bathroom zones - diagram and explanation of bathroom lighting zones.

For the purposes of installing electrical equipment, a bathroom is divided into zones. The criteria for each zone is based on the risk of electric shock. The zones relate to the IP rating of products and where they can be safely installed.

Zone 0 - the interior of the bath or shower that can hold water. Requires electrical products to be low voltage (max 12V) and rated IPX7.

Zone 1 - the area directly above zone 0, limited to a height of 2.25m above the bath or shower. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. Products should use safety extra low voltage (SELV) with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.

Zone 2 - the area beyond zones 0 and 1, stretching 0.6m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. Also includes the recessed area of a window with a sill next to the bath. Requires electrical products to have an IPX4 or better. SELV with the transformer located in zone 3 or beyond.

Zone 3 - the area beyond zone 2, stretching 2.4m horizontally and up to 2.25m vertically. There is not a specified IP number for this zone, although some products are marked as not for bathroom use. SELV or shaver units are permitted, all other portable electrical equipment is not.

Notes
&bull When the size of the bathroom extends beyond zone 3, portable electrical equipment must be restricted, e.g. cable length is restricted so it cannot be moved into zone 3.
&bull Where ceiling heights exceed 2.25m, the zones effectively extend up to 3m with beyond 3m un-zoned.
&bull Basins are not covered, although they are usually consider to be zone 2.
&bull If the space under the bath cannot be accessed without using a tool (i.e. a screwdriver) then that space is considered un-zoned.

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