywhere for cleaning purposes, a fitting rated a minimum IPX5 must be used.

The installation of light switches is acceptable outside zones, while socket outlets can only be installed in a zone at least three metres away from the boundary of zone 1. Special accessories like shaver sockets to BS EN 61558-2-5 are allowed within zone 2.

Full details can be found in the latest copy of the BS7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition).